Design and analysis of mechanical systems. EV and aerospace are the hottest sub-sectors.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Mechanical Engineers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $75,700 | $59,400 | $95,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $94,100 | $73,800 | $118,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $108,200 | $84,900 | $135,800 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $129,800 | $101,800 | $162,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $147,100 | $115,400 | $184,600 |
Top 10 states by median Mechanical Engineer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $151,500 | $115,100 | $196,900 | +40% |
| New York | $143,900 | $109,400 | $187,100 | +33% |
| California | $142,800 | $108,600 | $185,700 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $140,700 | $106,900 | $182,900 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $136,300 | $103,600 | $177,300 | +26% |
| Washington | $135,300 | $102,800 | $175,800 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $130,900 | $99,500 | $170,200 | +21% |
| Maryland | $129,900 | $98,700 | $168,800 | +20% |
| Colorado | $126,600 | $96,200 | $164,600 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $123,400 | $93,800 | $160,400 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $92,000 | $69,900 | $119,600 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $90,900 | $69,100 | $118,200 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $90,900 | $69,100 | $118,200 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $90,900 | $69,100 | $118,200 | -16% |
| Alabama | $89,800 | $68,300 | $116,800 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $89,800 | $68,300 | $116,800 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $86,600 | $65,800 | $112,500 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $86,600 | $65,800 | $112,500 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $84,400 | $64,100 | $109,700 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $84,400 | $64,100 | $109,700 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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