Mechanical Engineer Salary
Average Salary of a Mechanical Engineer in the USA (2025)
Mechanical engineers are key builders of our modern world. They design machines, engines, and systems that power cars, planes, and factories. These engineers solve problems by creating new tools and improving old ones.
They work in many fields, such as cars, space, energy, and manufacturing.
Knowing how much mechanical engineers earn is key to planning your career in 2025. The engineering field is growing quickly. Salaries are changing due to new technological needs.
This blog looks at mechanical engineering salaries in the USA. It covers average pay, how experience affects salaries, the best-paying states, useful skills, and bonuses.
How can you earn more money in this field? These answers will help you understand the real value of this career. This guide provides the key facts you need to succeed as a mechanical engineer, whether you are starting out or already in the field.
What's the Average Salary of a Mechanical Engineer in the USA?
$95,400 per year (Average)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that a mechanical engineer makes an average salary of $110,080. The top 10 percent make nearly $161,240. However, different salary platforms show varying numbers.
PayScale shows that Mechanical Engineers earn an average salary of $81,792 in 2025. In contrast, UpGrad reports an average annual salary of $110,920 for this role. CDR Elite Writers reports the median US mechanical engineer salary is $80,000 per year.
We found the average salary of $95,400 by looking at data from various global surveys. This includes data from government stats and popular job
The median salary fell from $83,477 in 2023 to around $78,667 in 2025. This shows some market changes. This change shows different demands in engineering sectors. It also reflects economic factors that impact the job market.
Mechanical Engineer Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $110,080 per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salary surveys show ranges from $80,000 to $110,000. These numbers vary based on location, experience, and industry specialization.
Salary range: Entry-level mechanical engineers earn from $65,463 to $89,725 annually, while the top 10 percent earn close to $161,240. Global salary surveys indicate that mechanical engineers usually make between $75,000 and $125,000 each year.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level mechanical engineers make about $79,600 a year. However, Glassdoor shows that some entry-level jobs pay $130,814 annually.
Mid-level engineers with 3-7 years of experience earn $85,000 to $105,000 annually.
Senior mechanical engineers earn an average of $107,900 per year
75th percentile: Top earners make over $130,000 a year. Many sources indicate that senior mechanical engineers in specialized fields earn $150,000 or more in total compensation.
Government stats and salary surveys show that junior mechanical engineers in the USA make about $75,000 a year. Senior engineers can earn over $150,000. When sources disagree, we find ranges. For example, USA salary surveys report $95k, but global companies list $110k."
Mechanical Engineer Salary Regional Comparison
Location affects mechanical engineering earnings. Tech hubs and manufacturing centers pay more than rural areas.
States with big automotive, aerospace, or energy companies often pay more. In contrast, states with fewer engineering firms usually offer lower wages. California and Texas offer top job opportunities and competitive salaries for mechanical engineers.
Here's how salaries in different regions compare to the national
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, popular salary websites, and engineering job surveys in multiple states.
Texas and some Midwest states are great for mechanical engineers. They offer good salaries and lower living costs than coastal cities.
7 Tips to Grow Your Mechanical Engineer Salary
1. Get a Professional Engineering License: Earn your PE (Professional Engineer) license to unlock higher-paying positions. Licensed mechanical engineers earn 15-25% more than those without PE credentials, according to global salary surveys. This certification allows you to sign off on engineering projects and take on leadership roles.
2. Master CAD and Design Software: Become an expert in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or other industry-standard design tools. Many USA data sources say that mechanical engineers with advanced CAD skills earn 10-18% more than those with basic skills.
3. Specialize in High-Demand Fields: Focus on aerospace, robotics, renewable energy, or automotive engineering. Government stats show that mechanical engineers in specialized fields make $8,000 to $20,000 more each year than general mechanical engineers.
4. Earn Advanced Degrees: Complete a Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Many international salary surveys show that mechanical engineers with graduate degrees earn 20-30% more than those with just bachelor's degrees.
5. Gain Project Management Skills: Learn to lead engineering teams and manage complex projects. Global salary surveys show that mechanical engineers with project management experience earn 15-25% more. This premium reflects their leadership value.
6. Work for Major Manufacturing Companies: Target positions at Fortune 500 companies in the automotive, aerospace, or energy sectors. Many sources in the USA say these employers pay 20-35% more than smaller firms. They also offer better benefits and more chances to advance.
7. Develop Automation and Robotics Skills: Learn about industrial automation, robotics programming, and smart manufacturing. Salary surveys show that mechanical engineers who know modern automation technologies earn more. This is due to industries adopting these new technologies.
FAQs About a Mechanical Engineer's Salary
Is the average salary of a mechanical engineer before or after tax?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. Your take-home pay will be less after federal, state, and local taxes come out of your paycheck.
Does the mechanical engineer's salary include bonuses and benefits?
No, these salary figures represent base pay only. Many mechanical engineers earn extra pay through bonuses, profit sharing, and benefits. These can include health insurance and retirement contributions. Altogether, these perks can boost total pay by 15-30%.
What is the starting salary of a mechanical engineer in the USA?
Entry-level mechanical engineers make about $79,600 a year. This can change based on where they work and who they work for. New graduates usually earn between $65,000 and $85,000. This amount depends on their school and internship experience.
How much do senior mechanical engineers earn per year?
Senior mechanical engineers earn an average of $107,900 per year in base salary. People with over 10 years of experience and special skills can earn $120,000 to $160,000 a year. This is common in high-demand industries.
Which states pay the highest salaries for a Mechanical Engineer?
California leads with mechanical engineer salaries averaging around $118,000 annually. Texas, New York, and Washington are top-paying states for mechanical engineers. They offer great salaries and solid job markets.
Do mechanical engineers get overtime pay and bonuses?
Most mechanical engineers are exempt employees and do not receive overtime pay. Many get yearly bonuses. These include performance bonuses, profit-sharing, and project completion bonuses. They can boost salaries by 10-20%.
What education do you need for a Mechanical Engineer salary growth?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is required for entry-level positions. Many engineers seek master's degrees, MBAs, or professional certifications. They do this to boost their earnings and move into senior positions.
Is the salary of a Mechanical Engineer expected to grow?
The engineering field projects to have employment growth of 195,000 jobs from 2023 to 2033. Steady demand will help salaries grow. This is especially true for engineers skilled in new technologies.
How does a Mechanical Engineer's pay compared to other engineering jobs?
Mechanical engineers earn an average salary of $110,080. Civil engineers make about $97,380. Electrical engineers earn similar amounts. Mechanical engineers typically earn competitive salaries within the broader engineering field.
Can Mechanical Engineers earn more with remote work?
Many mechanical engineering jobs need you to be on-site for hands-on work. However, some design and consulting roles allow for remote work. Remote work boosts earning potential. You can tap into high-paying companies while living in cheaper areas.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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