Mechanical Engineer Salary & Career Insights

What is the average salary for a mechanical engineer in the United States?

$99,510 per year

According to BLS.gov, the average salary for a mechanical engineer in the United States is $99,510 annually. The lowest salary is $64,560 annually, and the highest is $157,470 annually.

Job Outlook & Work Environment

Job Outlook

πŸš€ 291,900; estimated number of mechanical engineering jobs. It is estimated that 32,100 new jobs will be added by 2033.

β˜€οΈ The projected job outlook is expected to grow at 11% which is much faster than the growth of the average career.

Work Environment

πŸ’Ό Most mechanical engineers generally work in offices, but some visit worksites.

🏒 20% of mechanical engineers work in architectural, engineering, and related services.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries

How Does a Mechanical Engineer Salary Stack Up?

The average mechanical engineer earns $99,510 annually. Both patent agents and patent attorneys earn significantly more than mechanical engineers.

A mechanical engineer who takes the patent bar exam and transitions into a career in patent law will earn more. If you already have at least a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, then all you may need is to pass the patent bar exam to start your career in patent law.

Top Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Industry

IndustryAverage Salary
Libraries and Other Information Services$201,570
Couriers and Express Delivery Services$162,720
Oil and Gas Extraction$161,340
Natural Gas Distribution$144,730
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil$143,230
Annual mean wages.

Salary by Mechanical Engineer Industry

In the U.S., the average mechanical engineering salaryΒ is $99,510.

Mechanical engineers in libraries and other information services earn the highest average salary, at $201,570. Those working in couriers and express delivery services and oil and gas extraction receive average salaries of $162,720 and $161,340, respectively. In the natural gas distribution and pipeline transportation of crude oil, mechanical engineers earn average salaries of $144,730 and $143,230.

Experience & Education

Here are some typical daily activities of a mechanical engineer:

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment β€” Creating documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to guide others on the fabrication, construction, assembly, modification, maintenance, or use of devices, parts, equipment, or structures.
  • Working with Computers β€” Utilizing computers and computer systems, including both hardware and software, to program, write software, configure functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems β€” Assessing information and evaluating outcomes to select the optimal solution and resolve issues.
  • Thinking Creatively β€” Innovating, designing, or developing new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic inputs.

Here are the typical skills you need to work as a mechanical engineer:

  • Active Listening β€” Fully concentrating on what others are saying, grasping their points, asking relevant questions, and refraining from interrupting inappropriately.
  • Critical Thinking β€” Applying logic and reasoning to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension β€” Interpreting written sentences and paragraphs in job-related documents.
  • Complex Problem Solving β€” Recognizing intricate problems and analyzing related information to formulate and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Judgment and Decision Making β€” Weigh potential actions’ costs and benefits to select the most suitable option.

Knowledge required to work as a mechanical engineer:

  • Design β€” Understanding design techniques, tools, and principles essential for creating precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Engineering and Technology β€” Familiarity with the practical application of engineering science and technology, including principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment in designing and producing various goods and services.
  • Production and Processing β€” Insight into raw materials, production methods, quality control, costs, and techniques for optimizing the effective manufacture and distribution of products.
  • Mechanical β€” Knowledge of machines and tools, encompassing their design, functionality, repair, and maintenance.
  • English Language β€” Proficiency in the structure and content of the English language, including word meanings and spellings, composition rules, and grammar.

Average Education

According to onetonline.org, 52% of mechanical engineers have a Bachelor’s degree, 29% have an Associate’s degree, and 9% have a post-secondary certificate.

Top Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Location

Factors that Impact Pay

Mechanical engineers in San Jose, CA, earn the highest average salary at $155,300. San Francisco, CA, follows with an average salary of $143,090. In Albuquerque, NM, Santa Barbara, CA, and Baton Rouge, LA, mechanical engineers receive average salaries of $133,950, $133,910, and $132,810, respectively.

Mechanical engineers in New Mexico earn the highest average salary among the states listed, at $129,110. The District of Columbia and California follow with average salaries of $126,960 and $126,600, respectively. In Massachusetts and Louisiana, mechanical engineers receive average salaries of $115,540 and $115,460.

Take a look at the average mechanical engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.

CityAverage Salary
San Jose, CA$155,300
San Francisco, CA$143,090
Albuquerque, NM$133,950
Santa Barbara, CA$133,910
Baton Rouge, LA$132,810
Annual mean wages.

Look at the average mechanical engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.

StateAverage Salary
New Mexico$129,110
District of Columbia$126,960
California$126,600
Massachusetts$115,540
Louisiana$115,460
Annual mean wages.

Related Careers

Patent Agent

Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.

Average of $130,168/year

Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.

Average of $185,351/year

Materials Scientist

Materials scientists research and study composite materials.

Average of $106,160/year

Job Openings in the United States


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