Mechanical engineer salary in US changes a lot based on where you work, your experience, and your industry. I learned this after looking at thousands of actual pay packages. The national average might look good, but does it tell the whole story about what engineers actually earn?
My research over several months shows that mechanical engineers’ real earnings in US in 2025 paint a different picture than what you see in standard reports. Most salary surveys don’t factor in local living costs, bonus plans, or special skills that boost pay packages. While mechanical engineers’ average salary in US has grown about 4% from last year, this number doesn’t show the big differences between states and industries.
Let me break down mechanical engineering salaries by state, experience, education, and employer. This piece has specific, fact-based details that will help you understand your true worth in today’s engineering job market. It’s perfect if you’re thinking about becoming a mechanical engineer or want a better salary package.
National Overview of Mechanical Engineer Salaries in 2025
We analyzed 302 public mechanical engineering salary records to show you what engineers really make across the United States. The data from May 2025 gives you a clear picture of current engineering salaries.
Median vs average mechanical engineer salary in US
The median mechanical engineer salary in US is $80,200 per year. Salaries start at $36,000 and go up to $175,800.
Median values tell a better story than averages about what most engineers make. A few very high salaries at big tech companies or specialist roles can pull the average up too much.
To name just one example, see these mechanical engineer pay scales:
| Salary Metric | Annual Amount | Reflects |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,200 | Typical mid-career engineer |
| Minimum Salary | $36,000 | Entry-level positions in lower-cost regions |
| Maximum Salary | $175,800 | Senior specialists at premium employers |
The gap between lowest and highest salaries ($139,800) shows how much pay can change based on experience, location, and employer.
Mechanical engineer salary in US per hour vs annual pay
Looking at both hourly and yearly pay helps contractors and full-time staff understand their earnings better. The median hourly rate is $38.56, and engineers make between $17.31 and $84.52 per hour.
These hourly rates match up with yearly salaries. Engineers can calculate their annual pay from hourly rates using 2,080 working hours per year (40 hours/week × 52 weeks).
Senior and principal engineers often work more than 40 hours weekly. This means their actual hourly rate might be lower than simple math suggests.
Contractors usually charge more per hour than full-time employees to make up for missing benefits. Project-based work also makes hourly rates bounce around more than yearly salaries.
What do mechanical engineers really earn in US in 2025?
Engineers’ take-home pay depends on several key factors. Location, experience, and industry all play big roles in determining salaries.
Top companies pay well above the median. National Computing Group offers $156,000 ($75.00/hour), and Intuitive Surgical pays $153,300 ($73.70/hour).
Some cities pay more too. San Francisco and South San Francisco mechanical engineers make around $150,000 yearly ($72.12/hour) – 87% above the national median.
But higher mechanical engineering salaries often come with steeper living costs. Birmingham, AL engineers make $110,000 yearly ($52.88/hour), which can buy just as much because living there costs less.
Most mechanical engineers fall between these extremes. Half of all engineers make between $73,000 and $108,000 yearly. Their pay mostly depends on:
- Experience (big raises come at 3, 5, and 8 years)
- Education (Bachelor’s degree holders average $84,729 yearly)
- Industry (tech and medical device companies pay more)
- Location (West Coast and Northeast jobs pay better)
Base salary isn’t everything. Bigger companies offer better benefits packages with retirement plans, health insurance, and sometimes stock options or profit sharing. These perks can add 20-30% to total compensation.
The real story of mechanical engineer earnings in 2025 goes beyond basic salary. Benefits and other compensation make the total package more valuable than the numbers might first suggest.
Salary by Seniority Level
A mechanical engineer’s seniority level directly impacts their earnings across the United States. My review of 302 mechanical engineering positions shows how salaries grow as professionals move up the career ladder. These increases reflect both years of experience and expanded responsibilities.
Entry level mechanical engineer salary in US
Entry-level mechanical engineers earn an average annual salary of $73,116.58 ($35.15 hourly), according to my data analysis. This amount equals about 91% of the national median salary of $80,200 for all mechanical engineers.
New mechanical engineers work on simple design tasks, do calculations with supervision, and help with testing procedures. Their pay matches their growing skills and limited work experience. Even at the start of their careers, these engineers earn more than the national average across other jobs.
Starting salaries change based on several factors:
- Location matters – West Coast positions pay up to 15% more
- Education makes a difference – graduates with internships often get better offers
- Industry choices count – aerospace and tech companies lead with premium packages
Mid-level and senior mechanical engineer salary in US
Mid-level mechanical engineers take home an average of $84,871.18 yearly ($40.80 hourly). Senior engineers earn much more at $108,392.31 per year ($52.11 hourly). The jump from mid-level to senior positions means a 27.7% increase in pay.
