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Salary

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make?

The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $100,568 per year in the US.

Mechanical engineers design and develop machines and systems. They find jobs in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Their work involves a lot of problem-solving and creativity. They also need to understand how machines work and how to make them better.

According to recent data, the average yearly salary for a mechanical engineer is $100,568. This salary can change based on experience, location, and the specific industry. For example, someone just starting might earn around $45,000. As they gain more experience, they could earn up to $180,000 or more. Here is a look at the salary breakdown:

  • $45,000 for those just starting
  • $57,273 after some experience
  • $69,545 with more experience
  • $81,818 with many years of experience
  • $94,091 for senior roles
  • $106,364 for top-level positions
  • $118,636 for highly skilled professionals
  • $130,909 for leading roles
  • $143,182 for expert positions
  • $155,455 for top executives
  • $167,727 for very senior roles
  • $180,000 for the highest earners

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What are the highest paying cities for a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers often find lucrative opportunities in major cities. San Francisco, Augusta, and San Jose top the list with the highest average salaries. These cities attract top talent and offer competitive pay to skilled engineers. Austin, San Diego, and Seattle also provide attractive salary packages for professionals in this field. Manchester, Midland, Chattanooga, and New Orleans also present strong earning potentials for mechanical engineers. These cities support robust industries, making them favorable for job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $133,403 and New Orleans, LA with the lowest at $114,865.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $133,403
    In San Francisco, engineering talent thrives in a tech-centric environment. Companies like Tesla and Google present opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects. Professionals enjoy a vibrant city life and strong public transit options.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Augusta, GA
    Average Salary: $132,340
    Augusta offers a blend of history and modern industry. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area and local companies bring exciting engineering challenges. The city's warm community and lower cost of living add to its appeal.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Augusta, GA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $130,583
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, boasts numerous tech giants. Engineers here work on innovations with Apple, Cisco, and other top firms. The city’s dynamic atmosphere and diverse culture enrich the work experience.
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  4. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $123,812
    Manchester, with its rich industrial heritage, provides a stable ground for engineering careers. Companies like BAE Systems offer opportunities in defense and aerospace. The city’s affordability and friendly community are added bonuses.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Manchester, NH


  5. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $121,221
    Midland thrives on its oil and gas industry. Companies such as ExxonMobil provide excellent opportunities for engineers. The city offers a laid-back lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Midland, TX


  6. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $120,807
    Austin is known for its booming tech scene and live music. Engineers can find roles with Dell, IBM, and various startups. The city’s vibrant culture and outdoor activities make it an attractive place to live and work.
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  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $120,710
    San Diego offers beautiful weather and a strong biotech and defense sector. Engineers can work with companies like Qualcomm and Northrop Grumman. The city’s beaches and recreational activities provide a perfect work-life balance.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $120,025
    Seattle is a hub for technology and engineering. Companies like Amazon and Boeing offer exciting projects. The city’s stunning natural surroundings and active lifestyle make it a popular place to live.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Chattanooga, TN
    Average Salary: $117,802
    Chattanooga combines a small-town feel with a growing industry. Engineers can find roles with companies like Volkswagen and various tech firms. The city offers a lower cost of living and beautiful scenery.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  10. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $114,865
    New Orleans provides a unique blend of culture and industry. Engineers can work with companies in the energy and maritime sectors. The city’s vibrant culture and culinary scene add to the overall experience.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in New Orleans, LA

What are the best companies a Mechanical Engineer can work for?

Apple leads the pack with an average salary of $200,242 for mechanical engineers. Google and Intuitive Surgical follow closely, offering competitive salaries over $150,000. Other top employers include Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Applied Materials, all providing attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $200,242 and Amazon Web Services with the lowest at $154,652.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $200,242
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for Mechanical Engineers. They design and improve products like iPhones and MacBooks. Apple has locations in the USA, Europe, and Asia.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $171,213
    Google needs Mechanical Engineers to develop new technologies. They work in offices around the world, including the USA, Europe, and Asia.


  3. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $167,625
    Intuitive designs surgical robots. Mechanical Engineers here create devices that help surgeons. They have offices in the USA and Europe.


  4. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $159,905
    This lab focuses on national security. Mechanical Engineers work on projects that matter. They are based in California, USA.


  5. Applied Materials
    Average Salary: $157,435
    Applied Materials makes tools for the semiconductor industry. Mechanical Engineers here design machines for production. They operate worldwide.


  6. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $157,148
    Microsoft offers roles for Mechanical Engineers in tech development. They work in offices in the USA, Europe, and Asia.


  7. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $156,142
    This lab works on scientific research for national security. Mechanical Engineers create devices and systems. They are in Maryland, USA.


  8. Relativity Space
    Average Salary: $155,292
    Relativity Space designs rockets. Mechanical Engineers here work on spacecraft components. They operate in California, USA.


  9. Lam Research
    Average Salary: $155,165
    Lam Research makes equipment for semiconductor production. Mechanical Engineers design and develop machines. They have locations worldwide.


  10. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $154,652
    AWS needs Mechanical Engineers for cloud services. They work on data centers and hardware. They have offices in the USA, Europe, and Asia.

How to earn more as a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical Engineers can boost their earnings by focusing on several key areas. The first step involves gaining specialized skills. This can mean learning advanced software, mastering specific design techniques, or becoming certified in certain areas of mechanical engineering. These skills make an engineer more valuable to employers and often lead to higher salaries.

Another key factor is gaining experience. Working on diverse projects helps build a solid portfolio. Engineers who take on challenging roles and complete projects successfully position themselves for higher pay. Networking within the industry can also open up higher-paying opportunities. Attending conferences, joining professional groups, and connecting with peers can lead to new job offers and salary increases. Employers value engineers who stay current with industry trends and technologies. Keeping skills up-to-date through courses and certifications is essential. Finally, choosing the right industry can significantly impact earnings. Sectors like aerospace, automotive, and energy often offer higher salaries than others.

Here are five factors to consider:

  • Learn specialized skills
  • Gain diverse experience
  • Network within the industry
  • Stay updated with new technologies
  • Choose high-paying industries

Currently 2,495 Mechanical Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Mechanical Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Mechanical Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Mechanical Engineer today.
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Mechanical Engineer
2,495 Job Openings