Engineering New York (NY) Rank #5 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in New York

The median mechanical engineer salary in New York is $117,498 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$117,498
vs National
+$21,188
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for mechanical engineers seeking high pay. At $117,498 per year, mechanical engineers in New York earn $21,188 more than the national median of $96,310.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $117,498 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $96,310.

The salary spread in New York is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $77,348, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $178,364 — a $101,016 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $180,100.

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for mechanical engineers across the country.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $79,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,360 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,300
+$14,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,120
+$21,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$168,360
+$30,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $77,348
25th Percentile $96,136
Median (50th) $117,498
75th Percentile $145,912
90th Percentile $178,364

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for mechanical engineers in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in New York

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. New York has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in New York

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). New York's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in New York

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in New York? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in New York is $117,498 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $77,348 (10th percentile) to $178,364 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,498, a mechanical engineer in New York earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $79,300, while senior professionals earn $168,360.
How does New York compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. New York's median of $117,498 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($130,019) and Alaska ($119,424).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in New York earns approximately $79,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $117,120. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $168,360.
What city in New York pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $180,100. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.