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Hourly Wage for Mechanical Design Engineer I Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Mechanical Design Engineer I?

As of October 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Mechanical Design Engineer I in the United States is $39, which translates to an annual salary of about $81,050.

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): $45 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36 to $42 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Design Engineer I Salaries

A Mechanical Design Engineer I'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 Mechanical Design Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Design Engineer I'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:

  • Mechanical Design Engineer I (0-2 years): $81,043
  • Intermediate Mechanical Engineer (2-4 years): $96,716
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer (4-7 years): $108,338
  • Specialist Mechanical Engineer (7+ years): $129,091
  • Expert Mechanical Engineer (7-10 years): $148,519
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Design Engineer I0-2 years$81,043
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer2-4 years$96,716
Senior Mechanical Engineer4-7 years$108,338
Specialist Mechanical Engineer7+ years$129,091
Expert Mechanical Engineer7-10 years$148,519
View as Graph

How Do Mechanical Design Engineer I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Mechanical Design Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $89,740.
  • California: $89,400.
  • Massachusetts: $88,200.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Design Engineer Is

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: $102,220
  • San Francisco: $101,110
  • Oakland: $98,970

What Skills Can Increase a Mechanical Design Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.4% 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 2.53% 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 1.76% 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 8.4%
Hydraulics 2.53%
Installation 1.76%
See More Skills

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 a Mechanical Design Engineer I's salary.

  • Computer Vision: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Algorithms: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computer Vision $88,345
9%
Algorithms $87,534
8%
Artificial Intelligence $87,534
8%
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Mechanical Design Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Design Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,484. While startup companies pay approximate $76,617.

Mechanical Design Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $76,617
Growth Stage 51~500 $81,013
Established 501~5000 $87,369
Enterprise 5000+ $90,484

Mechanical Design Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Design Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Design Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Design Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Design Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$109,418$53.035%
Internet$105,365$51.030%
Biotechnology$101,312$49.025%
Financial Services$97,260$47.020%
Pharmaceuticals$93,208$45.015%

How Education impacts a Mechanical Design Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Design Engineer Is 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 a Mechanical Design Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $74,692 and $78,086).

Mechanical Design Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Design Engineer I
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%
View as Graph

Mechanical Design Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Design Engineer I'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 October 01, 2026
$75,900
Average $81,050/year
$87,880
$6,325
Average $6,754/month
$7,323
$1,460
Average $1,559/week
$1,690
$36
Average $39/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $87,880 $7,323 $1,690 $42
Average $81,050 $6,754 $1,559 $39
25th Percentile $75,900 $6,325 $1,460 $36

Most common benefits for Mechanical Design Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Mechanical Design Engineer I

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

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FAQ about Mechanical Design Engineer I

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Design Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 35% 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 degree with a master's in management. Obtain a Professional Engineer's license and volunteer for special projects. Specializing in high-growth industries and relocating to high-paying states can also help. With salaries ranging from $73,360 to $85,850, strategic career moves are essential for higher earnings.

3. How much do mechanical design engineers earn?

Mechanical Design Engineers earn between £73,360 and £85,850 annually, with a median salary of £79,260. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this field.

4. What is highest salary for design engineer?

The highest salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer is approximately $85,850 per year. The average starting salary is around $73,360, with a mid-range salary of $79,260. Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required to enter this field.

5. Do mechanical engineers make 100k?

Mechanical Engineers typically earn between $73,360 and $85,850, with a mid-salary of $79,260. While some may reach or exceed $100,000, the majority earn within this range. The highest earners can make significantly more, but the average salary reflects a more modest income.

6. Are mechanical design engineers in demand?

Yes, mechanical design engineers are in demand. They typically earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $73,360, a mid-range salary of $79,260, and a maximum of $85,850. This reflects the strong need for skilled professionals in the field, as mechanical engineering careers generally offer higher salaries compared to many non-STEM occupations.

7. Can an engineer make $500,000?

Can a mechanical design engineer make $500,000? Yes, but it's highly unlikely for most. The typical salary range for a mechanical design engineer is between $73,360 and $85,850, with a mid-salary of $79,260. While some may reach higher earnings, it is not common for the majority in this field.

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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