Mechanical Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Experience, industry, and location breakdown
Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
How Much Do Mechanical Engineers Earn in 2025?
Mechanical engineers are engineering professionals who design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacturing of mechanical systems—from small components to large machinery and vehicles. It's one of the broadest and most versatile engineering disciplines.
2025 mechanical engineer salaries show solid earning potential: average $82,890–$109,167, with entry-level starting at $71,160 and top performers/senior engineers earning $150,000–$220,000. Startup/tech companies pay 31% more than the general market.
Location dramatically impacts pay: Seattle averages $120,000 (+10% versus national), Los Angeles $115,000, while smaller markets pay $85,000–$95,000. Mechanical engineering is versatile—engineers work across automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, robotics, and HVAC industries. Senior mechanical engineers can reach $100K+ comfortably. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Experience progression for mechanical engineers:
| Experience Level | Average Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | $71,160 | $60K–$80K |
| Early career (1–4 years) | $79,106 | $70K–$95K |
| Mid-career (5–9 years) | $90,000–$110,000 | $85K–$125K |
| Senior (10+ years) | $110,000–$150,000 | $100K–$180K |
| Top of market (startup) | $159,750 | $125K–$220K |
Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer (<1 Year)
Average total compensation: $71,160 (based on 2,615 salaries)
Focus: Learning fundamentals, CAD work, supporting senior engineers, basic design tasks.
Early Career (1–4 Years)
Average total compensation: $79,106 (based on 11,809 salaries)
Focus: Independent project work, design responsibilities, analysis and testing.
Mid-Career Mechanical Engineer (5–9 Years)
Estimated: $90,000–$110,000
Focus: Leading projects, mentoring juniors, developing specialized expertise.
Senior Mechanical Engineer (10+ Years)
Estimated: $110,000–$150,000
Focus: Complex systems design, strategic technical decisions, team leadership.
Top-Performing/Senior Engineers (Startup/Tech)
Top of market range: $125,000–$220,000
Average at startups: $109,167 | Typical startup range: $75,000–$150,000
Focus: Cutting-edge technology, product development, innovation.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Location
Geographic location significantly impacts mechanical engineer compensation:
| Location | Average Salary | Premium vs National | Effective Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $120,000 | +9.9% | $70,588 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $115,000 | +5.3% | $69,697 |
| National Average (startup) | $109,167 | Baseline | $109,167 |
| Austin, TX | $95,000 | -13.0% | $100,000 |
| Boston, MA | $90,000 | -17.6% | $56,250 |
| National Average (general) | $82,890 | Traditional market | $82,890 |
Seattle, WA
Average: $120,000 (+9.9% versus national average)
Why high: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, aerospace industry, high cost of living.
Los Angeles, CA
Average: $115,000 (+5.3% versus national)
Why high: Aerospace, entertainment tech, automotive, defense industries.
Austin, TX
Average: $95,000 (-13% versus national, but much lower COL)
Why attractive: Growing tech hub, manufacturing, favorable cost of living. Austin at $95K with lower COL offers better purchasing power than Seattle at $120K.
Cost of Living Consideration
Seattle at $120K with 170 COL index = effective $70,588 purchasing power
Austin at $95K with 95 COL index = effective $100,000 purchasing power
Austin offers better purchasing power despite lower nominal salary—an important consideration for job decisions.
Startup vs. Traditional Market
PayScale (general market): $82,890
Wellfound (startup market): $109,167
Startup/tech companies pay 31% more than the general market for mechanical engineers.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Industry
Industry significantly impacts mechanical engineer compensation:
| Industry | Typical Salary Range | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Tech/Hardware | $100,000–$150,000 | Product innovation, competitive |
| Robotics | $95,000–$145,000 | Automation, high demand |
| Aerospace | $95,000–$140,000 | Specialized, high complexity |
| Oil & Gas | $90,000–$130,000 | Energy sector, field work |
| Automotive (EV) | $85,000–$130,000 | Innovation-focused |
| Manufacturing | $75,000–$110,000 | Traditional engineering |
| HVAC/Building | $70,000–$100,000 | Steady, regional |
| Consumer Products | $65,000–$95,000 | Competitive, cost-focused |
Highest-Paying Industries
Tech/Hardware: High compensation for product development at companies like Apple, Tesla, and hardware startups.
Robotics: High demand for automation specialists drives strong compensation.
Aerospace: Premium pay for specialized work on aircraft and spacecraft.
Oil & Gas: Strong pay for energy sector mechanical engineering.
Mid-Range Industries
Manufacturing: Solid pay for traditional mechanical engineering roles.
HVAC/Building Systems: Steady work with moderate compensation.
What Mechanical Engineers Do: Role and Disciplines
Core Responsibilities
Designing mechanical systems, conducting analysis (FEA, CFD), creating CAD models, prototyping, testing, overseeing manufacturing, and quality control.
Common Disciplines
Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, dynamics, controls, and manufacturing processes.
Essential Tools
CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD), FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus), MATLAB, and programming languages.
Work Environments
Manufacturing plants, design offices, laboratories, and field sites. Less remote-friendly than software engineering due to hardware/manufacturing focus.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Solid Outlook
Manufacturing automation, renewable energy, and EV development drive sustained demand. Mechanical engineering fundamentals transfer across many industries, providing career flexibility.
Career Progression
Management track: Mechanical Engineer → Senior ME → Lead Engineer → Engineering Manager → Director of Engineering → VP Engineering
Technical track: Mechanical Engineer → Principal Engineer → Chief Engineer
How to Increase Your Mechanical Engineer Salary
Gain Experience
Senior engineers earn $110K–$150K versus entry-level $71K—a 55–110% increase.
Work in Top-Paying Cities
Seattle ($120K) and LA ($115K) pay 10–40% more than national average. Consider cost of living for actual purchasing power.
Target High-Paying Industries
Tech hardware, robotics, and aerospace offer premium compensation.
Join Startups/Tech Companies
Startup engineers earn $109K versus general market $83K—a 31% premium.
Earn Advanced Degree
Master's or PhD opens senior technical and management roles.
Develop Specialized Skills
FEA, CFD, robotics, automation, and programming add significant value.
Get PE License
Professional Engineer credential boosts credibility and salary potential, especially in consulting and infrastructure.
Move into Management
Engineering managers earn $130K–$180K+.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average mechanical engineer salary in 2025?
General market average is $82,890 (PayScale). Startup/tech market average is $109,167 (Wellfound)—31% higher. Range spans from $71,160 entry-level to $150,000–$220,000 for top performers.
How much do entry-level mechanical engineers make?
Entry-level mechanical engineers (<1 year experience) earn average total compensation of $71,160. Typical range is $60,000–$80,000 depending on location and industry.
Which cities pay mechanical engineers the most?
Seattle ($120,000, +9.9%) and Los Angeles ($115,000, +5.3%) pay highest. Austin ($95,000) offers better purchasing power despite lower nominal salary due to lower cost of living.
Do mechanical engineers at startups make more?
Yes, significantly. Startup/tech companies pay average $109,167 versus $82,890 general market—31% more. Top startup engineers can earn $125,000–$220,000.
Is mechanical engineering a good career in 2025?
Yes. Solid demand driven by automation, EVs, and renewable energy. Competitive salaries ($71K–$220K across levels), versatile skills that transfer across industries, and clear career progression. Tech/startup path offers highest compensation.