There are over 281,000 mechanical engineers working across the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023). This is one of the largest and most in-demand engineering fields in the country. Designing engines, working on robotics, or building HVAC systems, mechanical engineers help keep industries running efficiently.
So, what’s the mechanical engineer salary in USA in 2025?
On average, professionals in this role earn $110,920 per year (₹92.5 lakh), while the total pay including bonuses and benefits can reach up to $142,925 (₹1.19 crore) annually. Entry-level engineers start lower, but with the right experience, certifications, and specializations, the numbers grow steadily.
This guide covers:
Average salaries by experience, role, and industry
Which states and cities pay the most
Career growth map and ways to increase your salary
What international graduates can expect
Thinking of applying for a mechanical engineering job in the US? Start here.
Want to pursue your MS before starting a mechanical engineering career in the US? Check out the total Cost of MS in the USA to see what to budget.
Wondering what your study journey might cost overall? This post on Masters in the USA: Costs gives a full breakdown—tuition, living, and more.
Here’s a salary graph showing mechanical engineer salary in USA by experience level:
Steady growth until year 9, where the top end stays around $100K
Major jump happens after 10+ years, reaching up to $200K for senior professionals
This chart helps you map out potential earnings through your mechanical engineering career. Want to increase your value early? Upskill in CAD tools, thermal systems, or automation tech.
Mechanical Engineer Salary USA by Experience Level
Your mechanical engineer salary in USA evolves as you gain years on the job. Entry-level roles are more task-driven. As you grow, you lead projects, manage teams, and take on strategic roles. Here's how salary shifts across experience levels.
Here’s how pay grows with experience:
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
Most fresh graduates or interns start in technical roles—CAD design, product testing, documentation, and drafting.
Metric
Value
Base Salary Range
$64K – $97K (₹53L – ₹80.6L)
Average Base Pay
$79K (₹65.6L)
Average Bonus
$18K (₹15L)
Total Avg. Compensation
$97K (₹81.2L)
Mid-Level (3–6 Years)
You take on client-facing projects, manage timelines, and may lead small teams or specialize in tools like FEA or CFD.
Metric
Value
Base Salary Range
$73K – $100K (₹60.6L – ₹83.5L)
Average Base Pay
$90K (₹74.9L)
Average Bonus
$23K (₹19.1L)
Total Avg. Compensation
$113K (₹94.6L)
Planning to reduce your expenses? Here's a complete guide to Scholarships for MS in USA with options for Indian students.
This visual shows which industries employ the most mechanical engineers among the top-paying sectors.
Web Search Portals surprisingly lead the chart, followed closely by Natural Gas Distribution. Traditional fields like Oil and Gas Extraction still offer strong demand, while Courier Services and Pipeline Transport have fewer openings but can offer high pay due to niche expertise.
If you're targeting a well-paying mechanical engineering job, these industries can shape your career direction—especially if you're open to roles beyond traditional manufacturing.
Yes—mechanical engineering continues to be one of the most stable and growing careers in the U.S. Job demand is projected to grow by 11% between 2023 and 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s faster than the national average for most occupations.
Each year, over 19,800 job openings are expected—driven by innovation across industries like renewable energy, aerospace, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
Current Outlook at a Glance:
Employment Growth (2023–2033): 11%
New Openings Per Year (Projected): ~19,800
Median Annual Salary: $99,510 (₹83.6L)
Top 3 Industries by Average Salary:
Web Services & Information Tech: $201,570 (₹1.7Cr)
Oil & Gas Extraction: $161,340 (₹1.35Cr)
Aerospace Manufacturing: $117,170 (₹98.4L)
Where Are Mechanical Engineers Working?
Industry
Avg. Salary (USD + INR)
Key Role Types
Architectural & Engineering Services
$104,620 (₹87.9L)
Design, simulation, R&D
Aerospace Manufacturing
$117,170 (₹98.4L)
System testing, flight mechanism design
Scientific R&D
$126,220 (₹1.05Cr)
Prototyping, materials testing
Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing
$93,900 (₹78.8L)
Production optimization, quality control
Federal & State Government Roles
$113,430 (₹95.2L)
Regulatory compliance, facility planning
Global Relevance & Opportunities for International Talent
Engineers with international degrees (especially from ABET-recognized or comparable programs) are eligible for roles across the U.S. after credential verification.
