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Engineering2025

Mechanical Engineer Salary in the USA

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems and devices. They work across industries from automotive to aerospace to energy.

Average Salary
$95,000
per year
Entry Level
$65,000
starting salary
Experienced
$95,000
mid-career
Senior Level
$125,000
top earners

Mechanical Engineer Take Home Pay

On the average Mechanical Engineer salary of $95,000, you would take home $75,219 per year ($6,268.21 per month) after federal tax and FICA.

Yearly
Gross: $95,000.00
$75,218.50
Federal Tax:-$12,514.00
FICA (SS + Medicare):-$7,267.50
Monthly
Gross: $7,916.67
$6,268.21
Federal Tax:-$1,042.83
FICA (SS + Medicare):-$605.63
Weekly
Gross: $1,826.92
$1,446.51
Federal Tax:-$240.65
FICA (SS + Medicare):-$139.76

Effective tax rate: 20.8%|Marginal rate: 22%

Mechanical Engineer Salary by Location

Mechanical Engineer salaries vary significantly by region. California and New York typically offer the highest salaries but also have higher costs of living and state income taxes.

New York
$105,000
+17% vs national
California
$110,000
+22% vs national
Texas
$95,000
+6% vs national
National Average
$90,000
baseline

Mechanical Engineer Salary Growth (2020-2025)

See how Mechanical Engineer salaries have changed over the past 5 years, including inflation-adjusted real growth.

Mechanical Engineer Salary Trends (5 Years)
Historical salary data from 2020 to 2025

+21.1%

Total Growth

+$16,521

Salary Increase

+3.9%

Annual Growth Rate

-2.6%

Real Growth (Inflation Adj.)

Year-over-Year Changes

20202021
$78,479$80,048+2.0%
20212022
$80,048$83,250+4.0%
20222023
$83,250$87,413+5.0%
20232024
$87,413$91,346+4.5%
20242025
$91,346$95,000+4.0%

Key Skills Required

CAD SoftwareThermodynamicsMaterials ScienceFEAProject ManagementProblem Solving

Typical Qualifications

  • Mechanical Engineering degree
  • PE license (optional)
  • Relevant industry experience

Mechanical Engineer Career Progression

Junior Engineer
Design Engineer
Senior Engineer
Principal Engineer
Engineering Manager

What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do?

Designing mechanical components and systems
Conducting stress and thermal analysis
Overseeing prototype development
Managing projects and budgets
Ensuring safety and quality standards

Industries Hiring Mechanical Engineers

AutomotiveAerospaceEnergyManufacturingConsulting

Calculate Your Take Home Pay

Adjust the salary and see your personalized take-home pay calculation.

Your Income

Enter your salary details for 2025

$
$

✓ No state income tax

$0/yr

Pre-tax contribution (max $23,500 in 2025)

$0/yr

Pre-tax health savings (max $4,300 self / $8,550 family)

Take Home Pay

$75,218.50/year

79.2% of gross income

  • Gross Income$95,000.00
  • Taxable Income$80,000.00
  • Federal Tax-$12,514.00
  • State Tax (TX)-$0.00
  • Social Security-$5,890.00
  • Medicare-$1,377.50
  • Total Deductions-$19,781.50

20.8%

Effective Rate

22%

Marginal Rate

$95,000 Salary Insights

Compare your salary and understand your tax breakdown

$95,000 vs US Wages

Above US average

+60%

vs US Median

$35,460

Above Median

Where Your $95,000 Goes

Annual breakdown of your salary

Take Home79.2%
Federal Tax13.2%
Social Security6.2%
Medicare1.5%

401(k) Tax Benefits on $95,000

See how 401(k) contributions reduce your tax bill

Increase your 401(k) contribution to see potential tax savings. Max contribution for 2025 is $23,500.

Mechanical Engineer Salary FAQ

What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in the US?

The average Mechanical Engineer salary in the US is $95,000 per year. Salaries typically range from $65,000 for entry-level positions to $135,000 for senior roles.

How much does a Mechanical Engineer earn in California?

A Mechanical Engineer in California earns an average of $110,000 per year, which is 22% higher than the national average.

What is the take-home pay for a Mechanical Engineer?

On the average Mechanical Engineer salary of $95,000, you would take home approximately $75,219 per year ($6,268.21 per month) after federal income tax and FICA taxes.