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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 October 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): $132,990 to $155,390
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $123,977
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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): $101,571
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Supervisor (12+ years): $126,130
  • Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager (12+ years): $142,856
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $170,791
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Director (12+ years): $200,726
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor12+ years$101,571
Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Supervisor12+ years$126,130
Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager12+ years$142,856
Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$170,791
Mechanical Design Engineering Director12+ years$200,726
View as Graph

How Do Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $158,190.
  • California: $157,590.
  • Massachusetts: $155,490.

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: $178,290
  • 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 12.4%
Economics 1.11%
Food Service 0.94%
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 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%
Get Latest Data

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $159,522. While startup companies pay approximate $135,074.

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $135,074
Growth Stage 51~500 $142,824
Established 501~5000 $154,031
Enterprise 5000+ $159,522

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager positions in Media or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$171,468$82.020%
Software & Networking$171,468$82.020%
Financial Services$164,324$79.015%
Business Services$157,179$76.010%
Insurance$157,179$76.010%

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%
View as Graph

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 October 01, 2026
$132,990
Average $142,890/year
$155,390
$11,083
Average $11,908/month
$12,949
$2,558
Average $2,748/week
$2,988
$64
Average $69/hour
$75
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 $132,990 $11,083 $2,558 $64

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager

Next Role

Advancement

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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Manufacturing Product Engineering Senior Manager $169,200 18%
Mechanical Design Engineering Senior Manager $170,800 20%

Most common benefits for Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager

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

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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FAQ about Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Systems Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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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