As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineering Manager in the United States is $142,842 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Mechanical Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $101,568 |
| Mechanical Engineering Senior Supervisor | 12+ years | $126,124 |
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | 12+ years | $142,842 |
| Mechanical Engineering Senior Manager | 12+ years | $168,328 |
| Mechanical Engineering Director | 12+ years | $198,347 |
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 Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.4% |
| Economics | 1.11% |
| Food Service | 0.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Catering
|
$174,267 |
22%
|
|
Agile
|
$152,841 |
7%
|
|
Motivating
|
$151,413 |
6%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$149,984 |
5%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$149,984 |
5%
|
|
Business Development
|
$149,984 |
5%
|
Mechanical Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $159,768. While startup companies pay approximate $135,116.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $135,116 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $142,906 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $154,286 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $159,768 |
For Mechanical Engineering Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Engineering Manager positions in Media or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $171,410 | $82.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $171,410 | $82.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $164,268 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $157,126 | $76.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $157,126 | $76.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $153,504 and $162,484).
Mechanical Engineering Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 4.1% |
| Associates | 2.8% |
| Bachelors | 46.4% |
| Masters | 40.3% |
| Doctorate | 5.9% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager, 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 Senior Manager | $169,107 | 18% |
| Mechanical Engineering Senior Manager | $168,328 | 18% |
Salaries for a Mechanical Engineering Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $153,306 in 2023 to around $144,591 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineering Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $153,306 |
| 2024 | $149,288 |
| 2025 | $144,591 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Mechanical Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Mechanical Engineering Manager is $180,167.
The highest pay for Mechanical Engineering Manager is $166,616.
The lowest pay for Mechanical Engineering Manager is $123,969.
Manages the design and analysis of mechanical components and systems to meet specified requirements and standards. Provides technical direction to team members in designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems or components. Utilizes CAD software and other design and modeling tools to plan, develop, and improve mechanical parts or components. Oversees prototype testing to evaluate the performance, reliability, and safety of mechanical systems and reviews data and analysis to develop improvements. Manages engineering projects through their entire lifecycle, including cost and requirement analysis, scheduling, and coordinating activities with stakeholders. Establishes programs to support training, process improvements, and best practices and protocols. Leads initiatives with other departments to identify potential products and projects. Stays abreast of new technologies and processes and implements changes to improve the organization's mechanical engineering capabilities. Requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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