Mechanical engineer salary
BLS occupation: Mechanical Engineers · Architecture and engineering · data for May 2025
Median salary $104,110 a year, US
Median hourly pay $50.05 an hour
Middle half earn $84,130–$132,590 25th to 75th percentile
Mechanical engineers employed 296,810 +11.2% projected by 2035
How much does a mechanical engineer make?
- The median mechanical engineer salary in the US is $104,110 a year ($50.05 an hour): half of the 296,810 mechanical engineers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $113,610.
- The middle half earn between $84,130 and $132,590. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $73,990 and the top 10% more than $164,340.
- That is 2.0 times the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- New Mexico pays mechanical engineers the most (median $157,710), followed by the District of Columbia ($133,300) and California ($130,900). Arkansas pays the least ($80,180).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in New Mexico, where the median is worth $171,030 in typical US prices, then Louisiana and Wyoming.
- In 329 of the 341 metro areas with data, the median mechanical engineer salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of mechanical engineers to grow 11.2% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 17,800 openings a year. The typical entry education is a bachelor's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what mechanical engineers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Mechanical engineer salary range
Half of mechanical engineers earn between $84,130 and $132,590 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $73,990
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $84,130
Median Yearly pay: $104,110
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $132,590
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $164,340
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $73,990 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $84,130 |
| Median | $104,110 |
| Top 25% earn over | $132,590 |
| Top 10% earn over | $164,340 |
Mechanical engineer salary by state
New Mexico pays mechanical engineers the most; Arkansas the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($104,110), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $157,710 median |
| District of Columbia | $133,300 median |
| California | $130,900 median |
| Delaware | $125,130 median |
| Colorado | $124,430 median |
| Alaska | $124,340 median |
| Maryland | $122,870 median |
| Louisiana | $119,540 median |
| Massachusetts | $119,300 median |
| Wyoming | $117,750 median |
| Rhode Island | $116,230 median |
| Texas | $112,410 median |
| New Jersey | $112,300 median |
| Washington | $110,430 median |
| Vermont | $107,330 median |
| Connecticut | $105,090 median |
| Michigan | $104,890 median |
| South Carolina | $104,580 median |
| Virginia | $104,180 median |
| New Hampshire | $103,660 median |
| Oregon | $103,470 median |
| Illinois | $102,680 median |
| Nevada | $102,680 median |
| Utah | $102,500 median |
| New York | $102,440 median |
| Maine | $102,430 median |
| Oklahoma | $101,850 median |
| Kentucky | $101,050 median |
| North Carolina | $100,720 median |
| Georgia | $100,620 median |
| Arizona | $100,270 median |
| Alabama | $100,230 median |
| Florida | $99,980 median |
| Indiana | $99,590 median |
| Tennessee | $99,550 median |
| Missouri | $99,330 median |
| Minnesota | $99,140 median |
| Ohio | $99,100 median |
| Hawaii | $98,740 median |
| Mississippi | $98,000 median |
| Pennsylvania | $97,920 median |
| Iowa | $97,700 median |
| West Virginia | $97,390 median |
| Wisconsin | $95,870 median |
| Montana | $94,190 median |
| Idaho | $93,190 median |
| South Dakota | $88,380 median |
| Nebraska | $88,060 median |
| North Dakota | $86,330 median |
| Kansas | $86,260 median |
| Arkansas | $80,180 median |
