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Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary in the United States

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

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $107,555
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $86,400 to $101,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $79,663

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): $108,339
  • 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 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.
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%

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 $104,825. While startup companies pay approximate $88,672.

Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary by Company Size

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

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%

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 September 01, 2026
$86,400
Average $93,800/year
$101,000
$7,200
Average $7,817/month
$8,417
$1,662
Average $1,804/week
$1,942
$42
Average $45/hour
$49
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

Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Intermediate Mechanical Engineer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Manufacturing Product Engineer III $109,300 17%
Senior Mechanical Engineer $108,400 16%

Most common benefits for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer

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

Common company salaries for Intermediate Mechanical Engineer

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

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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 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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