As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for an Expert Mechanical Engineer in the United States is $148,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, an Expert Mechanical Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Expert 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 Expert 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 4-7 years | $108,350 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $129,104 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $148,616 |
| Advisor Mechanical Engineer | 10-12 years | $188,950 |
| Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $101,562 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Expert Mechanical Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.3% |
| Design Engineering | 2.34% |
| Procurement | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Machine Learning
|
$166,533 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$159,098 |
7%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$157,611 |
6%
|
|
Product Development
|
$157,611 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$156,125 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$154,638 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Expert Mechanical Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Expert Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $158,527 and $166,394).
Expert Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.5% |
| Associates | 0.5% |
| Bachelors | 48.1% |
| Masters | 37.6% |
| Doctorate | 12.9% |
Understanding how an Expert 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 February 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Expert 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 Engineering Supervisor | $125,400 | -16% |
| Advisor Mechanical Engineer | $189,000 | 27% |
Salaries for an Expert Mechanical Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $141,106 in 2023 to around $129,592 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Expert Mechanical Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $141,106 |
| 2024 | $136,201 |
| 2025 | $129,592 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Yes, while it's possible for some engineers to earn over $500k, it's not common for all. For instance, Expert Mechanical Engineers typically earn between $151,990 and $180,690. To reach higher compensation, one might need to join a high-growth company early on, where equity can significantly boost overall earnings if the company succeeds.
While some aerospace engineers may earn high salaries, the typical salary range for an Expert Mechanical Engineer is between $151,990 and $180,690. Therefore, reaching a salary of $200,000 is not common for this role, but it may be possible in certain high-demand positions or with significant experience and expertise.
The top 10% of mechanical engineers earn significantly more, with salaries starting at approximately $151,990. The mid-range salary for this group is around $166,390, while the highest earners can make up to $180,690. This reflects the increasing demand and expertise required in the field of mechanical engineering.
While many engineering roles can offer high salaries, positions like Transportation Engineer - Project Manager or Regional Sales Manager in specialized fields may approach or exceed $250k. However, the average salary for an Expert Mechanical Engineer ranges from $151,990 to $180,690, indicating that reaching $250k typically requires advanced roles or significant experience in high-demand sectors.
Yes, while most engineers earn between $151,990 and $180,690 annually, only a select few reach salaries of $300k or more. Typically, top engineers at large companies enjoy better financial stability compared to those starting their own ventures. Thus, a skilled engineer is often better off in established firms rather than pursuing a startup.
To make six figures as a mechanical engineer, consider earning a master's degree, obtaining a Professional Engineer's license, and specializing in high-demand fields. Engage in special projects and negotiate your salary. With salaries ranging from $151,990 to $180,690, enhancing your skills and strategically positioning yourself can significantly boost your earnings.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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