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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Test Engineer in Virginia is $91,154 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Mechanical Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Test Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $98,757 | $8,230 | $1,899 | $47 |
| Average | $91,154 | $7,596 | $1,753 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,764 | $6,647 | $1,534 | $38 |
Markon Cooperative, Inc. - Mc Lean, VA
Emerson - Amherst, VA
9th Way Insignia - Ashburn, VA
J5 Consulting - McLean, VA
A Mechanical Test 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 Test 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 |
|---|---|
| Product D... Level Mechanical Test Engineer | $81,056 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Test Engineer | $91,945 |
| Product D... Level Mechanical Test Engineer | $114,936 |
| Product D... Level Mechanical Test Engineer | $140,340 |
| Product D... Level Mechanical Test Engineer | $164,406 |
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 Test 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 Test Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Hospitality & Leisure and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Test Engineer positions in Insurance or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality & Leisure | $127,615 | $61.0 | 40% |
| Construction | $118,500 | $57.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $113,942 | $55.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $109,384 | $53.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $104,827 | $50.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Test 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 | $98,757 | $8,230 | $1,899 | $47 |
| Average | $91,154 | $7,596 | $1,753 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,764 | $6,647 | $1,534 | $38 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Test Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
DANE LLC
Chantilly, VA
DANE LLC | Chantilly, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). 401(k) matching. Dental insurance. Employee discounts. Health insurance. Paid time off. Tuition assista... more
11 Days Ago
Electro-Mechanical Corporation
Bristol, VA
Electro-Mechanical Corporation | Bristol, VA
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES. . Data Platform & Architecture. Comprehend and follow shop procedures, standard practice instructions, prints, diagrams and othe... more
16 Days Ago
Altron Inc
Manassas, VA
Altron Inc | Manassas, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. We are seeking a Test Engineer to join our team in Manassas, VA. In this role, you will be responsible for s... more
9 Days Ago
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Virginia Beach, VA
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Virginia Beach, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary Range: $85,000.00-104,000.00 per year. Role and Responsibilities. Full Time position supporting the TESS Task Orde... more
9 Days Ago
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Wallops Island, VA
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Wallops Island, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary Range: $88,000.00-100,000.00 per year. Role and Responsibilities. Full Time position supporting the TESS Task Orde... more
8 Days Ago
Liberty Personnel Services, Inc
Richmond, VA
Liberty Personnel Services, Inc | Richmond, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Senior Mechanical Engineer (HVAC). Join a collaborative MEP consulting team delivering innovative K-12, municipal, commer... more
7 Days Ago
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