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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer III in Washington is $117,480 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
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 | $126,200 | $10,517 | $2,427 | $61 |
| Average | $117,480 | $9,790 | $2,259 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,440 | $9,120 | $2,105 | $53 |
INFOSYS NOVA HOLDINGS LLC - Seattle, WA
KODIAK Construction Recruiting & Staffing - Tacoma, WA
United Systems Mechanical, LLC - Seattle, WA
Oxford Global Resources - Bothell, WA
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 | $86,202 |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | 2-4 years | $101,649 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $117,474 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $139,977 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $161,065 |
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 $131,512. While startup companies pay approximate $111,256.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $111,256 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $117,667 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $126,998 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $131,512 |
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 | $140,976 | $68.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $140,976 | $68.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $140,976 | $68.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $140,976 | $68.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $140,976 | $68.0 | 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 | $126,200 | $10,517 | $2,427 | $61 |
| Average | $117,480 | $9,790 | $2,259 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,440 | $9,120 | $2,105 | $53 |
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 | $142,700 | 21% |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | $139,980 | 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.
PACIFIC NETTING PRODUCTS, INC.
Kingston, WA
PACIFIC NETTING PRODUCTS, INC. | Kingston, WA
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mechanical and Design Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate brings several years of hands-on engin... more
4 Days Ago
Jamco America Inc
Everett, WA
Jamco America Inc | Everett, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Summary. This position is responsible for working on assigned Aerospace Lavatory design and modification activities in th... more
4 Days Ago
Everest Consultants, Inc.
Seattle, WA
Everest Consultants, Inc. | Seattle, WA
Title: Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer (Onsite work). Location. Seattle, WA. Duration. FTE / Permanent. Salary is in the range between $140K and $160K. Our ... more
2 Days Ago
INSPYR Solutions
Redmond, WA
INSPYR Solutions | Redmond, WA
Title. Mechanical Engineer III. Location. . Redmond, WA (Onsite). Duration. . 23W, 5D. Compensation. $32-$52/hr. Work Requirements. US Citizen, Green Card more
3 Days Ago
Karman Space & Defense
Mukilteo, WA
Karman Space & Defense | Mukilteo, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system s... more
1 Day Ago
SPECTRAFORCE
Redmond, WA
SPECTRAFORCE | Redmond, WA
Job Title. Optical Engineer III - Design Analysis. Duration. 24 Months. Location. Onsite in Redmond /WA. Job Description. Optical Engineer, Photonic Integr... more
3 Days Ago
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