Where mechanical engineer pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Mechanical engineers' pay goes furthest in New Mexico once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $171,030 |
| Louisiana | $135,522 |
| Wyoming | $127,035 |
| Delaware | $125,371 |
| Alaska | $121,474 |
| District of Columbia | $121,291 |
| Colorado | $120,745 |
| California | $118,226 |
| Maryland | $117,065 |
| Oklahoma | $115,945 |
Mechanical engineer pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $157,710 | $75.82 | $103,780 | $203,140 | 2,710 | $171,030 |
| District of Columbia | $133,300 | $64.09 | $86,820 | $195,190 | 510 | $121,291 |
| California | $130,900 | $62.93 | $82,070 | $203,620 | 30,530 | $118,226 |
| Delaware | $125,130 | $60.16 | $65,890 | $168,180 | 610 | $125,371 |
| Colorado | $124,430 | $59.82 | $75,100 | $170,810 | 7,190 | $120,745 |
| Alaska | $124,340 | $59.78 | $76,890 | $174,320 | 380 | $121,474 |
| Maryland | $122,870 | $59.07 | $79,670 | $176,680 | 6,550 | $117,065 |
| Louisiana | $119,540 | $57.47 | $70,350 | $181,550 | 1,890 | $135,522 |
| Massachusetts | $119,300 | $57.36 | $79,570 | $166,480 | 7,680 | $112,806 |
| Wyoming | $117,750 | $56.61 | $71,730 | $151,810 | 230 | $127,035 |
| Rhode Island | $116,230 | $55.88 | $79,000 | $195,190 | 1,560 | $113,639 |
| Texas | $112,410 | $54.04 | $75,810 | $175,210 | 22,080 | $115,819 |
| New Jersey | $112,300 | $53.99 | $79,160 | $162,800 | 4,180 | $103,212 |
| Washington | $110,430 | $53.09 | $79,400 | $167,680 | 8,240 | $103,193 |
| Vermont | $107,330 | $51.60 | $83,820 | $150,380 | 530 | $109,567 |
| Connecticut | $105,090 | $50.52 | $77,340 | $157,980 | 4,600 | $101,428 |
| Michigan | $104,890 | $50.43 | $76,310 | $159,840 | 34,630 | $109,014 |
| South Carolina | $104,580 | $50.28 | $74,260 | $166,340 | 5,780 | $111,553 |
| Virginia | $104,180 | $50.09 | $77,840 | $160,770 | 7,470 | $103,042 |
| New Hampshire | $103,660 | $49.84 | $72,740 | $165,500 | 2,760 | $99,515 |
| Oregon | $103,470 | $49.75 | $78,100 | $162,550 | 2,920 | $100,105 |
| Illinois | $102,680 | $49.37 | $72,150 | $160,160 | 11,790 | $102,723 |
| Nevada | $102,680 | $49.37 | $75,960 | $160,210 | 1,410 | $102,702 |
| Utah | $102,500 | $49.28 | $73,070 | $160,640 | 3,370 | $103,678 |
| New York | $102,440 | $49.25 | $74,990 | $160,220 | 8,590 | $94,921 |
| Maine | $102,430 | $49.25 | $78,440 | $137,280 | 890 | $105,544 |
| Oklahoma | $101,850 | $48.97 | $70,070 | $136,110 | 2,270 | $115,945 |
| Kentucky | $101,050 | $48.58 | $65,370 | $139,810 | 4,170 | $112,080 |
| North Carolina | $100,720 | $48.42 | $71,260 | $155,550 | 9,560 | $106,779 |
| Georgia | $100,620 | $48.38 | $71,940 | $156,320 | 5,290 | $104,494 |
| Arizona | $100,270 | $48.21 | $71,030 | $159,040 | 5,050 | $99,596 |
| Alabama | $100,230 | $48.19 | $72,110 | $162,420 | – | $112,842 |
| Florida | $99,980 | $48.07 | $66,260 | $153,950 | 10,740 | $96,679 |
| Indiana | $99,590 | $47.88 | $66,330 | $143,090 | 8,690 | $106,709 |
| Tennessee | $99,550 | $47.86 | $64,150 | $156,150 | 3,930 | $108,360 |
| Missouri | $99,330 | $47.75 | $64,750 | $142,100 | 4,870 | $109,374 |
| Minnesota | $99,140 | $47.66 | $75,870 | $151,580 | 5,890 | $100,526 |
| Ohio | $99,100 | $47.64 | $69,160 | $138,020 | 14,390 | $106,819 |
| Hawaii | $98,740 | $47.47 | $66,110 | $141,500 | 530 | $89,804 |
| Mississippi | $98,000 | $47.12 | $62,210 | $136,990 | 1,570 | $112,705 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,920 | $47.08 | $65,770 | $150,950 | 13,550 | $100,357 |
| Iowa | $97,700 | $46.97 | $71,050 | $137,540 | 3,470 | $111,324 |
| West Virginia | $97,390 | $46.82 | $64,640 | $143,030 | 760 | $108,819 |
| Wisconsin | $95,870 | $46.09 | $64,850 | $130,360 | 7,470 | $101,886 |
| Montana | $94,190 | $45.28 | $65,820 | $133,270 | 500 | $99,519 |
| Idaho | $93,190 | $44.80 | $63,660 | $141,020 | 1,070 | $97,587 |