Programs like the STEM OPT extension for student visa holders (F1) help international grads stay and work in the U.S. longer.
Fields like renewable energy and robotics welcome skilled engineers from abroad.
Quick Rankings Snapshot (U.S. News, 2025):
#2 in Best Engineering Jobs
#15 in Best STEM Jobs
#27 in 100 Best Jobs Overall
Not sure how the academic system works there? This blog on the Education System in the USA clears up credit hours, grades, and degree types.
Mechanical Engineer Salary USA by Job Titles and Roles
Your job title in mechanical engineering shapes your responsibilities and earnings. Each role builds on technical expertise, project ownership, or specialization.
Many engineers begin with design or manufacturing roles and step into project or R&D functions as their careers advance.
Still deciding between countries? This post on USA vs Germany compares salaries, scope, and job market for engineers.
Canada is another strong engineering hub. This Canada vs USA blog helps you weigh job opportunities and PR options.
Mechanical Engineer Salary USA by Industry
Mechanical engineers work across sectors—from aerospace to healthcare—each offering unique exposure and pay scales. Here’s how compensation looks across key industries:
Industry
Average Salary (USD + INR)
What’s Driving the Pay
Aerospace & Defense
$104,170 (₹98.4 lakh)
Complex projects, government programs
Oil & Gas Extraction
$113,340 (₹1.35 crore)
Field operations, safety-critical roles
Scientific R&D Services
$140,220 (₹1.05 crore)
Innovation, simulation, lab testing
Automotive Manufacturing
$131,000 (₹80 lakh)
Design optimization, energy efficiency focus
Renewable Energy
$105,000 (₹88.3 lakh)
Sustainable solutions, rapid sector growth
Federal Government Agencies
$108,430 (₹95.2 lakh)
Public infrastructure, policy-aligned projects
High-paying sectors often involve advanced tech, system safety, or emerging energy. Aligning your skillset with these industries can lead to faster career growth.
Already planning your course? These Mechanical Engineering Courses in USA offer great specializations—especially in robotics, manufacturing, and automotive.
Where you work can make a big difference in your paycheck. Some cities offer higher salaries due to the cost of living, demand for engineers, or presence of large-scale industries and defense contractors.
Here’s a look at the top-paying cities for mechanical engineers in USA.
City
Average Annual Salary (USD + INR)
What Drives Demand
Aiken, SC
$136,720 (₹1.15 crore)
Energy facilities, Department of Energy contracts
Dallas, TX
$121,377 (₹1.02 crore)
Aerospace, electronics, and construction industries
San Diego, CA
$112,210 (₹94.4 lakh)
Defense firms, biotech, naval research centers
Austin, TX
$108,357 (₹91.1 lakh)
Tech manufacturing, EV startups, chip makers
San Jose, CA
$106,726 (₹89.7 lakh)
Robotics, AI, and hardware engineering in Silicon Valley
Houston, TX
$102,753 (₹86.3 lakh)
Oil & gas, energy services, engineering consultancies
Huntsville, AL
$100,735 (₹84.6 lakh)
Aerospace, NASA projects, defense R&D
Salt Lake City, UT
$100,204 (₹84.2 lakh)
Manufacturing and transportation innovation
Kansas City, MO
$98,349 (₹82.6 lakh)
Construction, automotive suppliers, public infrastructure
Tip: Cities like Dallas and Austin offer strong pay without the high living costs of coastal areas. Engineering hubs with government contracts or R&D centers tend to offer better salaries.
What About Remote and Hybrid Work?
Mechanical engineering still leans heavily toward on-site roles, especially in manufacturing, R&D, and testing environments. However:
Hybrid options exist for CAD designers, simulation experts, and project managers.
Remote roles are growing in energy consultancy, data modeling, and design engineering—especially if you’re working with global teams or firms using cloud-based engineering tools.
Mechanical Engineering Specializations and Their Pay
Your choice of specialization can impact your salary, growth opportunities, and the kind of projects you work on. Some fields pay more due to niche demand or required technical skills. Here's what you should know:
Which Mechanical Engineering Specializations Pay the Most?
Specialization
Average Salary (USD + INR)
Robotics
$120,000+ (₹1 crore+)
Mechatronics
$115,000 (₹91.2 lakh)
Thermal Systems
$149,000 (₹1.2 crores)
HVAC
$181,000 (₹1.5 crores)
CAD/Design
$97,000 (₹76 lakh)
What Skills Speed Up Salary Growth?
