Average Mechanical Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia earn an average of $111,873 per year across 1 metro area. This is +11.7% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$111,873
per year
Hourly Rate
$53.79
per hour
vs National
+11.7%
$100,140 national
Salary Range
$70,407
to $159,821
About Mechanical Engineer Careers in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia, mechanical engineers earn an average of $111,873 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $70,407 for entry-level roles to $159,821 for the most experienced professionals — +11.7% 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 District of Columbia.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$111,873
Cost of Living Index
153
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$73,120
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Mechanical Engineer's salary of $111,873 has the purchasing power of $73,120 in an average-cost area.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in District of Columbia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $111,873 | $53.79/hr | $70,407 | $159,821 | 364 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
District of Columbia vs National Average
Mechanical Engineer Salary Comparison
Employment in District of Columbia
There are approximately 364 Mechanical Engineers employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services
State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%
Mechanical Engineer Salary Range in District of Columbia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$70,407
Starting salary for new Mechanical Engineers
Median (50th Percentile)
$111,873
Mid-career Mechanical Engineer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$159,821
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Mechanical Engineer salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Mechanical Engineer Data
More District of Columbia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in District of Columbia?
The average Mechanical Engineer salary in District of Columbia is $111,873 per year ($53.79/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 11.7% above the national average of $100,140.
What is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $111,873 per year.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia?
Mechanical Engineer salaries in District of Columbia range from $70,407 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $159,821 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $111,873 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 District of Columbia. 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.