Mechanical Engineers Salary in United States
Mechanical Engineers pay snapshot in United States
Mechanical engineers design and optimize mechanical systems, machinery, and manufacturing processes. They blend physics, materials science, and automation to improve product performance and efficiency.
Core responsibilities
- Develop prototypes, models, and specifications for mechanical components
- Run simulations and tests to validate performance and safety
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams on process design and quality control
- Implement cost reduction, energy efficiency, and reliability improvements
Core skills
- 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo
- Thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and material properties
- Finite element analysis (FEA) and computational tools
- Manufacturing process knowledge (CNC, additive, automation)
Median (USD)
$102,320
Annual gross compensation reference point
Median (USD)
$102,320
Converted using the latest available exchange rate
Global benchmark (USD)
$102,320
Published source: U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Mechanical Engineers
Salary Breakdown
Annual compensation converted into monthly, weekly, and hourly estimates for quick planning.
USD compensation
- Annual
- $102,320
- Monthly
- $8,527
- Weekly
- $1,968
- Hourly
- $49.19
USD compensation
- Annual
- $102,320
- Monthly
- $8,527
- Weekly
- $1,968
- Hourly
- $49.19
Experience tiers
Estimated salary ranges by career stage using local benchmarks (USD). Align your expectations with responsibilities and progression focus.
Junior Mechanical Engineer
Supports design calculations, drafting, and test execution
Typical experience: 0-3 years
Next focus: Strengthen CAD/FEA skills, learn manufacturing processes, and document test data
Estimated annual pay (local)
$75,717
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$75,717
Mechanical Engineer
Owns subsystem design, supplier collaboration, and validation plans
Typical experience: 4-7 years
Next focus: Lead cross-functional projects, pursue PE or Six Sigma, and improve cost-performance metrics
Estimated annual pay (local)
$102,320
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$102,320
Senior / Lead Mechanical Engineer
Guides system architecture, mentors teams, and drives innovation initiatives
Typical experience: 8+ years
Next focus: Focus on strategic technologies, manage budgets, and align with product roadmaps
Estimated annual pay (local)
$128,923
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$128,923
Career Progression Checkpoints
- Mechanical engineering intern or graduate engineer
- Design or manufacturing engineer owning assemblies
- Senior engineer or technical lead managing cross-disciplinary teams
- Engineering manager, R&D director, or chief engineer
Next: Calculate Take-Home Pay
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What Influences Pay?
Employers weigh industry context, location, and proven expertise. Use these levers to position your value when negotiating compensation.
Sector specialization
Aerospace, energy, and medical device companies often pay more for compliance-heavy expertise.
Manufacturing footprint
Roles tied to high-throughput plants may include shift premiums or retention bonuses.
Automation and mechatronics
Engineers adept with robotics, PLCs, or IoT systems command premium salaries.
Patent or innovation track record
Contributions to intellectual property bolster negotiation leverage.
Credentials That Stand Out
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineer (PE)
- Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP)
- Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)
Skill Upgrades Employers Reward
- 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo
- Thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and material properties
- Finite element analysis (FEA) and computational tools
- Manufacturing process knowledge (CNC, additive, automation)
- Project management and cross-functional collaboration
Next Steps and Tools
Take action with calculators and location guides tailored to Mechanical Engineers professionals evaluating United States offers.
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Open toolMechanical Engineers Salary FAQs in United States
Concise answers to the questions candidates and hiring teams ask most often when benchmarking compensation.
Is PE licensure required for mechanical engineers?
Not universally, but licensure expands opportunities in consulting, public sector work, and leadership roles.
Do mechanical engineers receive overtime pay?
Manufacturing-focused roles may be hourly with overtime, while design roles are typically salaried with bonuses.
How can mechanical engineers increase their salaries?
Specialize in high-growth industries, pursue advanced simulations or automation skills, and demonstrate cost-saving project outcomes.
How We Estimate Salaries
Figures blend public labor statistics with market calibration for United States. Median pay for mechanical engineers professionals anchors the model, while quartiles and experience multipliers show typical ranges rather than exact offers.
- Benchmark year:Data reflects 2024 reporting where available and will be reviewed annually.
- Primary source:U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Mechanical Engineers
- Global context:U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Mechanical Engineers
- Country adjustment factor:1 (baseline 2024) from U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Mechanical Engineers
Use this guide as a starting point. Company size, equity grants, benefits, and negotiation timing can shift compensation. Refresh the numbers yearly or alongside significant market changes.