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.
Entry-level Mechanical Engineers earn around $67,000, while the top 10% earn $140,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Mechanical Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs 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
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs 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
Certifications
Mechanical Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Mechanical Engineer from entry level to expert.
$67,000
0-2 years
$96,000
3-7 years
$124,000
8-14 years
$157,000
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Mechanical Engineer Salary FAQ
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.