| South Dakota | $88,380 | $42.49 | $65,130 | $134,140 | 560 | $99,767 |
| Nebraska | $88,060 | $42.34 | $61,860 | $136,870 | 950 | $97,733 |
| North Dakota | $86,330 | $41.50 | $63,930 | $136,060 | 790 | $97,045 |
| Kansas | $86,260 | $41.47 | $72,210 | $131,660 | 4,630 | $95,772 |
| Arkansas | $80,180 | $38.55 | $57,650 | $131,840 | 1,410 | $92,228 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Mechanical engineer salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes mechanical engineer pay: 345 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $168,030
- San Francisco, CA $161,370
- Baton Rouge, LA $135,530
- Santa Cruz, CA $132,920
- Salinas, CA $132,560
- Augusta, GA $128,740
- Peoria, IL $128,710
- Denver, CO $128,180
- Columbus, IN $127,700
- Lexington Park, MD $127,650
Where the pay goes furthest
- San Jose, CA $152,169
- Baton Rouge, LA $149,295
- Lake Charles, LA $146,869
- Peoria, IL $141,081
- Augusta, GA $140,082
- San Francisco, CA $139,578
- Columbus, IN $137,307
- Beaumont, TX $135,797
- Corpus Christi, TX $134,174
- Decatur, AL $132,723
All 345 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $168,030 | 5,540 | $152,169 | 27% |
| San Francisco, CA | $161,370 | 5,150 | $139,578 | 26% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $135,530 | 540 | $149,295 | 12% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $132,920 | 190 | $120,951 | 31% |
| Salinas, CA | $132,560 | 70 | $121,568 | 25% |
| Augusta, GA | $128,740 | 980 | $140,082 | 14% |
| Peoria, IL | $128,710 | 2,120 | $141,081 | 11% |
| Denver, CO | $128,180 | 4,530 | $121,174 | 18% |
| Columbus, IN | $127,700 | 1,000 | $137,307 | 13% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $127,650 | 670 | $126,687 | 19% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $127,310 | 2,280 | $126,199 | 18% |
| Washington, DC | $126,990 | 5,390 | $116,629 | 23% |
| Seattle, WA | $126,590 | 4,500 | $113,909 | 21% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $126,090 | 110 | $146,869 | 13% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $125,780 | 650 | $117,701 | 27% |
| Houston, TX | $125,350 | 8,310 | $127,092 | 16% |
| Midland, TX | $125,200 | 250 | $130,712 | 15% |
| Kennewick, WA | $124,780 | 570 | $124,682 | 16% |
| Boulder, CO | $124,360 | 1,130 | $118,211 | 21% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $124,340 | 280 | $134,174 | 14% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $123,900 | 8,780 | $109,100 | 28% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $122,760 | 50 | $118,944 | 18% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $122,500 | 60 | $126,955 | 15% |
| Beaumont, TX | $122,280 | 470 | $135,797 | 13% |
| San Diego, CA | $121,750 | 3,370 | $108,815 | 29% |
| Anchorage, AK | $121,610 | 270 | $115,358 | 19% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $121,130 | 390 | $111,335 | 32% |
| Sacramento, CA | $120,970 | 1,480 | $113,406 | 23% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $120,650 | 150 | $111,937 | 27% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $120,070 | 60 | $128,222 | 17% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $119,790 | 560 | $118,738 | 18% |
| Boston, MA | $119,300 | 6,890 | $110,192 | 30% |
| Slidell, LA | $118,920 | 100 | $128,249 | – |
| New Orleans, LA | $117,990 | 530 | $127,423 | 16% |
| Stockton, CA | $117,420 | 220 | $111,734 | 25% |
| Oxnard, CA | $117,380 | 950 | $106,194 | 30% |
| Baltimore, MD | $116,700 | 3,050 | $111,689 | 20% |
| Logan, UT | $116,680 | 210 | $121,634 | 15% |
| Decatur, AL | $115,750 | 310 | $132,723 | 11% |
| Napa, CA | $112,670 | 30 | $100,103 | 31% |
| Odessa, TX | $111,700 | 120 | $118,961 | 17% |
| Providence, RI | $111,360 | 1,750 | $109,420 | 23% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $111,030 | 40 | $106,909 | 19% |
