As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer in the United States is $58,213 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Mechanical Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical Design Engineer'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.
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 Design Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.85% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.93% |
| Installation | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$62,288 |
7%
|
|
Presentation
|
$61,706 |
6%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$61,706 |
6%
|
|
Project Management
|
$61,706 |
6%
|
|
Product Development
|
$61,706 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$61,706 |
6%
|
For Mechanical Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Media sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Design Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $69,856 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Media | $66,945 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $65,199 | $31.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $64,035 | $31.0 | 10% |
| MFG Nondurable | $62,870 | $30.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Design Engineers 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 Design Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $50,726 and $55,509).
Mechanical Design Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 6.1% |
| Associates | 54.2% |
| Bachelors | 31.3% |
| Masters | 7.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Design Engineer'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 Design Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $51,488 in 2023 to around $51,150 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Design Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $51,488 |
| 2024 | $51,760 |
| 2025 | $51,150 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Design Engineer 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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