As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer I in the United States is $79,510 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Mechanical Design Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
AI-Powered Talent
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Design Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,501 |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | 2-4 years | $93,746 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 4-7 years | $108,345 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $129,099 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $148,579 |
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 Mechanical Design Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.4% |
| Hydraulics | 2.53% |
| Installation | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Vision
|
$86,666 |
9%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$85,871 |
8%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$85,871 |
8%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$85,076 |
7%
|
|
Packaging
|
$84,281 |
6%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$84,281 |
6%
|
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
| 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% |
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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Design Engineer I, 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 II | $93,000 | 17% |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | $93,800 | 18% |
Salaries for a Mechanical Design Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,477 in 2023 to around $78,667 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Design Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $83,477 |
| 2024 | $80,287 |
| 2025 | $78,667 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Mechanical Design Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Design Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
