Mechanical Engineers Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $176,096 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $172,687 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $161,326 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $156,782 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $149,965 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $147,693 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $145,421 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $142,012 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $138,604 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $130,651 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $130,651 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $129,515 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $127,243 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $124,971 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $124,971 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $122,699 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $119,290 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $119,290 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $115,882 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $115,882 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $113,610 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $113,610 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $112,474 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $112,474 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $111,338 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $107,930 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $107,930 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $105,657 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $105,657 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $105,657 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $104,521 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $104,521 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $103,385 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $102,249 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $99,977 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $99,977 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $99,977 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $99,977 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $99,977 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $99,977 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $98,841 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $98,841 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $98,841 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $97,705 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $96,568 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $96,568 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $95,432 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $94,296 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $94,296 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $90,888 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $88,616 | -22.0% | High |
A Mechanical Engineers's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Mechanical Engineerss typically earn $78,508–$96,578 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $137,235–$151,193 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Mechanical Engineers role currently has high demand in the job market with a 3.2% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Engineering sector.
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What is the average salary for a Mechanical Engineers?The average salary for a Mechanical Engineers in the United States is $113,610 per year, with a median of $104,110.
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What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineers?Entry-level Mechanical Engineerss typically earn between $78,508 and $96,578 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Mechanical Engineerss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Mechanical Engineerss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Mechanical Engineers make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $113,610, a Mechanical Engineers earns approximately $54.62 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Mechanical Engineers a good career in 2026?Yes — the Mechanical Engineers role has high demand with 3.2% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.