| Charleston, SC | $110,820 | 940 | $109,764 | 22% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $110,520 | 90 | $125,989 | 18% |
| Barnstable, MA | $110,200 | 70 | $112,048 | 28% |
| Burlington, VT | $110,200 | 390 | $109,164 | 28% |
| New York, NY | $109,990 | 6,960 | $97,714 | 39% |
| Bremerton, WA | $109,550 | 750 | $103,734 | 22% |
| Greensboro, NC | $109,540 | 1,260 | $117,956 | 15% |
| Detroit, MI | $109,470 | 22,500 | $109,145 | 17% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $109,370 | 500 | $108,602 | 19% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $109,370 | 70 | $125,617 | 12% |
| Worcester, MA | $109,250 | 660 | $106,561 | 23% |
| Midland, MI | $109,230 | 120 | $118,830 | 15% |
| Chico, CA | $109,210 | 40 | $107,918 | 17% |
| Asheville, NC | $108,630 | 330 | $112,563 | 19% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $108,570 | 70 | $114,157 | 19% |
| Florence, AL | $108,510 | 80 | $127,934 | 12% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $108,510 | 70 | $110,141 | 16% |
| Greeley, CO | $108,500 | 150 | $108,309 | 19% |
| Manchester, NH | $108,360 | 1,080 | $102,558 | 24% |
| Greenville, NC | $108,340 | 120 | $122,554 | 16% |
| Albany, NY | $108,310 | 930 | $108,782 | 19% |
| Billings, MT | $107,930 | 120 | $115,401 | 15% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $107,600 | 640 | $107,369 | 19% |
| Tulsa, OK | $107,440 | 1,060 | $120,430 | 15% |
| Portland, ME | $107,060 | 630 | $105,107 | 26% |
| Erie, PA | $106,890 | 590 | $117,526 | 13% |
| Vallejo, CA | $106,800 | 130 | $98,452 | 28% |
| Corvallis, OR | $106,700 | 70 | $102,579 | 20% |
| Austin, TX | $106,690 | 1,790 | $108,794 | 18% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $106,660 | 510 | $116,614 | 17% |
| Bellingham, WA | $106,580 | 180 | $103,141 | 22% |
| Crestview, FL | $106,560 | 250 | $109,821 | 22% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $106,490 | 40 | $106,232 | – |
| Olympia, WA | $106,340 | 70 | $102,575 | 23% |
| Texarkana, TX | $106,330 | 70 | $126,565 | 14% |
| Niles, MI | $106,320 | 550 | $115,102 | 16% |
| Tyler, TX | $106,240 | 160 | $115,283 | 15% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $106,130 | 170 | $107,044 | 23% |
| Hartford, CT | $105,980 | 1,690 | $103,148 | 23% |
| Redding, CA | $105,980 | 60 | $105,260 | 19% |
| Mobile, AL | $105,670 | 510 | $119,946 | 15% |
| Pueblo, CO | $105,580 | 70 | $115,059 | 15% |
| Bangor, ME | $105,450 | 40 | $109,266 | 17% |
| Dallas, TX | $105,420 | 5,600 | $102,260 | 19% |
| Kokomo, IN | $105,410 | 300 | $117,582 | 12% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $105,210 | 90 | $110,195 | 20% |
| Portland, OR | $105,020 | 2,520 | $99,620 | 21% |
| Syracuse, NY | $105,020 | 620 | $109,691 | 19% |
| Modesto, CA | $104,990 | 120 | $100,847 | 24% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $104,990 | 520 | $115,309 | 17% |
| New Haven, CT | $104,950 | 530 | $100,374 | 23% |
| Riverside, CA | $104,910 | 1,420 | $98,561 | 29% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $104,840 | 340 | $111,329 | 18% |
| San Antonio, TX | $104,620 | 1,480 | $110,457 | 16% |
| Albany, GA | $104,500 | 40 | $119,198 | 12% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $104,410 | 4,850 | $101,810 | 22% |
| Davenport, IA | $104,320 | 930 | $117,110 | 12% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $104,220 | 3,310 | $109,280 | 18% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $104,150 | 40 | $106,257 | 23% |
| Richmond, VA | $104,130 | 640 | $106,409 | 20% |
| Memphis, TN | $104,110 | 390 | $112,943 | 16% |
| Sebastian, FL | $103,850 | 60 | $105,637 | 25% |
| Lexington, KY | $103,820 | 900 | $111,768 | 18% |
| Florence, SC | $103,800 | 130 | $119,621 | 18% |
| Macon, GA | $103,700 | 50 | $117,138 | 14% |
| Gulfport, MS | $103,450 | 410 | $114,937 | 16% |
| Orlando, FL | $103,380 | 1,720 | $101,935 | 22% |
| Ogden, UT | $103,100 | 1,030 | $102,741 | 19% |
