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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer V in California is $163,863 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Mechanical Design Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Design Engineer V Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $172,003 | $14,334 | $3,308 | $83 |
| Average | $163,863 | $13,655 | $3,151 | $79 |
| 25th Percentile | $155,663 | $12,972 | $2,994 | $75 |
Space Kinetic Corp. - El Segundo, CA
Beacon Hill Staffing Group - Fremont, CA
Luminit - Torrance, CA
RIX INDUSTRIES - Benicia, CA
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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 4-7 years | $119,500 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $142,391 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $163,843 |
| Advisor Mechanical Engineer | 10-12 years | $208,455 |
| Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $112,031 |
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 Vs. 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 V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $183,435. While startup companies pay approximate $155,182.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $155,182 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $164,123 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $177,139 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $183,435 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $204,829 | $98.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $196,636 | $95.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $188,442 | $91.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $188,442 | $91.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $188,442 | $91.0 | 15% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $172,003 | $14,334 | $3,308 | $83 |
| Average | $163,863 | $13,655 | $3,151 | $79 |
| 25th Percentile | $155,663 | $12,972 | $2,994 | $75 |
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 | $138,300 | -16% |
| Advisor Mechanical Engineer | $208,500 | 27% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Design Engineer V job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Boxbot
Alameda, CA
Boxbot | Alameda, CA
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer. Boxbot revolutionizes logistics with adaptive automation, creating the facility of the future. As the industry grapples ... more
8 Days Ago
Columbus Technologies and Services Inc
Pasadena, CA
Columbus Technologies and Services Inc | Pasadena, CA
Job Description. Job Description. OVERVIEW. Must be a US Citizen. Duration - 6 month contract position with potential to be extended or converted. W2 with ... more
9 Days Ago
RIX Industries
Benicia, CA
RIX Industries | Benicia, CA
Mechanical Design Engineer II (R&D) Location: Benicia, CA Job Type: Full time Requisition ID: JR100078 RIX Industries is a technology-focused company speci... more
5 Days Ago
Phenix Truck & Van
Pomona, CA
Phenix Truck & Van | Pomona, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Phenix Truck & Van is seeking talented candidates for a Mechanical Design Engineer III position to join our design & engi... more
7 Days Ago
SY LEE ASSOCIATES
Glendale, CA
SY LEE ASSOCIATES | Glendale, CA
Job Description. Job Description. MEP Firm locates in Glendale, California. We are looking for a senior mechanical engineer with HVAC & Plumbing design exp... more
6 Days Ago
KLA
Milpitas, CA
KLA | Milpitas, CA
Company OverviewKLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the w... more
7 Days Ago
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