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Mechanical Engineers Salary in California
Ranked #3 of 51 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of mechanical engineerss in California earn between $82,070 and $203,620. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean mechanical engineers salary in California is $136,660, about 20.3% above the U.S. average ($113,610). That works out to roughly $66/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $168,030 | $165,920 | 5,540 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $161,370 | $158,690 | 5,150 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $132,920 | $139,810 | 190 |
| Salinas, CA | $132,560 | $128,240 | 70 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $123,900 | $123,940 | 8,780 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $121,750 | $124,420 | 3,370 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $121,130 | $130,120 | 390 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $120,970 | $123,710 | 1,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in California?
The median mechanical engineers salary in California is $130,900 per year (mean $136,660), and about 80% earn between $82,070 and $203,620.
How much do mechanical engineers make per hour in California?
Roughly $66 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $136,660 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for mechanical engineers?
California ranks #3 of 51 states for mechanical engineers pay. Its mean salary of $136,660 is about 20.3% above the U.S. average of $113,610.
Which metro areas in California pay mechanical engineers the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for mechanical engineers are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($168,030), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($161,370), Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,920), by median annual wage.