As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineering Intern in the United States is $77,610 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Mechanical Engineering Intern's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical Engineering Intern'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 Intern'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 Engineering Intern | $78,729 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineering Intern | $92,837 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineering Intern | $107,290 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineering Intern | $127,842 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Engineering Intern | $147,102 |
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 Interns. 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
|
$84,595 |
9%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$83,819 |
8%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$83,819 |
8%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$83,043 |
7%
|
|
Packaging
|
$82,267 |
6%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$82,267 |
6%
|
For Mechanical Engineering Intern roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Engineering Intern positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Engineering Intern as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $104,774 | $50.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $100,893 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $97,013 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $93,132 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $89,252 | $43.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineering Interns 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 Engineering Intern with a Associate's Degree is between $75,071 and $78,478).
Mechanical Engineering Intern 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 Engineering Intern'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, 2026Salaries for a Mechanical Engineering Intern can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,667 in 2023 to around $77,904 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineering Intern salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $82,667 |
| 2024 | $79,508 |
| 2025 | $77,904 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineering Intern roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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