As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer I in the United States is $79,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Mechanical Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical 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 Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,501 |
| Mechanical Engineer II | 2-4 years | $93,746 |
| Mechanical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $108,342 |
| Mechanical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $129,096 |
| Mechanical Engineer V | 7-10 years | $148,555 |
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 Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.4% |
| Hydraulics | 2.53% |
| Installation | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Vision
|
$86,656 |
9%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$85,861 |
8%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$85,861 |
8%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$85,066 |
7%
|
|
Packaging
|
$84,271 |
6%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$84,271 |
6%
|
Mechanical Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,921. While startup companies pay approximate $75,201.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,201 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,537 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,870 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $88,921 |
For Mechanical 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 Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical 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 | $107,326 | $52.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $103,351 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $99,376 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $95,401 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $91,426 | $44.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate'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 Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $75,071 and $78,478).
Mechanical Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 1.2% |
| Associates | 2.3% |
| Bachelors | 68.5% |
| Masters | 25.1% |
| Doctorate | 2.8% |
Understanding how a Mechanical 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Product Engineer II | $92,954 | 17% |
| Mechanical Engineer II | $93,746 | 18% |
Salaries for a Mechanical Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,477 in 2023 to around $78,667 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,477 |
| 2024 | $80,287 |
| 2025 | $78,667 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Mechanical Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Mechanical Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Mechanical Engineer I is $100,275.
The highest pay for Mechanical Engineer I is $92,303.
The lowest pay for Mechanical Engineer I is $69,863.
Designs, analyzes, and maintains mechanical components and systems to meet specified requirements and standards. Utilizes technical instruments to develop specifications for new parts, modifications, or prototypes. Identifies appropriate materials and processes to ensure the quality, performance, and manufacturability of products. Utilizes CAD software and other design and modeling tools to plan, develop, and improve mechanical parts or components and communicate conceptual designs and specifications to stakeholders. Conducts prototype testing to evaluate the performance, reliability, and safety of mechanical systems and collects and analyzes data for improvements. Analyzes and troubleshoots mechanical issues or failures to identify root causes and develop solutions. Requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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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