Mechanical Engineer Salary in Tennessee
Based on 4K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$99,550
$47.86/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-5.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $156K
4K employed in Tennessee
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Tennessee is $99,550 annually. This figure sits 6% below the national average, with the typical range for professionals in this field in the state falling between $64,150 and $156,150. Approximately 3,930 individuals are currently employed as Mechanical Engineers across Tennessee.
Several factors influence the Mechanical Engineer salary in Tennessee. These can include the engineer's years of experience, specific industry (e.g., automotive, aerospace, manufacturing), and the geographic location within the state. The size and type of employer, as well as specialized skills or certifications, also play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,150 |
| 25th percentile | $78,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,550 |
| 75th percentile | $127,500 |
| 90th percentile | $156,150 |
Mechanical Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Tennessee
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Tennessee.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level III | Experienced | $106,756 | 8 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,650 |
| 2023 | $97,770 |
| 2024 | $99,330 |
| 2025 | $99,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,770 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,650 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $97,770 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $99,330 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $99,550 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,770 | $105,649 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $156,150 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Mechanical Engineer ($99,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in TN | $161,430 | +62.2% | $77.61/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in TN | $128,510 | +29.1% | $61.78/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in TN | $106,470 | +7.0% | $51.19/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in TN | $104,450 | +4.9% | $50.22/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in TN | $99,080 | -0.5% | $47.63/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in TN | $97,190 | -2.4% | $46.73/hr |
| Civil Engineer in TN | $95,910 | -3.7% | $46.11/hr |
| Materials Engineer in TN | $91,940 | -7.6% | $44.20/hr |
| Management Analyst in TN | $99,260 | -0.3% | $47.72/hr |
| Physical Therapist in TN | $100,140 | +0.6% | $48.14/hr |
| Data Scientist in TN | $100,330 | +0.8% | $48.24/hr |
| Statistician in TN | $98,230 | -1.3% | $47.23/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Tennessee is $99,550 per year, which equates to about $48 per hour. This median figure is 5.6% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the typical salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee?
- The salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee is quite broad, with the majority earning between $64,150 and $156,150 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and specific industry demands.
How many Mechanical Engineers are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 3,930 Mechanical Engineers currently employed in Tennessee. This number indicates a steady demand for these professionals within the state's diverse industries.
Do Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee make less than the national average?
- Yes, Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee earn slightly less than the national average. The median salary of $99,550 annually is 5.6% below the national figure, meaning Tennessee-based engineers may see slightly lower compensation compared to their counterparts elsewhere.