Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $77,360 | $37.19 |
| 25th percentile | $99,290 | $47.73 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,370 | $60.76 |
| 75th percentile | $159,520 | $76.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $188,660 | $90.70 |
| Mean (average) | $131,130 | $63.04 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $126,370 | — |
| New Mexico | $141,490 | +12% |
| District of Columbia | $130,000 | +3% |
| Alaska | $129,990 | +3% |
| Massachusetts | $122,670 | -3% |
| Wyoming | $116,910 | -7% |
| Rhode Island | $115,270 | -9% |
| Louisiana | $114,050 | -10% |
| Maryland | $111,740 | -12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $127,010 | 31,530 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $125,670 | 3,670 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $127,380 | 4,520 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $125,310 | 4,800 |
| General and Operations Managers | $125,240 | 292,300 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $127,660 | 55,460 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineers salary in California?
The mean mechanical engineers salary in California is $131,130 per year. The median (middle) salary is $126,370 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineers in California?
Entry-level mechanical engineerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $77,360 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $99,290 per year.
What is the highest Mechanical Engineers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $188,660 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $159,520 per year.
How does the California Mechanical Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median mechanical engineers salary in California is $126,370, which is +24% above national average of $102,320.
Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release.
All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education,
employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes