Mechanical engineers in the US earn a median of $104,110 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $84,130 and $132,590, and the top 10% earn more than $164,340 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $104,000 to $133,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do mechanical engineers make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $73,990 |
| 25th | $84,130 |
| Median | $104,110 |
| 75th | $132,590 |
| 90th | $164,340 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Mechanical Engineers, national, about 296,810 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where mechanical engineers earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $157,710 | $162,880 |
| District of Columbia | $133,300 | $166,360 |
| California | $130,900 | $166,580 |
| Delaware | $125,130 | $128,140 |
| Colorado | $124,430 | $149,790 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a mechanical engineer?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $84,000–$104,000 | $109,000 |
| 3–5 years | $104,000–$133,000 | $140,000 |
| 6–10 years | $116,000–$143,000 | $150,000 |
| 10+ years | $133,000–$164,000 | $172,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives mechanical engineer pay?
Mechanical engineers design and test machines, products and thermal systems. Pay varies by industry (manufacturing, energy, aerospace, HVAC and building systems, automotive), by level and title, and by credentials such as a PE license.
- Industry and product type.
- Level: engineer I/II/III, senior, lead.
- PE license for building systems and consulting roles.
- CAD/CAE and simulation skills the team relies on.
Your leverage as a mechanical engineer
- Products or systems you designed that shipped.
- Cost savings or reliability improvements you delivered.
- CAD, FEA or CFD skills the team lacks.
- A PE license for consulting or building work.
- Experience leading projects and suppliers.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Mechanical engineer objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “This is the top of our range for engineer II.” | “Would my experience leading [project] fit engineer III?” |
| “We'll revisit after your first year.” | “Could we set the review at six months, with the criteria in writing?” |
| “Our bonus is generous.” | “What has it paid out at in the last two years?” |
| “Manufacturing pays less than tech.” | “I'm comparing with mechanical engineers in our industry and area.” |
Sample counter offer for a mechanical engineer
Thank you — I'm excited about the role. Based on my [number] years designing [products] and the [result] at [company], I'm asking for a base of [number]. The national median for mechanical engineers is $104,110.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a mechanical engineer
Bring numbers: cost reductions, defects cut, time to market. A level change usually needs evidence that you already do the next-level work.