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Hourly Wage for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer make hourly?

As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer in the United States is $45, which translates to an annual salary of about $93,800.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42 to $49 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $42 10% $38 90% $52 75% $49 $45 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $100,900 $8,408 $1,940 $49
Average $93,800 $7,817 $1,804 $45
25th Percentile $86,400 $7,200 $1,662 $42
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Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salaries

An Intermediate 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 Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate 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): $108,341
  • Specialist Mechanical Engineer (7+ years): $129,094
  • Expert Mechanical Engineer (7-10 years): $148,543
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$108,341
Specialist Mechanical Engineer7+ years$129,094
Expert Mechanical Engineer7-10 years$148,543
$79,500 Entry Mec...
$93,746 Intermedi...
$108,341 Senior Me...
$129,094 Specialis...
$148,543 Expert Me...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate 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: $118,300
  • San Francisco: $117,000
  • Oakland: $114,500

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.92% 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 2.59% 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 1.81% 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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.92%
Hydraulics 2.59%
Installation 1.81%
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 Intermediate Mechanical Engineer's salary.
  • Salesforce: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • 3D CAD: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Salesforce
$105,994
13%
Presentation
$98,490
5%
3D CAD
$98,490
5%
System Design
$97,552
4%
Consulting
$97,552
4%
Analysis
$97,552
4%
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Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Mechanical Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,004. While startup companies pay approximate $88,831.

Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$88,831
Growth Stage51~500$93,949
Established501~5000$101,400
Enterprise5000+$105,004

Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate Mechanical Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Mechanical Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Mechanical Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$117,250$56.025%
Aerospace & Defense$112,560$54.020%
Pharmaceuticals$112,560$54.020%
Software & Networking$112,560$54.020%
Internet$107,870$52.015%

How Education impacts an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $93,075 and $97,993).

Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 0.3%
Associates 0.9%
Bachelors 55.8%
Masters 39.6%
Doctorate 3.4%
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Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate 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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer

Salaries for an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,648 in 2023 to around $93,291 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Mechanical Engineer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$101,648
2024
$97,804
2025
$93,291
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $101,648
2024 $97,804
2025 $93,291
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer

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

Find Your Next Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Intermediate Mechanical Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • MD Staff, LLC

    Columbus, OH

    MD Staff, LLC | Columbus, OH

    Neurologist Locum Tenens Opportunity Near Columbus, OH. We are excited to offer a rewarding locum tenens opportunity for a Board Certified or Board Eligibl... more

    7 Days Ago

  • C.R. England

    Columbus, OH

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Local Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. Dedicated Local Fleet - Home Daily - Competitive Pay* - Full Bene... more

    13 Days Ago

  • Maxim Healthcare

    Columbus, OH

    Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive quality, skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by ... more

    15 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

    CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more

    16 Days Ago

  • Family Dollar

    Columbus, OH

    Family Dollar | Columbus, OH

    Customer Service Associate. We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience for every customer. Duties ... more

    18 Days Ago

  • GO Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    GO Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Locums - A well respected group has a Trauma Surgery APP opportunity available in Columbus, Ohio. Certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. 1/1/... more

    18 Days Ago

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FAQ about Intermediate Mechanical Engineer

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. How to make 6 figures as a mechanical engineer?

To make six figures as a mechanical engineer, consider earning an engineering master's degree or combining your engineering degree with a master's in management. Obtain a Professional Engineer's license and volunteer for special projects. Specializing in a high-growth industry and relocating to a high-paying state can also help. With salaries ranging from $89,200 to $107,800, negotiating a raise is essential.

3. Do mechanical engineers make 100k?

Mechanical engineers can earn salaries that vary widely based on experience and location. For an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, the salary ranges from approximately $89,200 to $107,800, with a median salary around $97,700. While some may earn over $100,000, it is not guaranteed for all in this role.

4. What is the highest paying job in the world?

The highest paying job in the world varies by industry and location, but roles in fields like medicine, technology, and engineering often top the list. For instance, an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer can expect a salary range from $89,200 to $107,800, with a median salary of $97,700, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this sector.

5. Do engineers make more than doctors?

While engineers can earn a respectable salary, the average compensation for an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer ranges from $89,200 to $107,800, with a mid-salary of $97,700. In contrast, physicians typically earn significantly more, with even the lowest-paid specialties starting around $250,000 annually. Thus, doctors generally have higher earning potential than engineers.

6. Are engineers middle class?

Engineers, including Intermediate Mechanical Engineers, often fall within the middle class due to their salary range. With a minimum salary of $89,200, a mid-range salary of $97,700, and a maximum salary of $107,800, they typically earn a comfortable income that supports a middle-class lifestyle, depending on their location and personal circumstances.

7. Can I make 7 figures as an engineer?

While it's challenging to reach a 7-figure salary as an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, the salary range typically falls between $89,200 and $107,800 annually. Top engineers may earn more, but most find better financial stability in established companies rather than startups. Focus on gaining experience and skills to maximize your earning potential.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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