| Waterbury, CT | $102,990 | 410 | $103,219 | – |
| Allentown, PA | $102,980 | 880 | $103,013 | 21% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $102,820 | 450 | $101,673 | 23% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $102,630 | 1,440 | $102,625 | 22% |
| Panama City, FL | $102,610 | 410 | $105,462 | 20% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $102,590 | 450 | $113,269 | 15% |
| Huntsville, AL | $102,450 | 2,150 | $110,076 | 16% |
| Brownsville, TX | $102,350 | 230 | $119,046 | 18% |
| Columbia, SC | $102,280 | 450 | $109,201 | 18% |
| La Crosse, WI | $102,280 | 190 | $111,454 | 16% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $102,270 | 140 | $94,175 | 33% |
| Roanoke, VA | $102,160 | 280 | $109,124 | 16% |
| Chicago, IL | $102,070 | 6,900 | $98,528 | 25% |
| Atlanta, GA | $102,020 | 3,070 | $101,961 | 22% |
| Savannah, GA | $101,990 | 190 | $107,126 | 21% |
| Charlotte, NC | $101,950 | 2,470 | $104,727 | 20% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $101,830 | 490 | $107,370 | 15% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $101,800 | 30 | $115,078 | 18% |
| Carson City, NV | $101,690 | 90 | $103,628 | 24% |
| Durham, NC | $101,650 | 620 | $104,179 | 19% |
| Greenville, SC | $101,570 | 1,800 | $108,911 | 19% |
| Reno, NV | $101,520 | 570 | $100,501 | 24% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $101,500 | 1,600 | $100,627 | 19% |
| Trenton, NJ | $101,470 | 200 | $98,343 | 30% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $101,400 | 130 | $107,141 | 16% |
| Mankato, MN | $101,350 | 80 | $111,429 | 15% |
| Yuba City, CA | $101,270 | 40 | $97,157 | 24% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $101,190 | 340 | $107,891 | 18% |
| Dayton, OH | $101,180 | 1,180 | $109,155 | 16% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $101,180 | 4,450 | $96,526 | 21% |
| Bend, OR | $101,130 | 70 | $97,609 | 26% |
| Wilmington, NC | $101,100 | 190 | $104,852 | 21% |
| Champaign, IL | $101,090 | 150 | $109,046 | 16% |
| Casper, WY | $101,010 | 60 | $107,653 | 17% |
| Sumter, SC | $101,010 | 40 | $114,758 | 17% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $100,980 | 3,660 | $97,739 | 20% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $100,950 | 230 | $111,496 | 14% |
| Dover, DE | $100,900 | 80 | $103,480 | 21% |
| Monroe, LA | $100,740 | 40 | $120,507 | 14% |
| Columbus, OH | $100,730 | 2,630 | $105,511 | 18% |
| Pensacola, FL | $100,700 | 250 | $103,053 | 21% |
| Lafayette, IN | $100,690 | 510 | $107,771 | 18% |
| North Port, FL | $100,640 | 220 | $98,265 | 25% |
| Bloomington, IL | $100,500 | 100 | $107,444 | 15% |
| Winchester, VA | $100,380 | 40 | $104,075 | 22% |
| Lincoln, NE | $100,360 | 160 | $109,586 | 15% |
| Provo, UT | $100,360 | 240 | $102,166 | 21% |
| St. Louis, MO | $100,340 | 2,190 | $105,523 | 17% |
| Shreveport, LA | $100,310 | 110 | $118,338 | 15% |
| Tampa, FL | $100,290 | 1,220 | $99,405 | 24% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $100,280 | 2,210 | $102,388 | 23% |
| Auburn, AL | $100,230 | 100 | $113,985 | 19% |
| Longview, TX | $100,230 | 230 | $112,008 | 14% |
| Rochester, NY | $100,160 | 1,040 | $103,220 | 18% |
| Raleigh, NC | $100,000 | 1,810 | $101,878 | 20% |
| Ithaca, NY | $99,990 | 70 | $96,780 | 24% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $99,780 | 50 | $108,356 | 19% |
| Tucson, AZ | $99,750 | 980 | $102,945 | 18% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $99,700 | 70 | $108,395 | 18% |
| Madison, WI | $99,680 | 770 | $102,460 | 21% |
| Miami, FL | $99,660 | 2,000 | $87,302 | 32% |
| Kansas City, MO | $99,630 | 4,330 | $107,658 | 18% |
| Vineland, NJ | $99,620 | 50 | $103,805 | 20% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $99,500 | 1,210 | $100,016 | 20% |
| Abilene, TX | $99,460 | 50 | $110,066 | 24% |
| Nashville, TN | $99,440 | 990 | $103,220 | 22% |
