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⚙️ Mechanical engineer · BLS median $102,320

Mechanical Engineer Salary Calculator: Your Take-Home Pay

The median mechanical engineer earns $102,320 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024). Pay climbs with experience, a PE license and roles in high-demand fields like aerospace, energy and automotive. The calculator is pre-filled with the median; set your real pay, pick your state, and see your take-home.

● BLS median $102,320 ● State tax included ● 2026 federal data

⚙️ Mechanical engineer take-home pay

Mechanical engineer pay

What mechanical engineers earn — and keep — in 2026

Mechanical engineering spans aerospace, automotive, energy, robotics and manufacturing, and pays well for a bachelor's-degree career. The BLS reports a median mechanical engineer wage of $102,320 (May 2024). Senior, PE-licensed and specialized engineers earn more — the top 10% exceed $160,000.

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Industry and licensure matter: Mechanical engineers in aerospace, oil and gas, and semiconductors typically out-earn those in general manufacturing, and a PE license raises pay. Add any bonus or licensure premium to your gross for a true take-home.

Where a mechanical engineer's paycheck goes

On the $102,320 median, a single mechanical engineer pays federal income tax into the 22% bracket after the standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. Bonuses, common in private-sector engineering, are taxable but lift both gross and net.

The highest-paying states for mechanical engineers

Mechanical engineers earn the most in states with strong aerospace, energy and tech industries — including California, Texas, Washington, Michigan and Massachusetts. Texas and Washington pair high pay with no state income tax.

Compare the role with other careers

See how mechanical engineer pay compares with a civil engineer or software developer, or check your exact net in Texas.

Questions

Mechanical Engineer Salary Calculator FAQ

How much does a mechanical engineer make in 2026?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $102,320 for mechanical engineers (May 2024). Senior, PE-licensed and specialized engineers — in aerospace, energy and semiconductors — earn more, and the top 10% exceed $160,000.

What is a mechanical engineer's take-home pay on $102,320?

A single mechanical engineer earning the $102,320 median takes home roughly $77,000 to $79,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, less where state tax applies. Bonuses are taxable but raise both gross and net.

What raises a mechanical engineer's salary?

Industry is a major factor — aerospace, oil and gas, and semiconductor engineers out-earn general manufacturing — along with seniority and a PE license. Performance bonuses are taxable supplemental wages; add them to your gross for an accurate estimate.

Which states pay mechanical engineers the most?

Mechanical engineers earn the highest wages in aerospace-, energy- and tech-heavy states including California, Texas, Washington, Michigan and Massachusetts. No-income-tax states like Texas and Washington keep more of your salary.

Mustafa Bilgic
Reviewed & maintained by
Mustafa Bilgic — Editor, SalaryCalculator.us

Mechanical Engineer wage data is taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook; tax figures from the IRS and SSA.

  • Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Mechanical Engineers (median $102,320, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · State departments of revenue.
  • 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026

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