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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Systems Engineer I in California is $87,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Mechanical Systems Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $95,090 | $7,924 | $1,829 | $46 |
| Average | $87,690 | $7,308 | $1,686 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,190 | $6,849 | $1,581 | $40 |
Kronos Consulting - Los Angeles, CA
Astra - Alameda, CA
SEACOMP DISPLAYS INC. - Carlsbad, CA
Netafim Irrigation Inc - Calwa, CA
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, 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 | $87,689 |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | 2-4 years | $103,402 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 4-7 years | $119,500 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $142,391 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $163,843 |
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:
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 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 $98,164. While startup companies pay approximate $83,044.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,044 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,829 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $94,795 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $98,164 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $118,382 | $57.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $113,997 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $109,612 | $53.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $105,228 | $51.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $100,843 | $48.0 | 15% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $95,090 | $7,924 | $1,829 | $46 |
| Average | $87,690 | $7,308 | $1,686 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,190 | $6,849 | $1,581 | $40 |
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 | $102,600 | 17% |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | $103,500 | 18% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Systems Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
DigiLens Inc.
Sunnyvale, CA
DigiLens Inc. | Sunnyvale, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About the Role. DigiLens is seeking a bright, self-driven, and independent-thinking Mechanical Engineer to join the Advan... more
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BASILE INC
San Diego, CA
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Job Description. Job Description. MECHANICAL ENGINEER (4+ yrs). BASILE Studio is looking for a creative and committed engineer with a passion for custom de... more
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Danaher
Lodi, CA
Danaher | Lodi, CA
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Pan-Pacific Mechanical
Fountain Valley, CA
Pan-Pacific Mechanical | Fountain Valley, CA
Join the top full-mechanical contractor in the West — now expanding nationwide. We deliver innovative, industry-changing commercial and healthcare projects... more
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BASILE Studio
San Diego, CA
BASILE Studio | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Overview. Role. Mechanical Design Engineer. . We’re looking for a. creative and committed Mechanical Design Engi... more
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Jobot
Torrance, CA
Jobot | Torrance, CA
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