How Much Does a Mechanical Design Engineer Make? (2025)
A mechanical design engineer is a professional who designs and develops mechanical systems and products, often focusing on the creation, development, testing, and improvement of components like machinery, equipment, or tools. They work on a variety of projects, ranging from small parts like gears to large systems such as engines or HVAC systems.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% growth in mechanical design engineer employment from 2023 to 2033, significantly faster than average. Around 19,800 job openings are expected annually due to workforce turnover, including retirements and career changes.
Here are more details on mechanical design engineer salary trends, the highest-paying industries, career advancement prospects, and common questions about pursuing this job title.
Average Mechanical Design Engineer Salary
As of March 1, 2025, the average annual salary for mechanical design engineer in the U.S. is $79,660. Mechanical design engineer salary ranges generally between $68,331 and $92,307 depending on factors such as experience, location, and required skills.
2025 Mechanical Design Engineer Salary: $79,660 per year ($38 per hour)
Based on data from Salary.com, the average monthly salary for mechanical design engineers is $6,638, with an average weekly pay of $1,532. The typical hourly wage for employees in this role is around $38.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33 | $1,314 | $5,694 | $68,331 |
| 25th Percentile | $35 | $1,418 | $6,144 | $73,730 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $38 | $1,532 | $6,638 | $79,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $41 | $1,659 | $7,190 | $86,280 |
| 90th Percentile | $44 | $1,775 | $7,692 | $92,307 |
Mechanical Design Engineer Salaries State by State
Salaries for mechanical design engineers can vary significantly by state, with factors such as local economic conditions, cost of living, business presence, and demand for skilled professionals being key contributors. Experienced engineers typically earn higher salaries in states where the cost of living is elevated and the demand for skilled workers is strong.
The District of Columbia ($88,660), California ($87,860), and New Jersey ($87,310) are the highest-paying states for mechanical design engineers while Mississippi has the lowest average salary at $71,060.
Below are the average annual salaries for mechanical design engineer across leading industries in different states in the U.S. as of March 1, 2025.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $86,750 |
| Alabama | $73,210 |
| Arkansas | $72,570 |
| Arizona | $77,590 |
| California | $87,860 |
| Colorado | $81,250 |
| Connecticut | $85,550 |
| District of Columbia | $88,660 |
| Delaware | $80,850 |
| Florida | $75,680 |
| Georgia | $77,030 |
| Hawaii | $83,240 |
| Iowa | $76,230 |
| Idaho | $74,320 |
| Illinois | $81,490 |
| Indiana | $77,270 |
| Kansas | $75,840 |
| Kentucky | $74,960 |
| Louisiana | $75,760 |
| Massachusetts | $86,670 |
| Maryland | $82,130 |
| Maine | $77,510 |
| Michigan | $78,620 |
| Minnesota | $81,490 |
| Missouri | $75,920 |
| Mississippi | $71,060 |
| Montana | $74,400 |
| North Carolina | $76,470 |
| North Dakota | $78,860 |
| Nebraska | $75,040 |
| New Hampshire | $81,010 |
| New Jersey | $87,310 |
| New Mexico | $73,450 |
| Nevada | $79,980 |
| New York | $84,920 |
| Ohio | $77,910 |
| Oklahoma | $73,690 |
| Oregon | $80,930 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,500 |
| Rhode Island | $83,160 |
| South Carolina | $75,200 |
| South Dakota | $71,610 |
| Tennessee | $73,770 |
| Texas | $77,990 |
| Utah | $75,760 |
| Virginia | $79,900 |
| Vermont | $78,150 |
| Washington | $85,870 |
| Wisconsin | $78,700 |
| West Virginia | $71,690 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Mechanical Design Engineer?
Just like state-level variations, mechanical engineer salaries can vary greatly by city, driven by factors such as the cost of living, education, local demand, and the job market.
