Mechanical Engineers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$102,320
~$49/hr · ~$8,527/mo
US Jobs
293K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
7/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 7/10
Mechanical engineering is heavily reliant on digital tools like CAD, simulations, and data analysis, all of which are being rapidly enhanced by AI to automate complex design iterations and predictive modeling. While the role requires physical prototyping, site visits, and hardware testing, the core intellectual work of designing and analyzing mechanical systems is increasingly susceptible to AI-driven productivity gains and automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LABEST VALUE | $132,850 | Below avg (91.2) | $145,616 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $122,920 | Below avg (91.2) | $134,716 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $122,890 | Below avg (91.7) | $133,993 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $119,590 | Below avg (90.8) | $131,722 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $119,690 | Below avg (91.2) | $131,248 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $147,730 | Above avg (113.1) | $130,666 |
| Peoria, IL | $115,350 | Below avg (88.8) | $129,849 |
| Midland, TX | $122,270 | Below avg (95.4) | $128,188 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $117,380 | Below avg (91.6) | $128,113 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $126,870 | Average (99.7) | $127,208 |
| Decatur, AL | $112,190 | Below avg (89.2) | $125,771 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $107,740 | Below avg (85.7) | $125,719 |
| Salinas, CA | $141,420 | Above avg (113.2) | $124,950 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $145,640 | Above avg (117.6) | $123,895 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $110,030 | Below avg (89.1) | $123,481 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+9% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$49/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,527/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)