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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Systems Engineer I in Virginia is $80,090 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:
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Mechanical Systems Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $86,890 | $7,241 | $1,671 | $42 |
| Average | $80,090 | $6,674 | $1,540 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,990 | $6,249 | $1,442 | $36 |
Markon Cooperative, Inc. - Mc Lean, VA
Emerson - Amherst, VA
Henrico County Virginia - Richmond, VA
Liberty Personnel Services, Inc - Richmond, VA
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 | $80,057 |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | 2-4 years | $94,402 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 4-7 years | $109,099 |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | 7+ years | $129,998 |
| Expert Mechanical Engineer | 7-10 years | $149,583 |
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 $89,656. While startup companies pay approximate $75,847.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,847 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $80,217 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $86,579 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $89,656 |
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 | $108,122 | $52.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $104,117 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $100,112 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $96,108 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $92,104 | $44.0 | 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 | $86,890 | $7,241 | $1,671 | $42 |
| Average | $80,090 | $6,674 | $1,540 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,990 | $6,249 | $1,442 | $36 |
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 | $93,700 | 17% |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | $94,500 | 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.
Wabtec
Salem, VA
Wabtec | Salem, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. Who will you be working with. You will collaborate with an engaged group of Wabtec team members across a... more
8 Days Ago
Triad Engineering Solutions
Newport News, VA
Triad Engineering Solutions | Newport News, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Overview. Triad Engineering Solutions is seeking an. Mechanical/Piping Engineer. to support industrial piping en... more
10 Days Ago
Triad Engineering Solutions
Norfolk, VA
Triad Engineering Solutions | Norfolk, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Overview. Triad Engineering Solutions is seeking an. Mechanical/Piping Engineer. to support industrial piping en... more
10 Days Ago
ISI Professional Services
Arlington, VA
ISI Professional Services | Arlington, VA
Job Description. Job Description. About ISI Professional Services. ISI Professional Services provides mission-critical expertise across a wide range of fun... more
7 Days Ago
Ardent Principles, Inc.
McLean, VA
Ardent Principles, Inc. | McLean, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. REQUIRED. Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph. LOCATION. Full-time, onsite in McLean, VA. Ardent Princip... more
6 Days Ago
Trident Systems LLC
Fairfax, VA
Trident Systems LLC | Fairfax, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Title. Systems Engineer. Requisition ID. 1822. Position Location. Fairfax, VA. Position Reports To. Manager, Sof... more
6 Days Ago
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