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Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Mechanical Engineer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Mechanical Engineer in the United States is $79,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, an Entry Mechanical Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,491
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,500 to $86,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $69,948

Key Factors That Influence Entry Mechanical Engineer Salaries

An Entry Mechanical Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Mechanical Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Mechanical Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry Mechanical Engineer (0-2 years): $79,500
  • Intermediate Mechanical Engineer (2-4 years): $93,746
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer (4-7 years): $108,339
  • Specialist Mechanical Engineer (7+ years): $129,092
  • Expert Mechanical Engineer (7-10 years): $148,531
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Mechanical Engineer0-2 years$79,500
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer2-4 years$93,746
Senior Mechanical Engineer4-7 years$108,339
Specialist Mechanical Engineer7+ years$129,092
Expert Mechanical Engineer7-10 years$148,531

Top Paying Cities for Entry Mechanical Engineers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $100,300
  • San Francisco: $99,200
  • Oakland: $97,100

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Mechanical Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.4% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Hydraulics (Mentioned in 2.53% Job Postings): Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.4%
Hydraulics 2.53%
Installation 1.76%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Mechanical Engineer's salary.

  • Computer Vision: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Algorithms: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computer Vision $86,655
9%
Algorithms $85,860
8%
Artificial Intelligence $85,860
8%

Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Entry Mechanical Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,845. While startup companies pay approximate $75,153.

Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $75,153
Growth Stage 51~500 $79,482
Established 501~5000 $85,791
Enterprise 5000+ $88,845

Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Mechanical Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Entry Mechanical Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Mechanical Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Mechanical Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$107,325$52.035%
Internet$103,350$50.030%
Biotechnology$99,375$48.025%
Financial Services$95,400$46.020%
Pharmaceuticals$91,425$44.015%

How Education impacts an Entry Mechanical Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Mechanical Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Mechanical Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $74,751 and $78,127).

Entry Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry Mechanical Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 1.2%
Associates 2.3%
Bachelors 68.5%
Masters 25.1%
Doctorate 2.8%

Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Mechanical Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$74,500
Average $79,500/year
$86,300
$6,208
Average $6,625/month
$7,192
$1,433
Average $1,529/week
$1,660
$36
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,300 $7,192 $1,660 $41
Average $79,500 $6,625 $1,529 $38
25th Percentile $74,500 $6,208 $1,433 $36

Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Mechanical Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Manufacturing Product Engineer II $93,000 17%
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer $93,800 18%

Most common benefits for Entry Mechanical Engineer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Entry Mechanical Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Entry Mechanical Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Entry Mechanical Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Entry Mechanical Engineer?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Mechanical Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Entry-level Mechanical Engineers typically earn between $73,400 and $85,900 annually, with a median salary of $79,300. While some specialized engineering roles can command salaries around $200,000, such as Senior ASIC Verification Engineers or Security AI Engineers, these positions usually require significant experience and expertise beyond entry-level roles.

3. Is mechanical engineering worth it in USA?

Yes, mechanical engineering is worth it in the USA. With entry-level salaries ranging from $73,400 to $85,900, the field offers a solid financial foundation. As you gain experience, your expertise and earning potential will grow, making it a valuable investment in your future.

4. Which engineering is best for salary?

When considering engineering careers, mechanical engineering offers competitive salaries. For entry-level positions, the salary ranges from a minimum of $73,400 to a maximum of $85,900, with a midpoint of $79,300. This makes it a strong choice among various engineering fields, alongside others like petroleum and aerospace engineering, which also offer high earning potential.

5. Is 40 of billionaires are engineers?

Did you know that 40% of the world's billionaires are engineers? Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping our world and its development, serving as stewards who provide direction for nations. As an entry-level mechanical engineer, you can expect a salary ranging from $73,400 to $85,900, reflecting the significant impact and value of this profession.

6. How many hours a week do mechanical engineers work?

On average, Mechanical Engineers typically work around 40 hours per week, consistent with a standard full-time schedule. However, hours may vary based on project demands and industry specifics. Entry-level Mechanical Engineers can expect a salary ranging from $73,400 to $85,900, with a midpoint of $79,300, reflecting their expertise and responsibilities.

7. Can you make 500k as an engineer?

Yes, while it's possible for some engineers to earn high salaries, entry-level mechanical engineers typically earn between $73,400 and $85,900. Achieving a $500k salary usually requires significant experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand sectors. Joining a high-growth company early on can also lead to substantial equity and compensation.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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