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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.
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. Salary data above is the median annual wage.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 291,900; estimated number of mechanical engineering jobs. It is estimated that 32,100 new jobs will be added by 2033.
☀️ The projected job outlook is expected to grow at 11% which is much faster than the growth of the average career.
Work Environment
💼 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
| Industry | Average 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 |
Salary by Mechanical Engineer Industry
In the U.S., the average mechanical engineering salary 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 — 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 — 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 — Assessing information and evaluating outcomes to select the optimal solution and resolve issues.
- Thinking Creatively — 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 — Fully concentrating on what others are saying, grasping their points, asking relevant questions, and refraining from interrupting inappropriately.
- Critical Thinking — Applying logic and reasoning to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension — Interpreting written sentences and paragraphs in job-related documents.
- Complex Problem Solving — Recognizing intricate problems and analyzing related information to formulate and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Weigh potential actions’ costs and benefits to select the most suitable option.
Knowledge required to work as a mechanical engineer:
- Design — Understanding design techniques, tools, and principles essential for creating precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Engineering and Technology — 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 — Insight into raw materials, production methods, quality control, costs, and techniques for optimizing the effective manufacture and distribution of products.
- Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, encompassing their design, functionality, repair, and maintenance.
- English Language — 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.
| City | Average 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 |
Look at the average mechanical engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $129,110 |
| District of Columbia | $126,960 |
| California | $126,600 |
| Massachusetts | $115,540 |
| Louisiana | $115,460 |
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