Are you considering a career in mechanical engineering in the United States, or looking to benchmark your current compensation?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 369 mechanical engineering positions across the USA to provide insights into the mechanical engineering pay and salary trends. This article details the mechanical engineer salary in US for 2025, exploring how much mechanical engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data.
Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in US
The median US mechanical engineer salary is $80,000 USD per year or $38.46 USD per hour. This figure provides insight into how much do engineers make in the US and serves as a benchmark for the engineering salary in the country. The mechanical engineering salary range varies significantly based on factors such as experience, education, and location.
| Metric | Annual Salary (USD) | Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | $36,000 | $17.31 |
| Median | $80,000 | $38.46 |
| Maximum | $175,800 | $84.52 |
Factors Influencing Salary
Required Educational Level
Average Salary by Education Level
The data reveals that while a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most positions, pursuing advanced degrees can significantly boost earning potential. PhD holders earn 50% more than bachelor’s degree holders, highlighting the value of advanced education in mechanical engineering. The ms mechanical engineering salary and master in mechanical engineering salary also show considerable increases compared to bachelor’s degree holders.
Education Requirements Distribution
Mechanical engineering positions in the US predominantly require a bachelor’s degree, with over 82% of positions listing this as the minimum requirement. The data shows a clear correlation between educational attainment and salary potential, with ABET accreditation often being a key factor in job prospects and compensation.
Required Years of Experience and Mechanical Engineer Wage Progression
The data shows steady salary progression with experience, with a notable jump after 5 years of experience where salaries increase by approximately 15%. The mechanical engineer salary after 5 years shows a significant increase, demonstrating the value of experience in the field. The most significant growth occurs between years 5 and 8, where mechanical engineers can see their compensation increase by nearly 38%.
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 21.05% | 52 |
| 1 year | 14.17% | 35 |
| 2 years | 18.62% | 46 |
| 3 years | 17.00% | 42 |
| 4 years | 6.48% | 16 |
| 5 years | 17.00% | 42 |
| 10+ years | 4.05% | 10 |
| 15+ years | 1.62% | 4 |
Seniority Level and Total Pay
The progression from entry-level to principal represents a 97% increase in compensation, highlighting the value of experience and leadership capabilities in the mechanical engineering field. This data provides insights into the potential for career advancement and salary growth in the profession. The starting salary for mechanical engineer positions is represented by the entry-level figure, while the mechanical engineer annual salary increases significantly with seniority.
Cities with Highest Mechanical Engineer Salary in US
Top US Cities for Mechanical Engineer Wages
| City | State | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Springs | VA | $156,000 | $75.00 |
| Sunnyvale | CA | $153,300 | $73.70 |
| Cherokee | AL | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| San Francisco | CA | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| South San Francisco | CA | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Cupertino | CA | $146,933 | $70.64 |
| Washington | DC | $145,000 | $69.71 |
| Rockmart | GA | $140,000 | $67.31 |
The highest mechanical engineer salaries in the US are concentrated in technology hubs and areas with high costs of living. California dominates the top-paying locations, with several Bay Area cities offering premium compensation packages. The data also shows strong representation from unexpected locations like Warm Springs, Virginia, which may indicate specialized manufacturing or defense industry presence. These figures demonstrate that the salary mechanical engineer USA professionals can expect varies significantly by location.
Top Paying Companies in US
Here is a list of the top companies that consistently offer above-average salaries for mechanical engineers in the United States:
Highest Paying Employers
| Company | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| National Computing Group | $156,000 | $75.00 |
| Intuitive Surgical | $153,300 | $73.70 |
| Cellares | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Infinitek | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Apple | $146,933 | $70.64 |
| ITCON Services | $145,000 | $69.71 |
| CyberCoders | $140,000 | $67.31 |
| Corelleaf Design Studio | $135,200 | $65.00 |
| Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann | $133,333 | $64.11 |
| Commonwealth Healthcare | $130,000 | $62.50 |
These organizations span diverse industry sectors including medical technology, consumer electronics, engineering consultancies, and healthcare systems, indicating strong demand for mechanical engineering expertise across multiple industries. The mechanical engineering jobs salary offered by these top companies often exceeds the average base salary for the profession.
How to Maximize Your Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your mechanical engineer salary in the US:
- Pursue Advanced Education Strategically – A master’s degree increases earning potential by 19%, while a PhD can boost salaries by 50%
- Focus on the 5-Year Experience Mark – The most significant salary increases occur after 5 years of experience, so endure to build suffient experience in that time to maximise salary increase after 5 years
Key Skills to Develop:
- Technical Competencies: Computer-aided design (CAD) tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD), FEA/CFD analysis, stress analysis
- Emerging Technologies: Automation, robotics, sustainable engineering practices
- Software Skills: MATLAB, Python for engineering applications
- Specialized Areas: HVAC systems, product development, medical device design, aerospace systems
- Hands-on Experience: Practical application of theoretical knowledge through internships and research opportunities
Read our elaborate article on the Mechanical Engineering Skills required in 2025
Future Trends in Mechanical Engineering Salaries
The mechanical engineering field in the US continues to evolve, with increasing focus on:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Industry 4.0 and smart factory implementation
- Medical Technology: Surgical robotics and biomedical device development
- Clean Energy: Renewable energy systems and energy storage solutions
- Artificial Intelligence Integration: Machine learning applications in design and optimization
- Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: Next-generation transportation systems
Engineers who develop expertise in these emerging areas are likely to command premium salaries as US industries compete globally for specialized talent. The demand for mechanical engineers is expected to remain strong, particularly in high-tech manufacturing and innovation-driven sectors. The job outlook for mechanical engineers remains positive, with steady employment growth projected in the coming years.
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 369 publicly available mechanical engineering salaries in the United States. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analyzed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis was completed in May 2025, providing the most up-to-date information on how much do mechanical engineers make in the US and the overall mechanical engineering pay landscape.
Conclusion
The mechanical engineering profession offers strong earning potential across the United States, with the median mechanical engineer salary reaching $80,000 USD annually. While entry-level positions start modestly, the career offers excellent growth potential, with experienced professionals and those in leadership roles earning significantly higher compensation. This data clearly demonstrates that engineers do make good money, especially as they progress in their careers.
Location choices, industry selection, and continuous skill development have equally important impacts on total compensation. For mechanical engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, a strategic approach combining technical excellence, professional development, and careful career planning is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
