As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer II in the United States is $93,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Mechanical Design Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical Design Engineer II'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 II'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 | $79,501 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer II | 2-4 years | $93,746 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 4-7 years | $108,342 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $129,096 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $148,555 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.92% |
| Hydraulics | 2.59% |
| Installation | 1.81% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Salesforce
|
$105,938 |
13%
|
|
Presentation
|
$98,438 |
5%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$98,438 |
5%
|
|
System Design
|
$97,500 |
4%
|
|
Consulting
|
$97,500 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$97,500 |
4%
|
Mechanical Design Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $104,859. While startup companies pay approximate $88,679.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $88,679 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $93,792 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $101,261 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $104,859 |
For Mechanical Design Engineer II 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, Mechanical Design Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Design Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $117,188 | $56.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $112,500 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $112,500 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $112,500 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $107,812 | $52.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Design Engineer IIs 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 a Mechanical Design Engineer II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $93,027 and $97,917).
Mechanical Design Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 a Mechanical Design Engineer II'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Design Engineer II, 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 a Mechanical Design Engineer II 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 Mechanical Design Engineer II 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 Mechanical Design Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
The highest-paid mechanical engineers typically include roles such as Senior Mechanical Engineer and Senior Design Engineer. Based on salary data, the range for Mechanical Design Engineers is between $89,120 and $107,800, with a mid-salary of $97,650. These positions often command the top salaries in the field.
The highest salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer is $107,800 per year. This reflects the upper range of earnings in the field, showcasing the potential for experienced professionals to achieve significant compensation based on their skills and expertise.
Yes, mechanical design engineers are in demand. They typically earn competitive salaries, with a minimum salary of $89,120, a mid-range salary of $97,650, and a maximum salary of $107,800. This reflects the strong need for skilled professionals in the field, as mechanical engineers continue to play a crucial role in various industries.
The highest-paid engineers in the USA are typically in Computer and IT Engineering, with average salaries of USD 140,830 and USD 132,930, respectively. In comparison, Mechanical Design Engineers earn between USD 89,120 and USD 107,800, with a mid-salary of USD 97,650. This highlights the significant salary range across different engineering disciplines.
Mechanical Design Engineers in the USA typically earn between $89,120 and $107,800 annually, with a median salary around $97,650. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.
A salary of $100,000 a year is above the mid-range salary of a Mechanical Design Engineer, which is $97,650. This amount can provide a comfortable lifestyle for an individual or small family, allowing for coverage of typical expenses, debt repayment, savings, retirement contributions, investments, and leisure activities.
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.)
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