Mechanical Engineer Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $102,320 per year. Job growth is projected at 9.1% over the next decade.
How Much Do Mechanical Engineers Make?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $102,320 |
| 10-Year Job Growth | 9.1% |
| Total Employment | 286,760 |
| Typical Education | Bachelor's degree |
| SOC Code | 17-2141 |
What Do Top Companies Pay Mechanical Engineers?
Base salaries from employer disclosure filings — excludes equity and bonuses.
Which Skills Increase Mechanical Engineer Pay?
Mechanical Engineers with these high-demand tools and technologies typically command higher salaries.
Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitDassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointPythonThe MathWorks MATLABANSYS simulation software
Full skills breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer?
- The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $102,320 per year, based on the most recent national wage survey data.
- Is Mechanical Engineer a growing career?
- Employment for Mechanical Engineer roles is projected to grow 9.1% over the 2024–2034 decade. Total employment is currently 286,760 workers nationally.
- What skills increase Mechanical Engineer pay?
- Mechanical Engineers who demonstrate skills like Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Microsoft Excel typically command higher salaries. Certifications and advanced tools expertise can further boost compensation.
Salary and employment figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024) and Employment Projections 2024–2034. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.