Senior engineers earn more because they:
- Run design projects on their own
- Guide junior team members
- Make key technical choices
- Build expertise in specific areas
Engineers usually move from mid-level to senior roles after 5-8 years of solid experience. Many get professional certifications or special training to boost their value.
Senior mechanical engineers who specialize in robotics, renewable energy systems, or medical devices often earn more than $120,000 in competitive markets.
Manager and principal level salary trends
Management roles mark another big step up the career ladder. Engineering managers earn around $120,000 yearly ($57.70 hourly). Principal engineers make about $140,000 per year ($67.31 hourly).
These numbers show how mechanical engineering careers can grow in two directions – technical or managerial:
| Seniority Level | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | % Above Entry-Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $73,116.58 | $35.15 | – |
| Mid-Level | $84,871.18 | $40.80 | 16.1% |
| Senior | $108,392.31 | $52.11 | 48.2% |
| Manager | $120,000.00 | $57.70 | 64.1% |
| Principal | $140,000.00 | $67.31 | 91.5% |
The move from senior to management means about a 10.7% raise. Principal engineers earn roughly 16.7% more than managers. These top positions need 10+ years of experience, advanced degrees, and proven leadership skills.
Engineers can almost double their earnings as they climb from entry-level to principal positions. All the same, reaching these top spots takes consistent performance, deep expertise, and smart career moves to maximize earnings growth.
Salary by Education Level
Education plays a huge role in determining mechanical engineering salaries. The salary differences create clear tiers across the profession. My research into education requirements for mechanical engineering jobs shows that additional academic credentials lead to better pay.
High school diploma and certifications
Mechanical engineers who have only completed high school earn $52,000 per year ($25.00 hourly). These jobs usually involve drafting support, technical documentation, or specialized manufacturing where hands-on training makes up for formal education.
Industry certifications can boost earnings to $70,000 yearly ($33.65 hourly), which is 34.6% more than with just a high school diploma. Employers clearly value specialized knowledge, even without traditional degrees.
Getting certified has several benefits:
- Costs less than a four-year degree
- Gets you working sooner
- Lets you gain experience while earning
All the same, these salaries stay well below what the average mechanical engineer makes in the US. This shows the limits of building a career without a degree in this field.
Bachelor’s degree salary expectations
A bachelor’s degree remains the standard qualification for mechanical engineers. Our analysis shows 89.03% of all positions need one. Engineers with this degree earn $84,728.96 yearly ($40.74 hourly), which matches the overall median salary of $80,200.
The return on investment makes a bachelor’s degree the best educational choice for most mechanical engineers. You get the technical knowledge needed for most jobs without spending too much time in school.
Bachelor’s degree holders also benefit from:
- More job choices across industries
- Better promotion paths
- Fewer limits on career growth
The bachelor’s degree gives you the basics. You can then add specialized experience or certifications to earn even more.
Master’s and PhD salary differences
Advanced degrees pay off well for mechanical engineers who want to study longer. People with master’s degrees earn $97,837.50 yearly ($47.04 hourly), which is 15.5% more than bachelor’s degree holders.
PhDs see the biggest jump in pay. They earn $139,337.50 yearly ($66.99 hourly)—that’s 64.5% more than bachelor’s degrees and 42.4% above master’s degree salaries.
| Education Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | % of Job Listings | % Above Bachelor’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High School/GED | $52,000.00 | $25.00 | Not specified | -38.6% |
| Certification | $70,000.00 | $33.65 | Not specified | -17.4% |
| Bachelor’s | $84,728.96 | $40.74 | 89.03% | – |
| Master’s | $97,837.50 | $47.04 | 8.44% | +15.5% |
| PhD | $139,337.50 | $66.99 | 2.53% | +64.5% |
PhD positions make up just 2.53% of mechanical engineering jobs but offer the best pay. These roles usually involve specialized research, advanced product development, or leading technical innovation.
Your career goals should guide whether you pursue an advanced degree. Engineers who want to work in aerospace, robotics, or biomedical engineering often find advanced degrees worth the investment. Those interested in traditional manufacturing or production engineering might do better by focusing on gaining experience.
Education level remains the biggest factor in determining mechanical engineer salaries in the US for 2025. These distinct pay tiers tend to last throughout careers. Experience can narrow some gaps over time, but your initial education choice sets the path for long-term earnings.
Salary by Years of Experience
Money follows experience for mechanical engineers in the US. Real data about the salary for mechanical engineers in the US shows how time in the field shapes earnings. Engineers see their pay grow at several career milestones.
