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

Mechanical Engineer Salary in District of Columbia

Median Annual in District of Columbia
$133,300/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$64.09/hr
▲ 28% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

groups Employed in DC
510
public U.S. Median
$104,110
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$121,291 #6 of 51

Mechanical Engineer pay in District of Columbia, explained

Mechanical engineers in District of Columbia earn a median of $133,300 per year ($64.09 per hour), which is 28% above the national median of $104,110. Entry-level workers earn around $86,820, while the most experienced mechanical engineers reach about $195,190. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within District of Columbia.

Is $133,300 good pay in District of Columbia?

Adjusted for District of Columbia's cost of living (which runs 110% of the U.S. average), that $133,300 is worth about $121,291 in national buying power — ranking District of Columbia #6 for real pay (vs #2 on the sticker number).

See the full Mechanical Engineer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Mechanical Engineer pay by experience in District of Columbia

Entry level (10th pct)
$86,820
$41.74/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$133,300
$64.09/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$195,190
$93.84/hr

Mechanical Engineer pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs DC
District of Columbia (here) $133,300 $121,291
Maryland $122,870 $117,065 +$10,430
Virginia $104,180 $103,042 +$29,120

Mechanical Engineer in District of Columbia: FAQ

How much do mechanical engineers make in District of Columbia?

Mechanical engineers in District of Columbia earn a median of $133,300 per year ($64.09 per hour), compared with $104,110 nationally.

Does District of Columbia pay mechanical engineers well?

At $133,300, District of Columbia pays 28% above the national median for mechanical engineers. An estimated 510 work in the state.

Mechanical Engineer salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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