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Mechanical Design Engineer V Salary in the United States

How much does a Mechanical Design Engineer V make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer V in the United States is $148,533 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.

However, a Mechanical Design Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $162,651
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $141,113 to $155,923
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $134,357
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Design Engineer V Salaries

A Mechanical Design Engineer V'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.

How Experience Level Affects Mechanical Design Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Design Engineer V'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:

  • Senior Mechanical Engineer (4-7 years): $108,338
  • Specialist Mechanical Engineer (7+ years): $129,091
  • Mechanical Design Engineer V (7-10 years): $148,519
  • Advisor Mechanical Engineer (10-12 years): $189,002
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $101,571
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Senior Mechanical Engineer4-7 years$108,338
Specialist Mechanical Engineer7+ years$129,091
Mechanical Design Engineer V7-10 years$148,519
Advisor Mechanical Engineer10-12 years$189,002
Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor12+ years$101,571
View as Graph

How Do Mechanical Design Engineer V Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $164,463.
  • California: $163,833.
  • Massachusetts: $161,653.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Design Engineer Vs

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:

  • San Jose: $187,343
  • San Francisco: $185,293
  • Oakland: $181,393

What Skills Can Increase a Mechanical Design Engineer V's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 11.3% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Design Engineering (Mentioned in 2.34% Job Postings): Creating a system, component, or process to develop new products and systems.
  • Procurement (Mentioned in 1.8% Job Postings): Procurement is the process of finding and agreeing to terms, and acquiring goods, services, or works from an external source, often via a tendering or competitive bidding process. Procurement is used to ensure the buyer receives goods, services, or works at the best possible price when aspects such as quality, quantity, time, and location are compared. Corporations and public bodies often define processes intended to promote fair and open competition for their business while minimizing risks such as exposure to fraud and collusion. Almost all purchasing decisions include factors such as delivery and handling, marginal benefit, and price fluctuations. Procurement generally involves making buying decisions under conditions of scarcity. If sound data is available, it is good practice to make use of economic analysis methods such as cost-benefit analysis or cost-utility analysis.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 11.3%
Design Engineering 2.34%
Procurement 1.8%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Mechanical Design Engineer V's salary.

  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Machine Learning $166,357
12%
Flexibility $158,930
7%
Decision Making $157,445
6%
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Mechanical Design Engineer V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Design Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $165,822. While startup companies pay approximate $140,409.

Mechanical Design Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $140,409
Growth Stage 51~500 $148,465
Established 501~5000 $160,114
Enterprise 5000+ $165,822

Mechanical Design Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Design Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Design Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Design Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Design Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$185,666$89.025%
Internet$178,240$86.020%
Biotechnology$170,813$82.015%
Energy & Utilities$170,813$82.015%
Software & Networking$170,813$82.015%

How Education impacts a Mechanical Design Engineer V's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Design Engineer Vs 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 V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $158,540 and $166,402).

Mechanical Design Engineer V Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Design Engineer V
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.1%
High School 0.5%
Associates 0.5%
Bachelors 48.1%
Masters 37.6%
Doctorate 12.9%
View as Graph

Mechanical Design Engineer V Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Design Engineer V'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 October 01, 2026
$141,113
Average $148,533/year
$155,923
$11,759
Average $12,378/month
$12,994
$2,714
Average $2,856/week
$2,999
$68
Average $71/hour
$75
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $155,923 $12,994 $2,999 $75
Average $148,533 $12,378 $2,856 $71
25th Percentile $141,113 $11,759 $2,714 $68

Mechanical Design Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

Mechanical Design Engineer V

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Design Engineer V, 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 Engineering Supervisor $125,400 -16%
Advisor Mechanical Engineer $189,100 27%

Most common benefits for Mechanical Design Engineer V

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Mechanical Design Engineer V

Here are companies hiring for Mechanical Design Engineer V and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Mechanical Design Engineer V

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Mechanical Design Engineer V?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Design Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. How much do mechanical design engineers earn?

Mechanical Design Engineers earn between £151,933 and £180,653 annually, with a mid-salary of £166,413. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on industry data, providing a comprehensive overview of potential earnings in this field.

3. Do mechanical engineers make 100k?

Mechanical Engineers typically earn higher salaries than $100,000. Based on recent data, the minimum salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer is $151,933, with a mid-range salary of $166,413 and a maximum salary of $180,653. This indicates that most Mechanical Engineers are well above the $100,000 mark in their earnings.

4. Can mechanical engineers make 150k?

Yes, mechanical engineers can make over $150,000. The salary range for Mechanical Design Engineers typically falls between $151,933 and $180,653, with a mid-salary of $166,413. This role involves advanced mechanical design tasks and requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

5. Is mechanical design engineering a good career?

Mechanical design engineering is a promising career choice. The salary range is attractive, with a minimum of $151,933, a mid-level salary of $166,413, and a maximum of $180,653. Beyond the financial benefits, this field offers excellent opportunities for career advancement and job stability, making it a desirable profession for many.

6. How much do mechanical design engineers make in the USA?

Mechanical Design Engineers in the USA earn between $151,933 and $180,653 annually, with a median salary of approximately $166,413. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled professionals in mechanical design.

7. Which mechanical engineer gets paid the most?

The highest-paid mechanical engineers typically include roles such as Senior Mechanical Engineer and Senior Design Engineer. Based on salary data, the compensation for these positions ranges from a minimum of $151,933 to a maximum of $180,653, with a mid-salary of $166,413. These figures reflect the competitive nature of the field and the expertise required.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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