As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer in Rhode Island is $60,359 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
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 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:
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 | $72,430 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Media | $69,412 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $67,602 | $33.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $66,395 | $32.0 | 10% |
| MFG Nondurable | $65,187 | $31.0 | 8% |
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 September 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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