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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Systems Engineer III in Virginia is $109,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Mechanical Systems Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Systems Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $117,190 | $9,766 | $2,254 | $56 |
| Average | $109,090 | $9,091 | $2,098 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,690 | $8,474 | $1,956 | $49 |
Invictus International Consulting, LLC - Alexandria, VA
Solutions³ LLC - Arlington, VA
ARSIEM - Arlington, VA
Saalex - Tidewater, VA
A Mechanical Systems Engineer III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Mechanical Engineer | 0-2 years | $80,057 |
| Intermediate Mechanical Engineer | 2-4 years | $94,402 |
| Mechanical Systems Engineer III | 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 IIIs. 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 III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $122,120. While startup companies pay approximate $103,311.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $103,311 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $109,263 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $117,928 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $122,120 |
For Mechanical Systems Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% 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 III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $130,908 | $63.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $130,908 | $63.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $130,908 | $63.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $130,908 | $63.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $130,908 | $63.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Systems Engineer III'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 | $117,190 | $9,766 | $2,254 | $56 |
| Average | $109,090 | $9,091 | $2,098 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,690 | $8,474 | $1,956 | $49 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Systems Engineer III, 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 IV | $132,600 | 22% |
| Specialist Mechanical Engineer | $130,000 | 19% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Systems Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
First Division Consulting
Stafford, VA
First Division Consulting | Stafford, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position is contingent upon contract award. Come Join Our Team. First Division Consulting (FirstDiv). provides program ma... more
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Solvarus
Centreville, VA
Solvarus | Centreville, VA
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National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Newcomb Hall, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory | Newcomb Hall, VA
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory seeks a Systems Engineer II–III to design, implement, and support reliable computing and network systems for world... more
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Constellation Energy
FORRESTON, IL
Constellation Energy | FORRESTON, IL
Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focus... more
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Constellation Energy
WINNEBAGO, IL
Constellation Energy | WINNEBAGO, IL
Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focus... more
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Constellation Energy
DAVIS JUNCTION, IL
Constellation Energy | DAVIS JUNCTION, IL
Constellation, a leader in energy solutions, is seeking a Mechanical Systems Engineer to enhance our engineering team. This role focuses on the development... more
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