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Mechanical Engineer Salary in 2026

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical devices including tools, engines, and machines. They apply physics and materials science to create functional, efficient systems.

Median Salary

$94,000

$7,833/mo

Entry Level

$67,000

starting pay

Senior Level

$124,000

experienced

Job Growth

+2%

10-yr outlook

Mechanical Engineer Overview

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical devices including tools, engines, and machines. They apply physics and materials science to create functional, efficient systems.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Experience

1-3 years

Industry

Engineering

Total Jobs (US)

300K

5-Year Growth

+15%

Category

Engineering

Hourly Rate

$45.19/hr

Monthly Pay

$7,833

Mechanical Engineer Salary Calculator

Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Mechanical Engineer salary in your area.

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

Estimated Mechanical Engineer Salary

$105,000

$8,750/month · $4,038/biweekly · $50.48/hr

Mechanical Engineer Salary Range

Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Mechanical Engineer field.

25th Percentile$77,800
$78K
Median (50th)$94,000
$94K
75th Percentile$109,000
$109K
90th Percentile$140,500
$141K
Top Earners$157,000
$157K

Entry-level Mechanical Engineers earn around $67,000, while the top 10% earn $140,500 or more.

Top Paying States for Mechanical Engineers

StateEst. Median Salaryvs National
California$111,000+$17,000
Pennsylvania$94,000$0
Texas$92,000$-2,000
Michigan$89,000$-5,000
Ohio$89,000$-5,000

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Engineers

CityEst. Median Salaryvs National
Los Angeles$105,000+$11,000
Philadelphia$96,000+$2,000
Houston$93,000$-1,000
Detroit$89,000$-5,000
Cleveland$87,000$-7,000

Required Skills & Certifications

Key Skills

CADSolidWorksThermodynamicsFEAManufacturing Processes

Certifications

PE LicenseFE ExamSix Sigma

Mechanical Engineer Career Progression

Typical salary growth path for a Mechanical Engineer from entry level to expert.

Entry Level

$67,000

0-2 years

Mid Career

$96,000

3-7 years

Senior

$124,000

8-14 years

Lead / Expert

$157,000

15+ years

EntryExpert

Mechanical Engineer Salary FAQ

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