Engineering Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania

The median mechanical engineer salary in Pennsylvania is $92,458 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$92,458
vs National
$-3,852
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for mechanical engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $92,458 per year, mechanical engineers in Pennsylvania earn $3,852 less than the national median of $96,310.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning mechanical engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $60,864, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $140,352 — a $79,488 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $98,236.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $62,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,480 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,480
$-5,520 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $60,864
25th Percentile $75,648
Median (50th) $92,458
75th Percentile $114,816
90th Percentile $140,352

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for mechanical engineers in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Pennsylvania is $92,458 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $60,864 (10th percentile) to $140,352 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,458, a mechanical engineer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $62,400, while senior professionals earn $132,480.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. Pennsylvania's median of $92,458 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($93,421) and Utah ($93,421).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $62,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $92,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $132,480.
What city in Pennsylvania pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $98,236. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.