As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer 1 in the United States is $77,831 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Mechanical Engineer 1's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical Engineer 1'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 1'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineer 1 | $78,953 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineer 1 | $93,099 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineer 1 | $107,599 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineer 1 | $128,210 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineer 1 | $147,566 |
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 1s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.4% |
| Hydraulics | 2.53% |
| Installation | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Vision
|
$84,836 |
9%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$84,057 |
8%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$84,057 |
8%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$83,279 |
7%
|
|
Packaging
|
$82,501 |
6%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$82,501 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineer 1s enter the field with a Associate'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 1 with a Associate's Degree is between $75,071 and $78,478).
Mechanical Engineer 1 Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 1.2% |
| Associates | 2.3% |
| Bachelors | 68.5% |
| Masters | 25.1% |
| Doctorate | 2.8% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Engineer 1'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, 2026Salaries for a Mechanical Engineer 1 can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,901 in 2023 to around $78,124 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineer 1 salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $82,901 |
| 2024 | $79,733 |
| 2025 | $78,124 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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