As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer VI in the United States is $188,983 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $129,096 |
| Mechanical Engineer V | 7-10 years | $148,555 |
| Mechanical Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $188,983 |
| Mechanical Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $101,568 |
| Mechanical Engineering Senior Supervisor | 12+ years | $126,124 |
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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 $211,376. While startup companies pay approximate $178,761.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $178,761 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $189,068 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $204,124 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $211,376 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $264,576 | $127.0 | 40% |
| Construction | $245,678 | $118.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $230,559 | $111.0 | 22% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $226,780 | $109.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $217,330 | $104.0 | 15% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $125,374 | -34% |
| Mechanical Engineering Supervisor | $101,568 | -46% |
Salaries for a Mechanical Engineer VI can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $165,008 in 2023 to around $154,375 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineer VI salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $165,008 |
| 2024 | $159,615 |
| 2025 | $154,375 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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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 $238,364.
The highest pay for Mechanical Engineer VI is $223,893.
The lowest pay for Mechanical Engineer VI is $166,786.
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.
The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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.)
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