The salary of a Mechanical Engineer I in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Mechanical Engineer I in the United States is $79,521. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $72,132 to $84,807, with most professionals earning between $65,405 and $89,620.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $84,807 | $7,067 | $1,631 | $41 |
| Average | $79,521 | $6,627 | $1,529 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,132 | $6,011 | $1,387 | $35 |
An entry-level Mechanical Engineer I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $78,970. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $79,521. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $80,468. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $81,099, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $81,257.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Mechanical Engineer I | $78,970 |
| Intermediate Level Mechanical Engineer I | $79,521 |
| Senior Level Mechanical Engineer I | $80,468 |
| Specialist Level Mechanical Engineer I | $81,099 |
| Expert Level Mechanical Engineer I | $81,257 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 2% |
| Experienced | 2% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Mechanical Engineer I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $83,477 in 2023 to approximately $80,287 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineer I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