| Lima, OH | $99,290 | 50 | $110,729 | 15% |
| Louisville, KY | $99,290 | 1,320 | $106,679 | 16% |
| Anniston, AL | $99,150 | 60 | $115,359 | 12% |
| Rockford, IL | $99,150 | 640 | $107,592 | 16% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $99,090 | 130 | $109,881 | 15% |
| Knoxville, TN | $99,070 | 760 | $107,023 | 21% |
| Athens, GA | $98,970 | 50 | $106,028 | 22% |
| Longview, WA | $98,910 | 80 | $101,399 | 17% |
| Traverse City, MI | $98,900 | 140 | $105,920 | 22% |
| Amarillo, TX | $98,830 | 130 | $107,635 | 16% |
| Birmingham, AL | $98,810 | 780 | $107,819 | 17% |
| Fresno, CA | $98,740 | 260 | $96,654 | 25% |
| Honolulu, HI | $98,740 | 490 | $88,986 | 37% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $98,730 | 2,200 | $101,850 | 19% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $98,680 | 30 | $99,821 | 25% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $98,680 | 2,140 | $103,118 | 19% |
| Spokane, WA | $98,670 | 450 | $98,330 | 18% |
| Topeka, KS | $98,620 | 160 | $111,034 | 15% |
| Ames, IA | $98,610 | 120 | $111,010 | 14% |
| Binghamton, NY | $98,560 | 140 | $106,135 | 20% |
| Lansing, MI | $98,550 | 650 | $103,747 | 16% |
| Reading, PA | $98,540 | 430 | $101,525 | 19% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $98,450 | 250 | $104,718 | 16% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $98,400 | 170 | $106,137 | 20% |
| Springfield, MA | $98,380 | 290 | $102,414 | 24% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $98,150 | 40 | $97,832 | 26% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $98,140 | 140 | $95,888 | 22% |
| Charleston, WV | $98,050 | 60 | $110,520 | 15% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $98,050 | 3,470 | $103,569 | 18% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $98,040 | 130 | $111,394 | 16% |
| Salem, OR | $98,010 | 150 | $94,560 | 20% |
| Elkhart, IN | $97,950 | 720 | $108,442 | 14% |
| Akron, OH | $97,920 | 1,000 | $104,873 | 16% |
| Canton, OH | $97,900 | 530 | $109,500 | 14% |
| Bloomington, IN | $97,830 | 90 | $102,888 | 21% |
| Owensboro, KY | $97,810 | 50 | $110,383 | 15% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $97,540 | 190 | $103,313 | 18% |
| Watertown, NY | $97,400 | 50 | $111,073 | 18% |
| Cleveland, OH | $97,220 | 2,300 | $103,510 | 18% |
| Buffalo, NY | $97,200 | 780 | $101,415 | 18% |
| Rochester, MN | $97,100 | 120 | $106,914 | 20% |
| Johnson City, TN | $97,040 | 60 | $110,363 | 18% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $97,030 | 230 | $88,675 | 28% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $96,930 | 710 | $107,214 | 17% |
| Albany, OR | $96,710 | 50 | $94,721 | 20% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $96,690 | 60 | $98,407 | 23% |
| Waco, TX | $96,680 | 200 | $104,462 | 18% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $96,610 | 3,170 | $101,114 | 20% |
| Sandusky, OH | $96,580 | 140 | $108,175 | 23% |
| Ocala, FL | $96,520 | 120 | $101,350 | 20% |
| Jackson, TN | $96,290 | 80 | $112,591 | 17% |
| Iowa City, IA | $96,190 | 60 | $105,115 | 22% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $96,180 | 30 | $108,880 | 23% |
| Bay City, MI | $96,000 | 60 | $104,438 | 13% |
| Wheeling, WV | $95,900 | 40 | $108,579 | 11% |
| Burlington, NC | $95,870 | 80 | $102,869 | 17% |
| Flint, MI | $95,850 | 180 | $103,027 | 13% |
| Huntington, WV | $95,850 | 160 | $108,401 | 14% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $95,820 | 40 | $101,006 | 18% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $95,710 | 60 | $106,923 | 16% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $95,600 | 480 | $103,864 | 19% |
| Lewiston, ID | $95,580 | 40 | $104,849 | 18% |
| Daphne, AL | $95,530 | 70 | $100,887 | 21% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $95,410 | 210 | $104,111 | 14% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $95,370 | – | $105,718 | 19% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $95,310 | 560 | $102,958 | 16% |
