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Mechanical Engineers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Mechanical Engineers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$130,900
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.6% vs 2024
$136,660
Mean Salary
$130,900
Median Salary
$62.93
Hourly Rate
30,530 people work as Mechanical Engineers in California
Mechanical Engineers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Mechanical Engineers in California earn a median salary of $130,900 per year ($10,908/month).
This is 24.2% above the national average of $105,416.
California ranks #3 out of 51 states for Mechanical Engineers pay.
Approximately 30,530 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 3.6% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Mechanical Engineers
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Top Skills
Critical Thinking
4.12
Complex Problem Solving
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Writing
3.88
Key Knowledge Areas
Engineering and Technology
4.89
Mathematics
4.68
Design
4.59
Mechanical
4.36
Physics
4.35
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(82.9% of workers)
Salaries for Mechanical Engineers in California range from $82,070 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $203,620 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $102,360 and $166,580.
How much do Mechanical Engineers make in California?
The median annual salary for Mechanical Engineers in California is $130,900 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $136,660.
What is the salary range for a Mechanical Engineers in California?
Salaries for Mechanical Engineers in California range from $82,070 at the 10th percentile to $203,620 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $102,360 and $166,580.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineers in California?
Entry-level Mechanical Engineers positions in California typically start around $82,070 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $102,360 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mechanical Engineers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 30,530 people are employed as Mechanical Engineers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Mechanical Engineers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mechanical Engineers in California is approximately $62.93 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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