Mechanical Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 291K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$105,416
$50.68/hr
▲ 2.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$72K – $156K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
291K
workers nationwide
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in the United States is $105,416 per year, or $51 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for these professionals, with a typical salary range falling between $72,421 and $156,351 annually. These engineers are vital across many industries, contributing to the design and development of mechanical systems.
Several factors significantly influence a Mechanical Engineer's compensation. Experience level, specific industry, geographic location, and the size and type of employer all play a role in determining the final salary. For instance, engineers in high-demand sectors or areas with a high cost of living may see higher pay. The overall Mechanical Engineer salary in the United States reflects this diverse landscape.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,421 |
| 25th percentile | $86,092 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $105,416 |
| 75th percentile | $130,180 |
| 90th percentile | $156,351 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Mechanical Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | $157,710 | +49.6% | 3K |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $133,300 | +26.5% | 510 |
| 3 | California | $130,900 | +24.2% | 31K |
| 4 | Delaware | $125,130 | +18.7% | 610 |
| 5 | Colorado | $124,430 | +18.0% | 7K |
| 6 | Alaska | $124,340 | +18.0% | 380 |
| 7 | Maryland | $122,870 | +16.6% | 7K |
| 8 | Louisiana | $119,540 | +13.4% | 2K |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $119,300 | +13.2% | 8K |
| 10 | Wyoming | $117,750 | +11.7% | 230 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Mechanical Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Information pays the most ($175,610 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information | $175,610 | +66.6% | 1K |
| 2 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | +30.9% | 1K |
| 3 | Utilities | $135,150 | +28.2% | 2K |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | +22.1% | 100 |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | +21.8% | 12K |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $119,970 | +13.8% | 15K |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $110,510 | +4.8% | 95K |
| 8 | Transportation and Warehousing | $103,780 | -1.6% | 2K |
| 9 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,780 | -3.4% | 2K |
| 10 | Manufacturing | $101,570 | -3.6% | 131K |
| 11 | Wholesale Trade | $100,740 | -4.4% | 17K |
| 12 | Retail Trade | $99,990 | -5.1% | 150 |
| 13 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $99,370 | -5.7% | 420 |
| 14 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $99,130 | -6.0% | 960 |
| 15 | Administrative and Support Services | $98,550 | -6.5% | 8K |
| 16 | Construction | $98,190 | -6.9% | 8K |
| 17 | Educational Services | $87,050 | -17.4% | 2K |
| 18 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $83,480 | -20.8% | 450 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Mechanical Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Mechanical Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple | $158,995 | 163 |
| 2 | Tesla | $155,000 | 151 |
| 3 | Cummins | $97,600 | 123 |
| 4 | Rivian Automotive | $150,000 | 105 |
| 5 | General Motors | $140,555 | 68 |
| 6 | Ford Motor | $125,362 | 67 |
| 7 | L&T Technology Services | $94,910 | 45 |
| 8 | Intellectt | $108,160 | 35 |
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,992 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $86,092 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $105,416 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $130,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $156,351 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer in the US?
- The median Mechanical Engineer salary in the United States is $105,416 annually. This means half of all Mechanical Engineers earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in the United States?
- The typical salary range for a Mechanical Engineer in the US is between $72,421 and $156,351 per year. Entry-level positions generally fall towards the lower end, while experienced professionals can command salaries at the higher end of this spectrum.
Which state pays Mechanical Engineers the most?
- New Mexico currently offers the highest average salary for Mechanical Engineers, with an annual figure of $157,710. This is notably above the national median of $105,416.
How many Mechanical Engineers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 291,190 Mechanical Engineers employed across the United States. This substantial workforce highlights the demand for their specialized skills in various industries.