Average Mechanical Engineer Salary in California
Mechanical Engineers in California earn an average of $116,593 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$116,593
per year
Hourly Rate
$56.06
per hour
vs National
+16.4%
$100,140 national
Salary Range
$76,384
to $169,525
About Mechanical Engineer Careers in California
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices and systems, including tools, engines, and machines. They apply principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to create solutions that improve our daily lives. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, with applications in virtually every industry.
In California, mechanical engineers earn an average of $116,593 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $76,384 for entry-level roles to $169,525 for the most experienced professionals — +16.4% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by industry sector (aerospace, automotive, oil & gas), pe licensure and certifications, and the specific metro area within California.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$116,593
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$82,108
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Mechanical Engineer's salary of $116,593 has the purchasing power of $82,108 in an average-cost area.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $139,896 | $67.26/hr | $90,145 | $198,800 | 337 |
| San Francisco, CA | $135,121 | $64.96/hr | $87,671 | $199,777 | 427 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $110,078 | $52.92/hr | $73,909 | $163,993 | 431 |
| San Diego, CA | $108,307 | $52.07/hr | $71,283 | $157,457 | 300 |
| Riverside, CA | $104,058 | $50.03/hr | $67,227 | $145,540 | 295 |
| Sacramento, CA | $102,098 | $49.09/hr | $68,068 | $151,581 | 312 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Mechanical Engineer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,102 Mechanical Engineers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Mechanical Engineer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$76,384
Starting salary for new Mechanical Engineers
Median (50th Percentile)
$116,593
Mid-career Mechanical Engineer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$169,525
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Mechanical Engineer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Mechanical Engineer Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in California?
The average Mechanical Engineer salary in California is $116,593 per year ($56.06/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.4% above the national average of $100,140.
What is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in California, with a median salary of $139,896 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Sacramento, CA at $102,098.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in California?
Mechanical Engineer salaries in California range from $76,384 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $169,525 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $116,593 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.