As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer in the United States is $93,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $101,000 | $8,417 | $1,942 | $49 |
| Average | $93,800 | $7,817 | $1,804 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,400 | $7,200 | $1,662 | $42 |
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.
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:
| 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 | 8.92% |
| Hydraulics | 2.59% |
| Installation | 1.81% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Salesforce | $105,994 | |
| Presentation | $98,490 | |
| 3D CAD | $98,490 |
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 $104,825. While startup companies pay approximate $88,672.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $88,672 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $93,779 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $101,222 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $104,825 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $101,000 | $8,417 | $1,942 | $49 |
| Average | $93,800 | $7,817 | $1,804 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,400 | $7,200 | $1,662 | $42 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate 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 III | $109,300 | 17% |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | $108,400 | 16% |
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, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $101,648 |
| 2024 | $97,804 |
| 2025 | $93,291 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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