verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Mechanical Engineer Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$130,900/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$62.94/hr
▲ 26% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
30,530
public U.S. Median
$104,110
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$118,226 #8 of 51

Mechanical Engineer pay in California, explained

Mechanical engineers in California earn a median of $130,900 per year ($62.94 per hour), which is 26% above the national median of $104,110. Entry-level workers earn around $82,070, while the most experienced mechanical engineers reach about $203,620. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $130,900 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $130,900 is worth about $118,226 in national buying power — ranking California #8 for real pay (vs #3 on the sticker number).

See the full Mechanical Engineer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Mechanical Engineer pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$82,070
$39.46/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$130,900
$62.94/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$203,620
$97.89/hr

Mechanical Engineer pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $130,900 $118,226
Oregon $103,470 $100,105 +$27,430
Nevada $102,680 $102,702 +$28,220
Arizona $100,270 $99,596 +$30,630

Mechanical Engineer in California: FAQ

How much do mechanical engineers make in California?

Mechanical engineers in California earn a median of $130,900 per year ($62.94 per hour), compared with $104,110 nationally.

Does California pay mechanical engineers well?

At $130,900, California pays 26% above the national median for mechanical engineers. An estimated 30,530 work in the state.

Mechanical Engineer salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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