As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Mechanical Engineer in the United States is $98,342 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Licensed Mechanical Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Licensed Mechanical 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 Licensed Mechanical 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Licensed Mechanical Engineer | $95,522 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Mechanical Engineer | $96,352 |
| Senior Level Licensed Mechanical Engineer | $97,513 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Mechanical Engineer | $99,423 |
| Expert Level Licensed Mechanical Engineer | $101,936 |
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 Licensed Mechanical Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Accountability | 4.65% |
| Nursing Practice | 2.82% |
| Basic Life Support | 1.73% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employee Engagement
|
$125,878 |
28%
|
|
Instructing
|
$118,010 |
20%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$110,143 |
12%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$108,176 |
10%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$105,226 |
7%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$104,242 |
6%
|
For Licensed Mechanical Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Licensed Mechanical Engineer positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Licensed Mechanical Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $108,176 | $52.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Licensed Mechanical 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 Licensed Mechanical Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $124,772 in 2023 to around $124,474 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Mechanical Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $124,772 |
| 2024 | $125,454 |
| 2025 | $124,474 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Licensed Mechanical Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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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