Potential salary matters only as much as it matters to you.

After graduation, mechanical engineering graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $123,803, while the bottom 20% make closer to $55,510. The median grad salary is $82,900.

Mechanical Engineering graduate salaries over time

The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is $54,123, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $71,837.

This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:

Wage ($USD)

Wage Range Median Wage

Years of work experience

Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in mechanical engineering is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career

Overview

Discover what you’ll learn—and what you can do after you graduate.

Read about Overview