As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer IV in the United States is $129,096 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Mechanical Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $188,983 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.94% |
| Hydraulics | 2.62% |
| Installation | 1.77% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Machine Learning
|
$145,878 |
13%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$136,842 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$136,842 |
6%
|
|
Team Building
|
$136,842 |
6%
|
|
Schematic
|
$135,551 |
5%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$134,260 |
4%
|
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 $144,393. While startup companies pay approximate $122,113.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $122,113 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $129,154 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $139,439 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $144,393 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $167,825 | $81.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $167,825 | $81.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $161,370 | $78.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $154,915 | $74.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $154,915 | $74.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineer IVs 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 Engineer IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $133,785 and $140,335).
Mechanical Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $148,555 | 15% |
Salaries for a Mechanical Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $129,766 in 2023 to around $128,344 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $129,766 |
| 2024 | $130,255 |
| 2025 | $128,344 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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 $162,829.
The highest pay for Mechanical Engineer IV is $144,729.
The lowest pay for Mechanical Engineer IV is $114,242.
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.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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