As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer VI in South Dakota is $171,760 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Mechanical Design Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical Design Engineer VI'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 VI'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $117,321 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $134,996 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $171,753 |
| Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $92,306 |
| Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Supervisor | 12+ years | $114,623 |
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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Mechanical Design Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $192,275. While startup companies pay approximate $162,660.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $162,660 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $172,033 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $185,676 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $192,275 |
For Mechanical Design Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Design Engineer positions in Internet or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Design Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $240,464 | $116.0 | 40% |
| Construction | $223,288 | $107.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $209,547 | $101.0 | 22% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $206,112 | $99.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $197,524 | $95.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Design Engineer VI'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Design Engineer VI, 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 | $114,000 | -34% |
| Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor | $92,400 | -46% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Design Engineer VI job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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