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:
Entry Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.4% |
| Hydraulics | 2.53% |
| Installation | 1.76% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Vision | $86,655 | |
| Algorithms | $85,860 | |
| Artificial Intelligence | $85,860 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Product Engineer II | $93,000 | 17% |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | $93,800 | 18% |
Salaries for an Entry Mechanical Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,477 in 2023 to around $78,667 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Mechanical Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $83,477 |
| 2024 | $80,287 |
| 2025 | $78,667 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Mechanical Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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