The average mechanical engineer salary in California is $107,920 per year. Entry-level positions start at $75,000, while experienced engineers earn over $140,000. Salary varies by industry, experience, and location, with the San Francisco Bay Area typically offering the highest pay.
Mechanical Engineer Salary in California
Mechanical engineers in California earn some of the highest salaries in the United States. The average salary for a mechanical engineer is $107,920 per year, reflecting high demand and a competitive job market in key cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Average Mechanical Engineer Salary in California
California pays significantly more than most states for mechanical engineering jobs. According to current data:
- Entry level mechanical engineer roles start at $75,000
- Mid-career engineers earn around $107,920
- Senior-level engineers surpass $140,000 per year
The San Francisco Bay Area consistently reports the highest average earnings due to its concentration of technology, aerospace, and clean energy firms.
Mechanical Engineer Salary Table in California
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Mechanical Engineer | $101,531 | $8,461 | $1,950 | $48.81 |
| Principal Mechanical Engineer | $141,090 | $11,757 | $2,713 | $67.83 |
| Staff Mechanical Engineer | $128,525 | $10,710 | $2,471 | $61.79 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract | $120,493 | $10,041 | $2,317 | $57.93 |
| Senior Mechanical Project Manager | $118,052 | $9,837 | $2,270 | $56.76 |
| Lead Mechanical Engineer | $117,571 | $9,797 | $2,260 | $56.52 |
Salary by Experience Level
Experience has a direct impact on salary. Here’s how mechanical engineer salaries increase by career stage:
- Entry level mechanical engineers earn between $65,000–$75,000
- Engineers with 3–5 years of experience earn around $95,000–$110,000
- Engineers with over 10 years of experience earn over $140,000
Promotions to roles like Staff Mechanical Engineer or Project Manager lead to even higher pay.
Salary by Region in California
Location affects salary significantly across California. Cities with high-tech industries and defense contracts offer the highest pay.
- San Francisco Bay Area: $120,000+
- Los Angeles: $105,000–$115,000
- San Diego: $100,000–$110,000
- Sacramento: $95,000–$105,000
- Fresno & Central Valley: $85,000–$95,000
Engineers in urban tech hubs consistently out-earn those in rural or inland regions.
Factors Influencing Salary
Several factors increase or decrease a mechanical engineer’s salary in California:
- Industry specialization (e.g., aerospace, robotics)
- Years of experience
- Job title and responsibilities
- Certifications (e.g., PE, CSWP)
- Employer size and budget
Engineers working in aerospace, renewable energy, and robotics earn the highest wages.
California vs. National Averages
California mechanical engineers earn 15–20% more than the national average. Nationwide, the average mechanical engineering salary is around $95,300, while in California it’s over $107,000.
While the cost of living in California is high, employers offer higher compensation to offset this—especially in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Clara counties.
Career Outlook and Future Salary Trends
Mechanical engineering jobs in California are expected to grow by 7% through 2030, driven by clean energy, autonomous vehicles, and biomedical devices. Remote roles and hybrid opportunities are expanding in design, simulation, and manufacturing support.
Demand for specialized skills like simulation analysis, 3D modeling, and robotics design will continue to push salaries higher in the coming years.
Common FAQs
Below are common questions we always get asked about this topic.
What industries in California pay mechanical engineers the highest salaries?
What industries in California pay mechanical engineers the highest salaries?
How does the cost of living in California affect mechanical engineer salaries?
High costs—especially housing—require higher base salaries. Engineers in San Francisco and Los Angeles often earn more to balance living expenses.
Are there remote opportunities for mechanical engineers in California?
Yes. Remote work is growing in design consultancy and simulation analysis. Firms like Amentum and LVI Associates offer fully remote roles.
What certifications can boost a mechanical engineer’s salary in California?
The PE license, CSWP, and Six Sigma certifications improve earning potential by verifying advanced expertise.
Which cities in California offer the best salaries for mechanical engineers?
Berkeley, Santa Monica, and San Jose offer some of the highest engineering salaries due to tech demand and project scale.
How do entry-level salaries compare to experienced mechanical engineer roles in California?
Entry-level salaries start at around $65,990. Experienced engineers can earn over $165,860, especially in senior or project leadership positions.