| Jackson, MI | $95,280 | 190 | $103,815 | 15% |
| Sioux City, IA | $95,250 | 70 | $110,174 | 16% |
| Evansville, IN | $95,220 | 220 | $104,034 | 14% |
| Monroe, MI | $95,190 | 160 | $101,816 | 16% |
| Toledo, OH | $95,170 | 620 | $104,062 | 16% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $95,150 | 110 | $94,934 | 29% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $95,000 | 470 | $96,300 | 19% |
| Lawrence, KS | $94,990 | 60 | $105,260 | 20% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $94,940 | 40 | $110,295 | 13% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $94,630 | 200 | $105,894 | 16% |
| Wichita, KS | $94,610 | 800 | $106,368 | 15% |
| Montgomery, AL | $94,570 | 330 | $105,450 | 18% |
| Kingsport, TN | $94,560 | 240 | $109,385 | 17% |
| Killeen, TX | $94,520 | 110 | $103,718 | 17% |
| Green Bay, WI | $94,450 | 460 | $101,465 | 14% |
| Rapid City, SD | $94,180 | 140 | $105,630 | 19% |
| York, PA | $94,160 | 690 | $98,083 | 18% |
| Paducah, KY | $94,060 | 90 | $109,265 | 15% |
| Medford, OR | $94,030 | 60 | $92,702 | 24% |
| Utica, NY | $93,980 | 130 | $101,405 | 18% |
| Naples, FL | $93,970 | 70 | $91,056 | 33% |
| Muskegon, MI | $93,860 | 280 | $101,449 | 16% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $93,810 | 180 | $99,884 | 19% |
| Little Rock, AR | $93,800 | 330 | $104,964 | 16% |
| Dothan, AL | $93,750 | 40 | $111,829 | 16% |
| Eugene, OR | $93,650 | 140 | $92,204 | 23% |
| Janesville, WI | $93,550 | 150 | $99,837 | 17% |
| Gainesville, GA | $93,420 | 260 | $96,542 | 22% |
| Racine, WI | $93,310 | 290 | $97,237 | 19% |
| Lebanon, PA | $93,210 | 70 | $99,996 | 19% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $93,190 | 40 | $101,175 | 20% |
| Omaha, NE | $93,180 | 490 | $101,381 | 18% |
| Michigan City, IN | $93,060 | 110 | $101,503 | 15% |
| Clarksville, TN | $92,940 | 150 | $102,191 | 17% |
| Springfield, IL | $92,920 | 90 | $100,189 | 16% |
| Visalia, CA | $92,770 | 90 | $92,933 | 22% |
| Yuma, AZ | $92,230 | 100 | $99,487 | 19% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $92,220 | – | $91,738 | 24% |
| Deltona, FL | $91,820 | 210 | $92,405 | 23% |
| Columbus, GA | $91,430 | 80 | $102,390 | 18% |
| El Paso, TX | $91,430 | 200 | $101,688 | 20% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $91,430 | 90 | $105,501 | 15% |
| Boise, ID | $91,340 | 480 | $92,834 | 25% |
| Lubbock, TX | $91,110 | 130 | $99,773 | 18% |
| Saginaw, MI | $91,040 | 250 | $100,164 | 14% |
| Dalton, GA | $90,940 | 90 | $101,220 | 19% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $90,670 | 120 | $103,467 | 16% |
| State College, PA | $90,530 | 110 | $93,559 | 26% |
| Duluth, MN | $90,490 | 230 | $101,940 | 18% |
| Kingston, NY | $90,150 | 60 | $89,515 | 27% |
| Sherman, TX | $90,070 | 70 | $96,053 | 18% |
| Hickory, NC | $89,960 | 250 | $101,666 | 21% |
| Missoula, MT | $89,730 | 80 | $93,037 | 22% |
| Lakeland, FL | $89,720 | 230 | $92,361 | 24% |
| Springfield, OH | $89,520 | 70 | $98,937 | 16% |
| Youngstown, OH | $89,380 | 240 | $102,272 | 14% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $89,120 | 60 | $101,302 | 14% |
| Mansfield, OH | $88,770 | 80 | $99,885 | 12% |
| South Bend, IN | $88,770 | 190 | $95,598 | 17% |
| Waterloo, IA | $88,770 | 190 | $101,968 | 14% |
| Bozeman, MT | $87,840 | 110 | $85,689 | 30% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $87,690 | 90 | $89,213 | 25% |
| Fargo, ND | $86,330 | 290 | $95,003 | 15% |
| Morgantown, WV | $86,270 | 40 | $92,442 | 19% |
| Williamsport, PA | $86,110 | 90 | $93,243 | 15% |
| Muncie, IN | $86,010 | 60 | $97,575 | 15% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $85,740 | 190 | $94,603 | 18% |
| Des Moines, IA | $85,490 | 390 | $93,227 | 18% |
| Appleton, WI | $85,260 | 460 | $92,254 | 17% |
