Mechanical Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 510+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$133,300
$64.09/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
+26.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$87K – $195K
510 employed in District of Columbia
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in District of Columbia is $133,300 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 26 percent. With approximately 510 mechanical engineers employed in the district, salaries typically range from $86,820 to $195,190 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Mechanical Engineer salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific industry focus. The region's concentration of federal agencies, research institutions, and defense contractors creates competitive demand for skilled engineers, which naturally drives compensation higher. Additionally, the district's cost of living and role complexity substantially impact earning potential across the profession.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $86,820 |
| 25th percentile | $107,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,300 |
| 75th percentile | $166,360 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $118,400 |
| 2023 | $124,160 |
| 2024 | $130,000 |
| 2025 | $133,300 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,684 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $118,400 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $124,160 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $130,000 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $133,300 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,684 | $108,092 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $107,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,300 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $166,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Mechanical Engineer ($133,300 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer in DC | $195,190 | +46.4% | $93.84/hr |
| Engineering Manager in DC | $185,220 | +38.9% | $89.05/hr |
| Marine Engineer in DC | $172,330 | +29.3% | $82.85/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in DC | $157,600 | +18.2% | $75.77/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DC | $143,000 | +7.3% | $68.75/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DC | $103,880 | -22.1% | $49.94/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DC | $103,300 | -22.5% | $49.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -24.3% | $48.52/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in DC | $132,620 | -0.5% | $63.76/hr |
| Credit Analyst in DC | $132,590 | -0.5% | $63.75/hr |
| Veterinarian in DC | $134,530 | +0.9% | $64.68/hr |
| Optometrist in DC | $134,840 | +1.2% | $64.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Washington DC?
- Mechanical engineers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $133,300 per year, or approximately $64 per hour. This is 26.5% higher than the national average for the profession, making it one of the more lucrative markets for mechanical engineers.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in DC?
- Mechanical engineers in District of Columbia can expect salaries ranging from $86,820 at the lower end to $195,190 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and specific employer within the region.
Is the mechanical engineer salary in DC above the national average?
- Yes, mechanical engineers in District of Columbia earn 26.5% more than the national average. With a median salary of $133,300 annually, DC offers significantly higher compensation compared to most other regions in the United States.
How many mechanical engineers work in Washington DC?
- There are currently 510 mechanical engineers employed in District of Columbia. This represents a substantial professional community in the region's engineering sector.