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Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Mechanical Systems Engineer I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Systems Engineer I in the United States is $81,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,081
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $75,890 to $87,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $71,156
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salaries

A Mechanical Systems Engineer I'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 Systems Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Systems Engineer I'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:

  • Mechanical Systems Engineer I (0-2 years): $81,043
  • Intermediate Mechanical Engineer (2-4 years): $96,716
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer (4-7 years): $108,338
  • Specialist Mechanical Engineer (7+ years): $129,091
  • Expert Mechanical Engineer (7-10 years): $148,519
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Systems Engineer I0-2 years$81,043
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer2-4 years$96,716
Senior Mechanical Engineer4-7 years$108,338
Specialist Mechanical Engineer7+ years$129,091
Expert Mechanical Engineer7-10 years$148,519
View as Graph

How Do Mechanical Systems Engineer I 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 Systems Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $89,790.
  • California: $89,390.
  • Massachusetts: $88,190.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Systems Engineer Is

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: $102,290
  • San Francisco: $101,190
  • Oakland: $98,990

What Skills Can Increase a Mechanical Systems Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.4% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Hydraulics (Mentioned in 2.53% Job Postings): Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.4%
Hydraulics 2.53%
Installation 1.76%
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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 Systems Engineer I's salary.

  • Computer Vision: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Algorithms: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computer Vision $88,388
9%
Algorithms $87,577
8%
Artificial Intelligence $87,577
8%
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Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Systems Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,529. While startup companies pay approximate $76,655.

Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $76,655
Growth Stage 51~500 $81,053
Established 501~5000 $87,412
Enterprise 5000+ $90,529

Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Systems Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Systems Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Systems Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Systems Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$109,472$53.035%
Internet$105,417$51.030%
Biotechnology$101,362$49.025%
Financial Services$97,308$47.020%
Pharmaceuticals$93,254$45.015%

How Education impacts a Mechanical Systems Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Systems Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate'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 Systems Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $74,741 and $78,117).

Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Systems Engineer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 1.2%
Associates 2.3%
Bachelors 68.5%
Masters 25.1%
Doctorate 2.8%
View as Graph

Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Systems Engineer I'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
$75,890
Average $81,090/year
$87,890
$6,324
Average $6,758/month
$7,324
$1,459
Average $1,559/week
$1,690
$36
Average $39/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $87,890 $7,324 $1,690 $42
Average $81,090 $6,758 $1,559 $39
25th Percentile $75,890 $6,324 $1,459 $36

Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Mechanical Systems Engineer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Systems Engineer I, 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 II $93,000 15%
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer $96,800 19%

Most common benefits for Mechanical Systems Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Mechanical Systems Engineer I

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

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FAQ about Mechanical Systems Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Mechanical Systems Engineer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Systems Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

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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