If you’re aiming for faster promotions or higher pay, these skills make a difference:
Software Proficiency: Master SolidWorks, AutoCAD, MATLAB, or CATIA.
Control Systems & Embedded Programming: Especially relevant in mechatronics and robotics roles.
Simulation & Analysis: Tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, or COMSOL are valuable in design-heavy roles.
Certifications: PE license, LEED certification, or HVAC-specific credentials like EPA Section 608.
Project Exposure: Experience in prototyping, product design lifecycle, or sustainability engineering.
Ask Yourself:
Are you better at hands-on design, or systems-level problem solving?
Do you enjoy simulation work or prefer field roles?
Does your current job allow you to learn cross-functional tools?
If your answer is "not yet"—that’s a sign it’s time to explore a deeper niche or upskill.
Sorting your stay in USA? This Student Accommodation in USA guide breaks down living options and costs city-wise.
Still unsure about USA? Here’s why it remains the top choice in tech and engineering: Why Study in USA.
Public vs Private Sector Mechanical Engineer Salary USA
Mechanical engineers work across both public institutions and private industries in USA. But how does compensation compare?
Sector
Average Salary (Base + Bonus)
Job Stability
Perks & Benefits
Public (NASA, DoE, National Labs)
$95,000 – $120,000/year
High (especially in research roles)
Pension plans, medical, housing support
Private (Tech, Aerospace, Energy)
$100,000 – $140,000+/year
Depends on company
Stock options, bonuses, flexible hours
Government agencies like NASA, the Department of Energy, and national research labs hire engineers for long-term roles in sustainability, defense, and space tech. These roles come with strong retirement plans, medical benefits, and predictable promotions.
Private firms, on the other hand, reward engineers based on performance. Expect higher base pay, faster role upgrades, and a wide mix of projects. Tech firms like Apple or Tesla also offer equity or stock bonuses—something rare in government roles.
Contract-based research roles also exist in both sectors. These may pay more per hour but usually skip full-time benefits.
Top Companies Hiring Mechanical Engineers in USA
Several major companies in USA are actively hiring mechanical engineers—especially in tech, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. The pay range is competitive and often comes with perks like equity or hybrid roles.
Company
Total Pay Range
Key Hiring Areas
Apple
$200K – $300K/year
Consumer electronics
Tesla
$100K – $200K/year
EV, battery, robotics
Boeing
$95K – $150K/year
Aerospace, defense
Lockheed Martin
$93K – $150K/year
Defense, aerospace
Northrop Grumman
$92K – $150K/year
Satellites, defense tech
Nvidia
$200K – $300K/year
Hardware, cooling systems
Google
$200K – $300K/year
Data center cooling, HW
Meta (Facebook)
$200K – $300K/year
Product hardware teams
What stands out?
Tech giants pay top dollar and attract engineers with perks like stock units and global exposure.
Aerospace and defense companies value mechanical engineers for core system design, testing, and reliability.
Most firms now offer hybrid work for roles that aren't factory- or lab-dependent.
Career Path for Mechanical Engineers in USA
Mechanical engineering offers a structured yet flexible career path in USA. Whether you’re starting out or aiming for leadership, the steps are fairly defined.
Career Roadmap:
Stage
Title
Typical Years
Stage 1
Entry-Level Engineer
0–2 years
Stage 2
Associate Mechanical Engineer
2–4 years
Stage 3
Senior Mechanical Engineer
5–8 years
Stage 4
Lead Engineer/Tech Lead
8–12 years
Stage 5
Engineering Manager/Director
12–15+ years
Engineers who complete their PE (Professional Engineer) license or earn specialized certifications in HVAC, CFD, or materials science often reach senior roles faster. Leadership skills and communication also play a big role after mid-career.
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in USA
Looking to start a mechanical engineering career in the US? Here's how the path looks:
Earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (ABET-accredited preferred).
Do at least one internship—whether in manufacturing, R&D, or plant operations.
Master essential tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS, and MATLAB.
Take the FE exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) after graduation.
Work under a licensed engineer for 4 years to qualify for the PE license (optional, but adds credibility).
Consider a master’s degree if you want to specialize in fields like robotics, thermal engineering, or renewable energy.
