California ranks 4th of 51 states and D.C. for mechanical engineers pay, trailing top-paying New Mexico ($141,490) by $15,120 — a 12% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $77,360 to $188,660 — a $111,300 spread, 20% wider than the national $92,500 range.
California employs roughly 9.4% of all mechanical engineers in the country (27,090 workers).
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 | n/a |
| 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.
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.