District of Columbia ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for mechanical engineers pay, trailing top-paying New Mexico ($141,490) by $11,490 — a 9% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $82,760 to $191,880 — a $109,120 spread, 18% wider than the national $92,500 range.
Mechanical Engineers are less concentrated in District of Columbia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.45 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.22× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $82,760 | $39.79 |
| 25th percentile | $105,680 | $50.81 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $130,000 | $62.50 |
| 75th percentile | $166,110 | $79.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $191,880 | $92.25 |
| Mean (average) | $136,300 | $65.53 |
How District of Columbia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (current) | $130,000 | n/a |
| New Mexico | $141,490 | +9% |
| Alaska | $129,990 | +0% |
| California | $126,370 | -3% |
| Massachusetts | $122,670 | -6% |
| Wyoming | $116,910 | -10% |
| Rhode Island | $115,270 | -11% |
| Louisiana | $114,050 | -12% |
| Maryland | $111,740 | -14% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistants | $131,070 | 620 |
| Construction Managers | $128,770 | 950 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $131,380 | 790 |
| Database Administrators | $128,440 | 550 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $132,100 | 760 |
| Dental Hygienists | $127,900 | 330 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineers salary in District of Columbia?
The mean mechanical engineers salary in District of Columbia is $136,300 per year. The median (middle) salary is $130,000 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level mechanical engineerss (10th percentile) in District of Columbia typically earn around $82,760 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $105,680 per year.
What is the highest Mechanical Engineers salary in District of Columbia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in District of Columbia make approximately $191,880 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $166,110 per year.
How does the District of Columbia Mechanical Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median mechanical engineers salary in District of Columbia is $130,000, which is +27% above national average of $102,320.