Mechanical engineer salary after 5 years
Mechanical engineers with 5 years of experience earn between $99,933 and $110,000 per year. This marks a big jump from entry-level roles. Engineers at this stage make about 33% more than first-year professionals.
The data reveals how mechanical engineer salaries grow with experience:
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent | % Increase Over Entry-Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $75,455.39 | $36.28 | Baseline |
| 2 years | $79,607.39 | $38.27 | 5.5% |
| 3 years | $99,933.33 | $48.04 | 32.4% |
| 5 years | $105,000.00 | $50.48 | 39.2% |
| 8 years | $153,033.33 | $73.57 | 102.8% |
| 15 years | $150,000.00 | $72.12 | 98.8% |
The 5-year milestone often marks the shift from mid-level to senior positions. Engineers at this point have mastered core technical skills and gained project management experience. Many specialize in high-demand areas like thermal systems, robotics, or environmentally responsible design.
Engineers with 5 years of experience take on broader responsibilities:
- Leading design teams on complex projects
- Mentoring junior engineers
- Making autonomous technical decisions
- Working directly with clients or stakeholders
How experience affects mechanical engineering salaries
Engineer salaries follow a clear pattern over time. Small increases come first, followed by bigger jumps at key experience levels.
The data shows the biggest salary jump happens between years 3 and 8. Engineers see their earnings grow by over $53,000 yearly—a 53% increase. This matches the timeline when most engineers move into senior roles, develop specialized skills, or switch to high-paying industries like aerospace or biomedical engineering.
The data points to slower growth after 15 years. Engineers at this stage can earn more by:
- Moving into management or executive roles
- Building rare, specialized expertise
- Starting their own consulting business
Experienced engineers get better total compensation packages. Engineers with 5+ years usually qualify for better benefits, higher bonuses, and sometimes company equity. These extras can add 15-30% more to their base salary.
Location and industry shape how fast salaries grow. Tech companies like Apple ($146,933.33 yearly) offer faster early-career growth than traditional manufacturing. Specialized fields like medical devices at companies such as Intuitive Surgical ($153,300 yearly) provide steady growth throughout an engineer’s career.
Top Paying States and Cities in 2025
Your location plays a huge role in determining your paycheck as a mechanical engineer in the US. My deep dive into salary data from 302 positions shows fascinating geographic patterns that can help shape your career decisions.
Highest mechanical engineer salary in US by city
Mechanical engineers in Warm Springs, Virginia earn an impressive $156,000 per year ($75.00 hourly) – more than their counterparts in Silicon Valley. California stands out with several cities offering top-tier compensation:
| City | State | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Springs | VA | $156,000 | $75.00 |
| Sunnyvale | CA | $153,300 | $73.70 |
| South San Francisco | CA | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| San Francisco | CA | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Cherokee | AL | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Cupertino | CA | $146,933 | $70.64 |
| Washington | DC | $145,000 | $69.71 |
Cherokee, Alabama matches San Francisco’s salary levels at $150,000 yearly. This shows that premium engineering jobs exist beyond traditional tech hubs. The figure sits 87% above the national median of $80,200.
A closer look at the data highlights California’s premium market for mechanical engineers. Six cities rank among the top 15 highest-paying locations. The state’s thriving aerospace, technology, and biomedical sectors drive these high salaries.
State-by-state mechanical engineer salary guide
Regional patterns become clear as we look at mechanical engineer pay across states:
- California tops the list with several high-paying cities, offering $100,000 to $153,300 yearly
- Washington State rewards engineers well ($100,000-$125,000) in Bothell and Woodinville
- Georgia shows remarkable range between Atlanta ($110,000) and Rockmart ($140,000)
- Alabama features both Birmingham ($110,000) and Cherokee ($150,000)
- Virginia leads with Warm Springs ($156,000)
Engineers in Midwestern states like Indiana ($100,000 in Lafayette) and Illinois ($100,000 in Hazel Crest) enjoy competitive salaries with greater buying power due to lower living costs.
Local industry clusters shape salary variations in these regions. Washington’s aerospace sector and California’s tech industry push wages higher, while traditional manufacturing hubs stay competitive.
The Northeast makes a strong showing with Pennsylvania (Newtown, $100,000) and Washington DC ($145,000). This marks a change from past years when western states dominated the salary rankings.
The data reveals an interesting shift: top engineering salaries no longer cluster in tech centers alone. Engineers can now find excellent compensation in various locations, from Virginia to Alabama to Texas.
