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Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager in the United States is $142,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $166,771
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $133,090 to $155,390
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $124,168
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View as table View as graph 25% $133,090 10% $124,168 90% $166,771 75% $155,390 $142,890 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $155,390 $12,949 $2,988 $75
Average $142,890 $11,908 $2,748 $69
25th Percentile $133,090 $11,091 $2,559 $64
Check out Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Job Openings in the United States
Program Manager Mechanical Engineering

EMI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - LAS CRUCES, NM

Mechanical&Structural Engineering Senior Manager

Boeing - NORTH CHARLESTON, SC

Sensor Systems Engineering and Technical Support Landing Page

Bowhead / UIC Technical Services - DAHLGREN, VA

Program Manager Mechanical Engineering

EMI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - LAS CRUCES, NM

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Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salaries

A Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager'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:

  • Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $101,564
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Supervisor (12+ years): $126,116
  • Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager (12+ years): $142,825
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $168,328
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Director (12+ years): $198,346
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor12+ years$101,564
Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Supervisor12+ years$126,116
Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager12+ years$142,825
Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$168,328
Mechanical Design Engineering Director12+ years$198,346
$101,564 Mechanica...
$126,116 Mechanica...
$142,825 Mechanica...
$168,328 Mechanica...
$198,346 Mechanica...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Systems Engineering Managers

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: $180,190
  • San Francisco: $178,390
  • Oakland: $174,490

What Skills Can Increase a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 12.4% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Economics (Mentioned in 1.11% Job Postings): Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and analyzes the choices that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make to allocate resources.
  • Food Service (Mentioned in 0.94% Job Postings): The foodservice or catering industry includes the businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 12.4%
Economics 1.11%
Food Service 0.94%
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 Engineering Manager's salary.
  • Catering: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Agile: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Motivating: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Catering
$174,326
22%
Agile
$152,892
7%
Motivating
$151,463
6%
Decision Making
$150,035
5%
Supply Chain
$150,035
5%
Business Development
$150,035
5%
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How Education impacts a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Systems Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $152,744 and $161,647).

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 4.1%
Associates 2.8%
Bachelors 46.4%
Masters 40.3%
Doctorate 5.9%
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Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager'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 March 01, 2026

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager, 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.

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Manufacturing Product Engineering Senior Manager $169,200 18%
Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Manager $168,400 18%

Salary Trends for Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager

Salaries for a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $153,306 in 2023 to around $144,591 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$153,306
2024
$149,288
2025
$144,591
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $153,306
2024 $149,288
2025 $144,591
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager

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

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager

1. How to make 6 figures as a mechanical engineer?

To achieve a six-figure salary as a mechanical engineer, consider earning a master's degree in engineering or management, obtaining a Professional Engineer's license, and volunteering for special projects. Specializing in high-growth industries and relocating to high-paying states can also boost your earnings. Salaries for Mechanical Systems Engineering Managers range from $145,290 to $179,090, with a midpoint of $161,090.

2. Do mechanical engineers make 200k?

Mechanical Systems Engineering Managers typically earn between $145,290 and $179,090, with a median salary of $161,090. While some experienced professionals may approach or exceed the $200,000 mark, it is not common for most in this role to reach that salary level.

3. Which engineering has the highest salary?

The salary data for a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager indicates a minimum salary of $145,290, a mid-range salary of $161,090, and a maximum salary of $179,090. This suggests that careers in mechanical systems engineering can offer competitive compensation, making it one of the higher-paying engineering fields.

4. Which engineer is highly paid in USA?

In the USA, Mechanical Systems Engineering Managers are among the highest-paid engineers, with salaries ranging from $145,290 to $179,090 annually. The average salary for this role is approximately $161,090, making it a lucrative career choice compared to other engineering fields.

5. What is the highest paying engineering manager's salary?

The salary for a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager ranges from $145,290 to $179,090, with a midpoint of $161,090. This is competitive compared to other engineering roles, such as Distinguished Engineer, which can earn between $197K and $342K, and Associate Director of Engineering, with salaries from $230K to $352K.

6. What is the highest position in mechanical engineering?

In the field of Mechanical Engineering, the highest positions often include titles like 'Chief Mechanical Engineer', 'Director of Engineering', or 'VP of Engineering'. These roles typically offer competitive salaries, with a minimum of $145,290, a mid-range of $161,090, and a maximum of $179,090, reflecting their leadership and project management responsibilities.

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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