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Mechanical Systems Engineer V Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Systems Engineer V in the United States is $148,521 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $162,628
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $141,088 to $155,905
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $134,321
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Systems Engineer V Salaries

A Mechanical Systems Engineer V'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 V'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:

  • Senior Mechanical Engineer (4-7 years): $108,339
  • Specialist Mechanical Engineer (7+ years): $129,092
  • Mechanical Systems Engineer V (7-10 years): $148,531
  • Advisor Mechanical Engineer (10-12 years): $188,995
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $101,570
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Senior Mechanical Engineer4-7 years$108,339
Specialist Mechanical Engineer7+ years$129,092
Mechanical Systems Engineer V7-10 years$148,531
Advisor Mechanical Engineer10-12 years$188,995
Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor12+ years$101,570
View as Graph

How Do Mechanical Systems Engineer V 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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $164,444.
  • California: $163,820.
  • Massachusetts: $161,637.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Systems Engineer Vs

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: $187,333
  • San Francisco: $185,281
  • Oakland: $181,377

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 11.3% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Design Engineering (Mentioned in 2.34% Job Postings): Creating a system, component, or process to develop new products and systems.
  • Procurement (Mentioned in 1.8% Job Postings): Procurement is the process of finding and agreeing to terms, and acquiring goods, services, or works from an external source, often via a tendering or competitive bidding process. Procurement is used to ensure the buyer receives goods, services, or works at the best possible price when aspects such as quality, quantity, time, and location are compared. Corporations and public bodies often define processes intended to promote fair and open competition for their business while minimizing risks such as exposure to fraud and collusion. Almost all purchasing decisions include factors such as delivery and handling, marginal benefit, and price fluctuations. Procurement generally involves making buying decisions under conditions of scarcity. If sound data is available, it is good practice to make use of economic analysis methods such as cost-benefit analysis or cost-utility analysis.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 11.3%
Design Engineering 2.34%
Procurement 1.8%
See More Skills

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 V's salary.

  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Machine Learning $166,344
12%
Flexibility $158,917
7%
Decision Making $157,432
6%
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Mechanical Systems Engineer V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Systems Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $165,978. While startup companies pay approximate $140,401.

Mechanical Systems Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $140,401
Growth Stage 51~500 $148,488
Established 501~5000 $160,273
Enterprise 5000+ $165,978

Mechanical Systems Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Systems Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Systems Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Systems Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Systems Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$185,651$89.025%
Internet$178,225$86.020%
Biotechnology$170,799$82.015%
Energy & Utilities$170,799$82.015%
Software & Networking$170,799$82.015%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Systems Engineer Vs enter the field with a Bachelor'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 V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $158,514 and $166,378).

Mechanical Systems Engineer V Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Systems Engineer V
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.1%
High School 0.5%
Associates 0.5%
Bachelors 48.1%
Masters 37.6%
Doctorate 12.9%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Mechanical Systems Engineer V'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 September 01, 2026
$141,088
Average $148,521/year
$155,905
$11,757
Average $12,377/month
$12,992
$2,713
Average $2,856/week
$2,998
$68
Average $71/hour
$75
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $155,905 $12,992 $2,998 $75
Average $148,521 $12,377 $2,856 $71
25th Percentile $141,088 $11,757 $2,713 $68

Mechanical Systems Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

Mechanical Systems Engineer V

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Systems Engineer V, 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 Engineering Supervisor $125,400 -16%
Advisor Mechanical Engineer $189,000 27%

Most common benefits for Mechanical Systems Engineer V

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

Common company salaries for Mechanical Systems Engineer V

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

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FAQ about Mechanical Systems Engineer V

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Systems Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Which engineering is highest paid in the USA?

Mechanical Systems Engineers are among the highest-paid in the USA, with salaries ranging from $151,901 to $180,630, with a median of $166,390. Other high-paying engineering fields include Petroleum, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, but Mechanical Systems Engineering offers competitive compensation within this elite group.

3. Which company is best for mechanical engineers?

Top private companies for mechanical engineers include Thermax, Larsen & Toubro, The Godrej Group, Ashok Leyland, Kirloskar, General Motors, Siemens, and Mahindra & Mahindra. These companies offer competitive salaries, with a range from $151,901 to $180,630, making them attractive options for professionals in the field.

4. What do the top 10% of mechanical engineers make?

The top 10% of Mechanical Systems Engineers typically earn salaries above the maximum threshold, which is around $180,630. This indicates that their earnings can significantly exceed this figure, reflecting their advanced skills, experience, and contributions to the field.

5. Which engineer has more demand in USA?

While software engineering is highly in demand, Mechanical Systems Engineers also play a crucial role in various industries. With salaries ranging from $151,901 to $180,630, their expertise in designing and improving mechanical systems is essential. As technology advances, the demand for skilled engineers in this field continues to grow, making it a competitive career choice.

6. Do system engineers get paid well?

Yes, systems engineers can earn competitive salaries. For a Mechanical Systems Engineer, the salary ranges from a minimum of $151,901 to a maximum of $180,630, with a mid-salary of $166,390. This indicates that experienced professionals in this field are well-compensated compared to other engineering roles.

7. What is the richest type of engineer?

The richest type of engineer is the Mechanical Systems Engineer, with a salary range that reflects their expertise. The minimum salary is $151,901, the mid-salary is $166,390, and the maximum salary can reach $180,630. This positions them among the highest earners in the engineering field, surpassing many other engineering disciplines.

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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