| Kenosha, WI | $84,780 | 140 | $83,843 | – |
| St. George, UT | $84,690 | 70 | $87,021 | 26% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $84,630 | 350 | $95,129 | 17% |
| Staunton, VA | $84,370 | 190 | $92,584 | 21% |
| Scranton, PA | $83,920 | 360 | $89,700 | 19% |
| College Station, TX | $83,760 | 100 | $92,094 | 22% |
| Lancaster, PA | $83,710 | 560 | $85,195 | 23% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $83,550 | 90 | $95,163 | 14% |
| Joplin, MO | $83,430 | 110 | $97,331 | 18% |
| Elmira, NY | $83,220 | 50 | $88,159 | 16% |
| Yakima, WA | $83,220 | 40 | $87,100 | 20% |
| Manhattan, KS | $83,200 | 90 | $92,278 | 18% |
| Houma, LA | $82,900 | 60 | $97,411 | 19% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $82,800 | 330 | $89,100 | 19% |
| Lafayette, LA | $82,520 | 160 | $94,623 | 20% |
| Columbia, MO | $82,200 | 80 | $91,907 | 21% |
| Kankakee, IL | $81,840 | 40 | $84,902 | 19% |
| Jackson, MS | $81,300 | 230 | $91,299 | 22% |
| McAllen, TX | $80,500 | 90 | $93,719 | 17% |
| Morristown, TN | $80,490 | 50 | $93,199 | 23% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $80,180 | 260 | $87,769 | 24% |
| Springfield, MO | $80,020 | 210 | $90,331 | 19% |
| Merced, CA | $79,600 | 40 | $80,997 | 31% |
| Wausau, WI | $79,340 | 240 | $85,633 | 15% |
| Weirton, WV | $79,300 | 40 | $89,077 | 12% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $78,950 | 150 | $91,922 | 16% |
| Altoona, PA | $78,670 | 70 | $87,893 | 15% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $78,360 | 160 | $84,443 | 18% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $76,770 | 40 | $87,604 | 20% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $76,690 | 160 | $89,303 | 19% |
| Johnstown, PA | $76,210 | 70 | $88,689 | 14% |
| San Angelo, TX | $75,930 | 90 | $82,128 | 21% |
| Gainesville, FL | $75,490 | 180 | $78,040 | 26% |
What the median mechanical engineer salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $104,110 |
| Month | $8,676 |
| Every two weeks | $4,004 |
| Week | $2,002 |
| Hour | $50.05 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a mechanical engineer: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +11.2% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 17,800 |
| Self-employed | 0.5% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Civil engineer | $100,840 | Bachelor's degree |
| Electrical engineer | $120,630 | Bachelor's degree |
| Chemical engineer | $125,040 | Bachelor's degree |
| Computer hardware engineer | $161,740 | Bachelor's degree |
| Aerospace engineer | $134,960 | Bachelor's degree |
| Petroleum engineer | $144,910 | Bachelor's degree |
| Architect | $99,280 | Bachelor's degree |
| Surveyor | $75,440 | Bachelor's degree |
Questions about mechanical engineer pay
How much does a mechanical engineer make an hour?
The median is $50.05 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35.57 and the top 10% over $79.01.
How much does a mechanical engineer make a month?
About $8,676 a month before taxes at the median salary of $104,110, or $4,004 every two weeks.
What state pays mechanical engineers the most?
New Mexico, with a median of $157,710. The District of Columbia ($133,300), California ($130,900), Delaware ($125,130) and Colorado ($124,430) follow.
Where do mechanical engineers make the most after cost of living?
New Mexico: its median of $157,710 is worth $171,030 at typical US prices. Louisiana, Wyoming and Delaware come next.
How much do entry-level mechanical engineers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of mechanical engineers earn under $73,990 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $84,130, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a mechanical engineer?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 17-2141 (Mechanical Engineers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.