As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Systems Engineer I in the United States is $79,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Mechanical Systems Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Systems Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,503 |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | 2-4 years | $93,746 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 4-7 years | $108,351 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $129,106 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $148,626 |
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 Systems Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.4% |
| Hydraulics | 2.53% |
| Installation | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Vision
|
$86,753 |
9%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$85,957 |
8%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$85,957 |
8%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$85,161 |
7%
|
|
Packaging
|
$84,365 |
6%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$84,365 |
6%
|
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
| 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% |
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 January 01, 2026Promotions 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 | 17% |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | $93,800 | 18% |
Salaries for a Mechanical Systems Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,477 in 2023 to around $78,667 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Systems Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,477 |
| 2024 | $80,287 |
| 2025 | $78,667 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Mechanical Systems Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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