Overview Salaries

Mechanical Engineer Salaries

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make?

The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $101,683 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Mechanical Engineer positions, showing an average salary of $101,683 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Mechanical Engineer positions, showing an average salary of $101,683 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Mechanical Engineer positions, showing an average salary of $101,683 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Mechanical Engineer positions, showing an average salary of $101,683 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Mechanical Engineers play a vital role in designing and maintaining mechanical systems. On average, they earn about $101,683 each year. This number can change based on experience, location, and the company they work for. Those just starting might earn around $47,000, while experienced engineers can make upwards of $179,000.


The salary of a Mechanical Engineer often increases with experience. Entry-level engineers might earn closer to $47,000. With a few years of experience, that number can rise to about $71,000. Engineers with over 10 years of experience can see their salary climb to over $143,000. The highest earners, those with more than 20 years of experience, can make around $179,000 annually.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Mechanical Engineer?

San Francisco, CA leads the way for Mechanical Engineer salaries, with an average of $133,892 annually. Following closely behind, San Jose, CA offers $128,422 per year. Augusta, GA rounds out the top three cities with an average salary of $127,827. More high-paying cities include Manchester, NH at $122,899, and San Diego, CA with $120,172. Midland, TX and Seattle, WA both offer over $118,000. Austin, TX, Chattanooga, TN, and Springfield, MA also provide strong salaries over $111,000. These cities offer excellent opportunities for Mechanical Engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $133,892 and Springfield, MA with the lowest at $111,719.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $133,892
    San Francisco offers vibrant opportunities for engineers. Working here provides a chance to collaborate with tech giants. Engineers here design innovative solutions, pushing the boundaries of technology.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $128,422
    San Jose is home to many tech companies. Engineers here focus on cutting-edge projects. This city allows for growth and learning in a dynamic environment.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Augusta, GA
    Average Salary: $127,827
    Augusta provides a great blend of tradition and innovation. Engineers here work on projects that impact the community. This city offers a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Augusta, GA


  4. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $122,899
    Manchester is a growing hub for engineering. Engineers here benefit from a mix of industry sectors. The city offers a supportive environment for professional development.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Manchester, NH


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $120,172
    San Diego offers beautiful weather and exciting projects. Engineers here work in a variety of industries. The city's vibrant culture supports a healthy work-life balance.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $119,915
    Midland is known for its energy sector. Engineers here play a key role in energy production. This city offers a stable and rewarding career path.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Midland, TX


  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $118,441
    Seattle is a tech powerhouse. Engineers here work on groundbreaking projects. The city supports innovation and offers a dynamic work environment.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $115,907
    Austin offers a lively atmosphere for engineers. This city is known for its vibrant tech scene. Engineers here enjoy working with creative and forward-thinking teams.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Austin, TX


  9. Chattanooga, TN
    Average Salary: $112,142
    Chattanooga provides a mix of industry opportunities. Engineers here work on diverse projects. This city supports professional growth and a healthy community.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  10. Springfield, MA
    Average Salary: $111,719
    Springfield offers a rich history and modern opportunities. Engineers here contribute to various sectors. This city provides a supportive environment for career development.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Springfield, MA

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

Mechanical engineers can find highly competitive salaries at top companies like Apple and Google. Apple offers an average salary of $197,420, while Google provides $174,385. These companies are known for valuing innovation and engineering excellence, making them excellent choices for career growth and financial rewards. Another standout employer is Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical), offering an average salary of $167,762. This company focuses on developing minimally invasive surgical systems, providing a unique and rewarding work environment. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Microsoft also rank high, with average salaries of $164,336 and $158,437, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $197,420 and Draper with the lowest at $149,909.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $197,420
    Apple offers exciting Mechanical Engineer roles in locations like Cupertino, California; Austin, Texas; and Boulder, Colorado. Apple emphasizes innovation and has projects that push the limits of what's possible. Mechanical Engineers work on projects that improve product durability and user experience.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $174,385
    Google provides top-notch Mechanical Engineer positions in cities such as Mountain View, California; New York City, New York; and Seattle, Washington. Mechanical Engineers at Google collaborate on a range of projects, from hardware development to improving internal systems. Google values creativity and problem-solving skills.


  3. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $167,762
    Intuitive Surgical, located in Sunnyvale, California, focuses on medical technology. Mechanical Engineers here design and improve minimally invasive surgical tools. The company emphasizes teamwork and innovation, making it a great place for Mechanical Engineers.


  4. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $164,336
    Based in Laurel, Maryland, this lab offers Mechanical Engineer jobs that focus on national security and scientific research. Mechanical Engineers work on projects that impact national defense. The lab values expertise and commitment to mission-driven work.


  5. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $158,437
    Microsoft, with locations in Redmond, Washington; Seattle, Washington; and San Francisco, California, offers Mechanical Engineer roles in tech product development. Mechanical Engineers here focus on creating reliable and efficient hardware. Microsoft values collaboration and forward-thinking.


  6. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $154,713
    Amazon Web Services, with offices in Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; and New York City, New York, hires Mechanical Engineers for cloud infrastructure. These roles involve designing and improving data center hardware. AWS values innovation and customer-focused solutions.


  7. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $153,067
    Located in Livermore, California, this lab provides Mechanical Engineer positions in national security and scientific research. Mechanical Engineers work on projects that enhance national defense systems. The lab values expertise and dedication to mission-driven projects.


  8. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $152,977
    Amazon, with headquarters in Seattle, Washington, offers Mechanical Engineer roles in logistics and fulfillment. These roles focus on creating efficient and reliable warehouse equipment. Amazon values innovation and customer satisfaction.


  9. Lam Research
    Average Salary: $152,174
    Based in Milpitas, California, Lam Research employs Mechanical Engineers in semiconductor manufacturing. They focus on improving equipment used in chip production. Lam Research values technical excellence and teamwork.


  10. Draper
    Average Salary: $149,909
    Draper, with locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Mountain View, California, offers Mechanical Engineer roles in defense and aerospace. Mechanical Engineers work on projects that push the limits of technology. Draper values innovation and mission-driven work.

How to earn more as a Mechanical Engineer?

A Mechanical Engineer has many ways to increase earnings. One effective way involves gaining more experience. More experienced engineers often earn higher salaries. Each project they work on adds to their skills and knowledge. This makes them more valuable to employers.

Earning advanced certifications can also boost an engineer's income. Certifications show a higher level of skill and knowledge. They can make an engineer more attractive to employers. This can lead to higher paying jobs. Some valuable certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Green Belt. Another option is to specialize in a high-demand area. For example, engineers who specialize in renewable energy or robotics often earn more. This is because their skills are in high demand. Finally, seeking promotions and raises can also increase earnings. Regularly reviewing performance and discussing achievements with managers can lead to salary increases. Another option includes looking for roles in industries that offer higher salaries, such as aerospace or pharmaceuticals.

Consider these factors for increasing earnings as a Mechanical Engineer:

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Earn advanced certifications
  3. Specialize in high-demand areas
  4. Seek promotions and raises
  5. Look for roles in higher-paying industries

Currently 1,438 Mechanical Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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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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