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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer III in California is $119,510 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Mechanical Design Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Design Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $128,370 | $10,698 | $2,469 | $62 |
| Average | $119,510 | $9,959 | $2,298 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,320 | $9,277 | $2,141 | $54 |
Phenix Truck & Van - Pomona, CA
DMG MORI USA, INC - Davis, CA
Columbus Technologies and Services Inc - Pasadena, CA
Ocean Power Technologies Inc - Richmond, CA
A Mechanical Design Engineer III'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Design Engineer III'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 | $87,689 |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | 2-4 years | $103,402 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $119,500 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $142,391 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $163,843 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Mechanical Design Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $133,785. While startup companies pay approximate $113,179.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $113,179 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $119,700 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $129,193 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $133,785 |
For Mechanical Design Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% 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 III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $143,412 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $143,412 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $143,412 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $143,412 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $143,412 | $69.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Design Engineer III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $128,370 | $10,698 | $2,469 | $62 |
| Average | $119,510 | $9,959 | $2,298 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,320 | $9,277 | $2,141 | $54 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Design Engineer III, 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 IV | $145,200 | 21% |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | $142,400 | 19% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Design Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
CMC Rescue Inc
Goleta, CA
CMC Rescue Inc | Goleta, CA
Job Description. Job Description. We're looking for an experienced mechanical design engineer ready to take the next step in their career and contribute to... more
1 Day Ago
Allient
Sacramento, CA
Allient | Sacramento, CA
Allient Inc. is in growth mode and currently seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Allient Sacramento team. The Senior Mechanical Design ... more
4 Days Ago
Beacon Hill Staffing Group
Fremont, CA
Beacon Hill Staffing Group | Fremont, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Role. Mechanical Engineer – Infrastructure Design. Location. Fremont, CA (Onsite). Core Mission. Design and deploy scalab... more
5 Days Ago
Luminit
Torrance, CA
Luminit | Torrance, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Role Overview. Luminit Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer responsible for the mechanical design, structural ana... more
5 Days Ago
Agilis Management Inc
San Diego, CA
Agilis Management Inc | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. JOB SUMMARY. Agilis is looking for Mechanical Design Engineer(s) with all levels of experience. The successful design of ... more
1 Day Ago
Attalon, Inc.
Tustin, CA
Attalon, Inc. | Tustin, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Attalon is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense technology company created in 2025 when Advent International carved out Coh... more
1 Day Ago
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