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Mechanical Engineer VI Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer VI in the United States is $188,989 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $91.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $223,956
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $177,396 to $207,292
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $166,841
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Engineer VI Salaries

A Mechanical Engineer VI'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Mechanical Engineer VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Engineer VI'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 IV (7+ years): $129,094
  • Mechanical Engineer V (7-10 years): $148,543
  • Mechanical Engineer VI (10-12 years): $188,989
  • Mechanical Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $101,569
  • Mechanical Engineering Senior Supervisor (12+ years): $126,126
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Engineer IV7+ years$129,094
Mechanical Engineer V7-10 years$148,543
Mechanical Engineer VI10-12 years$188,989
Mechanical Engineering Supervisor12+ years$101,569
Mechanical Engineering Senior Supervisor12+ years$126,126
View as Graph

How Do Mechanical Engineer VIs 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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $209,249.
  • California: $208,455.
  • Massachusetts: $205,677.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Engineer VI

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: $238,372
  • San Francisco: $235,762
  • Oakland: $230,793

Mechanical Engineer VI Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $211,562. While startup companies pay approximate $178,977.

Mechanical Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $178,977
Growth Stage 51~500 $189,289
Established 501~5000 $204,301
Enterprise 5000+ $211,562

Mechanical Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Engineer positions in Internet or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$264,585$127.040%
Construction$245,686$118.030%
MFG Nondurable$230,567$111.022%
Aerospace & Defense$226,787$109.020%
Healthcare$217,337$104.015%

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

Understanding how a Mechanical Engineer VI'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
$177,396
Average $188,989/year
$207,292
$14,783
Average $15,749/month
$17,274
$3,411
Average $3,634/week
$3,986
$85
Average $91/hour
$100
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $207,292 $17,274 $3,986 $100
Average $188,989 $15,749 $3,634 $91
25th Percentile $177,396 $14,783 $3,411 $85

Mechanical Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Mechanical Engineer VI

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mechanical Engineer VI, 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 Engineering Supervisor $125,375 -34%
Mechanical Engineering Supervisor $101,569 -46%

Most common benefits for Mechanical Engineer VI

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

Common company salaries for Mechanical Engineer VI

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

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FAQ about Mechanical Engineer VI

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

A Mechanical Engineer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Mechanical Engineer VI is $238,372.

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

The highest pay for Mechanical Engineer VI is $223,956.

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

The lowest pay for Mechanical Engineer VI is $166,841.

4. What are the responsibilities of Mechanical Engineer VI?

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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

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

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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