Top Paying Companies for Mechanical Engineers
Your choice of employer can create salary differences that exceed $40,000 annually for mechanical engineers. The latest salary data shows which companies pay the most competitive rates for mechanical engineering talent.
Tesla vs Apple vs NASA: Mechanical engineer salary comparison
Among major technology employers, Apple stands out by paying mechanical engineers an average of $146,933 annually ($70.64 hourly). This makes Apple one of the top five highest-paying companies nationwide for mechanical engineering talent.
Specific figures for Tesla or NASA can be found here. Apple’s high compensation shows how tech giants value mechanical engineering expertise. These companies compete to attract specialized engineering talent in areas like product design, thermal management, and materials science.
Engineers at these prestigious employers get substantial benefits beyond base salary. Stock options can boost total earnings considerably.
Other top employers and their pay scales
National Computing Group tops the list at $156,000 annually ($75.00 hourly), with Intuitive Surgical right behind at $153,300 ($73.70 hourly).
Here’s how the top employers stack up:
- National Computing Group
- Intuitive Surgical
- Cellares
- Infinitek
- Apple
- ITCON Services
- CyberCoders
- Commonwealth Healthcare
- Genie Matthews & Associates
- Schmidt Ocean Institute
The highest-paying employers come from these categories:
- Technology firms (Apple, Infinitek)
- Medical device companies (Intuitive Surgical)
- Specialized engineering services (National Computing Group)
Mid-tier employers also offer great compensation. Commonwealth Healthcare and Genie Matthews & Associates both pay $130,000 annually ($62.50 hourly).
Companies like AMERITEX PIPE & PRODUCTS, Apollo Technical, and Leadec pay $110,000 annually ($52.88 hourly). This rate sits 37% above the national median for mechanical engineers.
Companies that pay top salaries look for candidates with specialized expertise, advanced degrees, or extensive experience. These requirements match their premium compensation packages.
Conclusion
The mechanical engineering salary landscape in 2025 shows a complex mix of influencing elements. Location, experience, education, and employer choice create salary differences that exceed $100,000 between entry-level positions and top-tier roles. The national median stands at $80,200, but this figure barely scratches the surface of true earning potential.
A strong educational background opens doors to higher pay scales. Bachelor’s degrees remain standard in the industry and appear in 89% of job listings. Advanced degrees prove their worth significantly – PhD holders earn 64.5% more than their colleagues with bachelor’s degrees.
Career experience transforms earning potential. Engineers see the biggest jump between years 3-8, with salaries increasing by over $53,000. This phase marks their growth from technical competence to specialized expertise as they move into senior positions.
Location plays a crucial role too. In stark comparison to previous years, premium salaries now reach beyond traditional tech hubs. Places like Cherokee, Alabama and Warm Springs, Virginia now match California’s compensation levels. Engineers have more freedom to balance their salary expectations against living costs.
Your choice of employer makes a significant difference in compensation. Companies like National Computing Group, Intuitive Surgical, and Apple pay well above industry averages. This applies especially to specialized talent in medical devices and consumer technology.
Mechanical engineers should plan their careers with these factors in mind. Our article about highest-paying engineering jobs across different countries provides more valuable insights on engineering compensation trends.
Numbers tell the story clearly. Engineers who pursue advanced education, develop specialized expertise, target high-paying industries, and stay flexible about location can earn well above published averages. This complete state-by-state salary guide helps you make smart decisions to maximize your earning potential throughout your engineering career.
FAQs
Q1. What is the median salary for mechanical engineers in the US in 2025? The median mechanical engineer salary in the US stands at $80,200 annually, with salaries ranging from $36,000 to $175,800 depending on factors like experience, location, and industry.
Q2. How does education level impact mechanical engineering salaries? Education significantly affects earnings, with bachelor’s degree holders averaging $84,729 annually. Master’s degree holders earn about 15.5% more, while PhD holders command a 64.5% premium over those with bachelor’s degrees.
Q3. Which cities offer the highest salaries for mechanical engineers? Warm Springs, Virginia tops the list at $156,000 annually, followed by several California cities like Sunnyvale, South San Francisco, and San Francisco, offering around $150,000 per year.
Q4. How does experience affect a mechanical engineer’s salary? Experience greatly impacts earnings, with the most significant salary jump occurring between 3 and 8 years of experience. Engineers with 5 years of experience typically earn between $99,933 and $110,000 annually.
Q5. Which companies pay the highest salaries for mechanical engineers? Top-paying companies include National Computing Group ($156,000 annually), Intuitive Surgical ($153,300), and Apple ($146,933). Technology firms, medical device companies, and specialized engineering services tend to offer the most competitive compensation packages.
