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Hourly Wage for Mechanical Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Mechanical Engineering Director make hourly?

As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Mechanical Engineering Director in the United States is $95, which translates to an annual salary of about $198,346.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $108 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $88 to $102 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $81 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $88 10% $81 90% $108 75% $102 $95 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Mechanical Engineering Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $212,185 $17,682 $4,080 $102
Average $198,346 $16,529 $3,814 $95
25th Percentile $182,608 $15,217 $3,512 $88
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Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Engineering Director Salaries

A Mechanical Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Engineering Director'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 Engineering Senior Supervisor (3-5 years): $126,118
  • Mechanical Engineering Manager (5+ years): $142,829
  • Mechanical Engineering Senior Manager (5+ years): $168,328
  • Mechanical Engineering Director (5+ years): $198,346
  • Head of Mechanical Engineering (5+ years): $249,202
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Engineering Senior Supervisor3-5 years$126,118
Mechanical Engineering Manager5+ years$142,829
Mechanical Engineering Senior Manager5+ years$168,328
Mechanical Engineering Director5+ years$198,346
Head of Mechanical Engineering5+ years$249,202
$126,118 Mechanica...
$142,829 Mechanica...
$168,328 Mechanica...
$198,346 Mechanica...
$249,202 Head of M...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Mechanical Engineering Director 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 Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $219,609.
  • California: $218,776.
  • Massachusetts: $215,860.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Engineering Directors

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: $250,174
  • San Francisco: $247,714
  • Oakland: $242,220

Mechanical Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Engineering Director'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 April 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Mechanical Engineering Director

Salaries for a Mechanical Engineering Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $198,650 in 2023 to around $192,869 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineering Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Mechanical Engineering Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$198,650
2024
$196,770
2025
$192,869
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $198,650
2024 $196,770
2025 $192,869
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Mechanical Engineering Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Mechanical Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for Mechanical Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Mechanical Engineering Director

1. What are the responsibilities of Mechanical Engineering Director?

Directs the design and analysis of mechanical components and systems to meet specified requirements and standards. Leads high-level design and development of new mechanical engineering initiatives and projects. Develops policies and procedures to guide the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems or components. Reviews data and analysis to evaluate the performance, reliability, and safety of mechanical systems. Oversees the establishment of programs to support training, process improvements, and best practices and protocols. Leads initiatives with other departments to identify new potential products and projects. Stays abreast of new technologies and processes and implements changes to improve the organization's mechanical engineering capabilities. Typically requires a master's degree in mechanical engineering. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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