Mechanical Engineer Salary in California
Based on 31K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$130,900
$62.93/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
+24.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $204K
31K employed in California
Mechanical engineers in California earn a median salary of $158,995 per year, positioning the state among the highest-paying regions in the country. This figure is approximately 30% above the national average, reflecting California's strong engineering job market and high cost of living. Based on data from 189 employed mechanical engineers, salaries in the state typically range up to $185,869 annually.
Several factors influence mechanical engineer salary in California, including industry sector, years of experience, and specific geographic location within the state. Engineers working in aerospace, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing tend to command higher compensation packages. Educational credentials, specialized certifications, and proximity to major tech hubs like Silicon Valley also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential within this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,070 |
| 25th percentile | $102,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $130,900 |
| 75th percentile | $166,580 |
| 90th percentile | $203,620 |
Top H-1B Employers for Mechanical Engineer in California
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in California — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple Inc. | 140 | $158,995 |
| 2 | Tesla, Inc. | 113 | $160,000 |
| 3 | Rivian Automotive, LLC | 49 | $163,420 |
| 4 | Applied Materials, Inc | 16 | $154,463 |
| 5 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | 13 | $144,673 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Mechanical Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in California
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in California.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $105,269 | 68 |
| Level II | Qualified | $132,142 | 194 |
| Level III | Experienced | $158,995 | 240 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $185,869 | 210 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,430 |
| 2023 | $122,550 |
| 2024 | $126,370 |
| 2025 | $130,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,592 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,430 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $122,550 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $126,370 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $130,900 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,592 | $109,195 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $102,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $130,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $166,580 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $203,620 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Mechanical Engineer ($130,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +60.6% | $101.10/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | +31.7% | $82.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | +20.4% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | +10.0% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | +9.7% | $69.03/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | -0.4% | $62.70/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | -1.9% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | -2.0% | $61.69/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | -4.8% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -6.4% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -15.4% | $53.22/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in CA | $130,540 | -0.3% | $62.76/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in California?
- The median salary for mechanical engineers in California is $158,995 per year, or $76 per hour. This represents a 29.8% increase above the national average, making California one of the most lucrative states for this profession.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in California?
- Mechanical engineers in California can earn up to $185,869 annually at the higher end of the salary range. This top-tier compensation reflects the competitive job market and high cost of living in the state.
Is being a mechanical engineer in California worth it compared to the national average?
- Yes, mechanical engineers in California earn 29.8% more than the national average, with a median salary of $158,995 per year. This significant premium makes California an attractive location for mechanical engineers seeking higher compensation.
How many mechanical engineers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 189 mechanical engineers employed in California. This represents the total workforce of professionals in this field within the state.