As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer II in Buffalo, SD is $86,020 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
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, skills, 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 | $72,943 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer II | 2-4 years | $86,013 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 4-7 years | $99,405 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $118,447 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $136,301 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.92% |
| Hydraulics | 2.59% |
| Installation | 1.81% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Salesforce
|
$97,203 |
13%
|
|
Presentation
|
$90,321 |
5%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$90,321 |
5%
|
|
System Design
|
$89,461 |
4%
|
|
Consulting
|
$89,461 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$89,461 |
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 $96,213. While startup companies pay approximate $81,367.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $81,367 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $86,058 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $92,912 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $96,213 |
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 | $107,525 | $52.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $103,224 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $103,224 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $103,224 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $98,923 | $48.0 | 15% |
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 | $100,300 | 17% |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | $99,500 | 16% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Design Engineer II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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