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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Principal Engineer in Indiana is $142,972 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Mechanical Principal Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Principal Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $150,154 | $12,513 | $2,888 | $72 |
| Average | $142,972 | $11,914 | $2,749 | $69 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,957 | $11,330 | $2,615 | $65 |
Venturous Truck Tops - Elkhart, IN
Swoon - West Lafayette, IN
GHR Engineers & Associates, INC. - Indianapolis, IN
Chobani - Lebanon, IN
A Mechanical Principal 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Principal Engineer'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 Principal Engineer | $103,893 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $123,793 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $142,444 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $181,229 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $97,399 |
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 Principal Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Mechanical Principal Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Principal Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Principal Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $178,715 | $86.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $171,567 | $82.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $164,418 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $164,418 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $164,418 | $79.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Principal 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $150,154 | $12,513 | $2,888 | $72 |
| Average | $142,972 | $11,914 | $2,749 | $69 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,957 | $11,330 | $2,615 | $65 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Principal Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
SMC Corporation of America
Noblesville, IN
SMC Corporation of America | Noblesville, IN
Job Description. Job Description. This role is located at our US Headquarters in Noblesville, IN. PURPOSE. Defining problems, conducting and narrowing rese... more
9 Days Ago
Riverside Mfg LLC
Fort Wayne, IN
Riverside Mfg LLC | Fort Wayne, IN
Job Description. Job Description. We are a dynamic and rapidly growing tech company that specializes in delivering innovative products and software solutio... more
9 Days Ago
Pro Tunnel Parts
Huntertown, IN
Pro Tunnel Parts | Huntertown, IN
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a highly skilled entry-level. Design/Mechanical Engineer. to join our team. This role will focus on design... more
9 Days Ago
SMC Corporation of America
Greenfield, IN
SMC Corporation of America | Greenfield, IN
Job Description. Job Description. This role is located at our US Headquarters in Noblesville, IN. PURPOSE. The lead engineer defines problems, conducts res... more
10 Days Ago
RTM Engineering Consultants, LLC
Evansville, IN
RTM Engineering Consultants, LLC | Evansville, IN
Job Description. Job Description. Position: Mechanical Engineer II. Location: Lakewood, CO / Avon, CO / Orlando, FL / Rogers, AR / Bentonville, AR / Northw... more
11 Days Ago
WEG Electric Corp
Bluffton, IN
WEG Electric Corp | Bluffton, IN
Job Description. Job Description. Description. The Mechanical & Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation and continuo... more
7 Days Ago
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