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Mechanical Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer IV in the United States is $129,094 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $144,731
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $121,329 to $137,279
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $114,259
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Engineer IV Salaries

A Mechanical Engineer IV'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 Engineer IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Engineer IV'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 Engineer II (2-4 years): $93,746
  • Mechanical Engineer III (4-7 years): $108,341
  • Mechanical Engineer IV (7+ years): $129,094
  • Mechanical Engineer V (7-10 years): $148,543
  • Mechanical Engineer VI (10-12 years): $188,989
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Engineer II2-4 years$93,746
Mechanical Engineer III4-7 years$108,341
Mechanical Engineer IV7+ years$129,094
Mechanical Engineer V7-10 years$148,543
Mechanical Engineer VI10-12 years$188,989
View as Graph

How Do Mechanical Engineer IVs 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 Engineer IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $142,933.
  • California: $142,391.
  • Massachusetts: $140,493.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Engineer IV

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: $162,826
  • San Francisco: $161,043
  • Oakland: $157,650

What Skills Can Increase a Mechanical Engineer IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.94% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Hydraulics (Mentioned in 2.62% Job Postings): Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.77% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.94%
Hydraulics 2.62%
Installation 1.77%
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 Engineer IV's salary.

  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Computer Vision: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Machine Learning $145,876
13%
Computer Vision $136,840
6%
Insight $136,840
6%
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Mechanical Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $144,513. While startup companies pay approximate $122,255.

Mechanical Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $122,255
Growth Stage 51~500 $129,299
Established 501~5000 $139,553
Enterprise 5000+ $144,513

Mechanical Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$167,822$81.030%
Software & Networking$167,822$81.030%
Biotechnology$161,368$78.025%
Internet$154,913$74.020%
Pharmaceuticals$154,913$74.020%

How Education impacts an Mechanical Engineer IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineer IV enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Mechanical Engineer IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $133,785 and $140,335.

Mechanical Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Engineer IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 0.6%
Associates 0.6%
Bachelors 49.0%
Masters 40.6%
Doctorate 9.2%
View as Graph

Mechanical Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Engineer IV'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 August 01, 2026
$121,329
Average $129,094/year
$137,279
$10,111
Average $10,758/month
$11,440
$2,333
Average $2,483/week
$2,640
$58
Average $62/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $137,279 $11,440 $2,640 $66
Average $129,094 $10,758 $2,483 $62
25th Percentile $121,329 $10,111 $2,333 $58

Mechanical Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Mechanical Engineer IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Engineer IV, 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 V $160,329 24%
Mechanical Engineer V $148,543 15%

Most common benefits for Mechanical Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Mechanical Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Mechanical Engineer IV

1. Where can a Mechanical Engineer IV earn the most?

A Mechanical Engineer IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Mechanical Engineer IV is $162,826.

2. What is the highest pay for Mechanical Engineer IV?

The highest pay for Mechanical Engineer IV is $144,731.

3. What is the lowest pay for Mechanical Engineer IV?

The lowest pay for Mechanical Engineer IV is $114,259.

4. What are the responsibilities of Mechanical Engineer IV?

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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Mechanical Engineer IV?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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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