Certifications in areas like HVAC design, Six Sigma, or 3D printing give you an edge in niche industries.
Want to move from generalist to specialist? Learning software like Simulink or mastering design-for-manufacturing can set you apart.
How upGrad Abroad Helps You Launch a Career in Mechanical Engineering
Getting started in USA engineering job market takes more than just a degree. That’s where upGrad Abroad steps in with end-to-end support:
Access scholarships to reduce the financial load of studying abroad.
FE/PE prep resources with study plans and practice tests.
MS application prep: SOP templates, resume reviews, and LOR writing guides.
Cost of living and ROI calculator for cities and universities in USA.
Job-readiness support: mock interviews, project portfolio building, and mentorship.
Ready to pursue mechanical engineering in the US? Check out upGrad Abroad’s programs and connect with a counselor to find the best-fit course and country.
Is the Mechanical Engineer Salary USA Worth It in 2025?
Yes — mechanical engineering continues to offer strong long-term returns. The mechanical engineer salary USA grows steadily with experience and skill upgrades. It’s a career that spans industries—automotive, aerospace, robotics, manufacturing, energy—and keeps evolving with new tech.
Engineers with strong fundamentals and hands-on project experience often move into high-paying roles, leadership, or R&D. If you’re looking for a career with steady demand, solid pay, and problem-solving at its core, this path makes sense.
FAQs About Mechanical Engineer Salary USA in 2025
What is the average starting salary for a mechanical engineer in the US?
Entry-level mechanical engineers typically start with $70,000–$78,000 (₹58.8–₹65.5 lakh) per year. Salaries vary based on industry and location.
Which city pays the most for mechanical engineers in 2025?
San Jose, CA, and Houston, TX, top the list. Average salaries here can reach $105,000–$120,000 (₹88.2–₹1 crore) annually for experienced engineers.
Are salaries higher in aerospace or automotive?
Yes, aerospace companies generally pay more than automotive firms. Engineers in aerospace can earn 10–20% higher, especially in roles tied to defense or R&D.
Do mechanical engineers get paid overtime in the US?
Most salaried engineers are considered exempt under FLSA and don’t receive overtime pay. However, some roles (especially at the technician level or government) do qualify.
How do certifications affect pay?
Certifications like Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), FE (Fundamentals of Engineering), or Six Sigma Green Belt can boost salary by 5–10%, especially in operations-heavy roles.
Is a PE license necessary to earn more?
Not always. However, for roles in construction, HVAC design, public infrastructure, or consulting, a Professional Engineer (PE) license opens doors to higher-paying and leadership roles.
Can international graduates earn competitive salaries?
Yes. With OPT or H-1B status, international graduates with USA degrees can start at $70,000+ (₹58.8 lakh) in most states—same as US-born peers, if qualified.
What’s the salary range for HVAC engineers in the US?
HVAC design engineers typically earn $65,000–$95,000 (₹54.6–₹79.8 lakh). Senior HVAC roles in commercial projects or hospitals can exceed $100,000 (₹84 lakh).
Are remote jobs available for mechanical engineers?
Some design and simulation roles (CAD, CAE, CFD) offer remote or hybrid work. Fieldwork, manufacturing, and plant-based roles are mostly on-site.
How much do mechanical engineers earn after 10 years?
Mid-to-senior engineers with 10+ years of experience earn $110,000–$135,000 (₹92.4–₹1.13 crore), especially if managing teams or large technical projects.
Do government jobs pay less than private firms?
Yes. Federal and state engineering roles usually pay 10–15% lower, but offer strong benefits, job stability, and pension plans.
What are typical bonuses in this field?
Bonuses vary by sector. Manufacturing firms offer annual bonuses of 5–10% of base salary. Aerospace and oil & gas may offer performance-based or signing bonuses too.
Is there a gender pay gap in mechanical engineering?
Yes, though it’s narrowing. Recent reports show women in mechanical engineering earn about 92–95% of what male peers earn for similar roles and experience.
Can mechanical engineers transition into management roles?
Absolutely. Many shift into engineering management, operations, or product leadership roles with 5–10 years of experience and either an MBA or PMP certification.
What’s the demand for mechanical engineers beyond 2025?
Demand remains steady, especially in automation, robotics, HVAC, energy systems, and manufacturing. Emerging sectors like electric vehicles and sustainable design will drive future growth.
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.
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