For example, cities in California, such as San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, offer some of the highest average annual salaries for mechanical design engineer, making them attractive destinations for professionals in the field.
| Cities | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $99,970 |
| San Francisco, CA | $99,570 |
| Oakland, CA | $97,180 |
| New York, NY | $93,040 |
| Queens Village, NY | $92,400 |
| Paramus, NJ | $91,770 |
| Passaic, NJ | $91,690 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | $91,610 |
| Stamford, CT | $91,450 |
| Huntington, NY | $90,810 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $90,250 |
| Newark, NJ | $90,010 |
How Experience Affects Mechanical Design Engineer Salary?
The salary for mechanical engineers also rises with experience. According to the report, entry-level mechanical engineers earn approximately $78,223 annually. After 1 to 2 years of experience, the salary increases slightly to $78,660.
Mechanical engineers with 2 to 4 years of experience typically earn around $79,831, while senior mechanical engineers with 5 to 8 years of experience make about $80,612. Those with over 8 years of experience can expect a median salary of $80,807.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer | $78,223 |
| Intermediate Level Mechanical Design Engineer | $78,660 |
| Senior Level Mechanical Design Engineer | $79,831 |
| Specialist Level Mechanical Design Engineer | $80,612 |
| Expert Level Mechanical Design Engineer | $80,807 |
How to Increase Salary as a Mechanical Design Engineer?
For job seekers aiming to boost their salary as a mechanical engineer, there are several strategies that can enhance earning potential:
- Gain experience: As you gain more experience, your salary increases. For instance, with 2-4 years, you could earn around $79,831, and with 5-8 years, it rises to $80,612.
- Specialize in high-demand areas: Specializing in industries like aerospace or robotics can increase your salary potential. These fields often pay more due to the specialized knowledge and skills required.
- Relocate to high-paying areas: Moving to cities with a higher cost of living, like San Francisco or New York, can significantly boost your earnings due to stronger demand and higher salary offerings.
- Pursue further education: Obtaining a master's degree or additional certifications can increase your earning potential. Companies often reward advanced qualifications with higher compensation and more senior roles.
- Obtain certifications: Earning professional certifications, like the Professional Engineer (PE) license, can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Certified engineers often take on more responsibilities, such as leadership roles, that come with increased pay.
Mechanical Design Engineer Skills
Mechanical engineers with specialized, in-demand skills have the potential to significantly increase their earnings. According to the Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, professionals with expertise in technical support can see a salary increase of 6.17%, while those skilled in product development may experience a salary boost of 5.83%.
Here are some key skills for mechanical engineer and the potential salary increases that come with mastering them:
| Skill | Demand | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Support | 8.85% | 6.17% |
| Product Development | 9.31% | 5.83% |
| Mechanical Systems | 14.83% | 5.76% |
| Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Cooling (HVAC) | 15.85% | 4.81% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 57.89% | 4.79% |
| 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) | 43.73% | 4.45% |
Mechanical Design Engineer Salary FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about mechanical design engineer for better understanding:
What does mechanical design engineer do?
Mechanical engineers are responsible for researching, designing, developing, building, and testing various mechanical systems and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.
- Identify problems and assess how mechanical and thermal devices can provide solutions.
- Design or modify mechanical and thermal devices or subsystems using analysis and computer-aided design (CAD).
- Investigate equipment malfunctions or issues to diagnose problems and suggest corrective actions.
- Develop and test prototypes of newly designed devices.
- Analyze test results and make necessary design or system adjustments.
- Supervise the manufacturing process of the devices.
What is the highest salary for mechanical design engineer?
The top salary for mechanical engineer is estimated at approximately $92,307, generally awarded to experienced professionals with specialized skills, extensive experience, or roles at larger employers in high-demand sectors.
What qualifications do I need to be a mechanical design engineer?
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or technology, with programs covering math, sciences, and design. Engineering technology focuses on practical applications and often includes internships. Some schools offer 5-year programs for both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, or co-op plans combining study with work experience to gain industry exposure and help finance education.
