As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer Designer in the United States is $81,640 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Mechanical Engineer Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical Engineer Designer'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 Engineer Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.69% |
| Mechanical Systems | 2.85% |
| System Design | 1.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
System Design
|
$91,437 |
12%
|
|
Plumbing
|
$91,437 |
12%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$90,620 |
11%
|
|
HVAC
|
$88,987 |
9%
|
|
Project Design
|
$88,171 |
8%
|
|
Computer Aided Design
|
$86,538 |
6%
|
For Mechanical Engineer Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Engineer Designer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Engineer Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $93,886 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $93,886 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $91,437 | $44.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,804 | $43.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $89,804 | $43.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineer Designers 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 Designer with a Associate's Degree is between $75,504 and $81,911).
Mechanical Engineer Designer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 25.4% |
| Associates | 42.6% |
| Bachelors | 25.4% |
| Masters | 4.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Engineer Designer'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, 2026Salaries for a Mechanical Engineer Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $59,710 in 2023 to around $59,163 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineer Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $59,710 |
| 2024 | $59,905 |
| 2025 | $59,163 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineer Designer roles, with salaries approximately 15% 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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