Engineering Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median mechanical engineer salary in Erie, PA is $80,900 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$80,900
vs State Avg
$-11,558
vs National
$-15,410
Cost of Living
84%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $80,900, which is $11,558 below the Pennsylvania state average of $92,458. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $80,900 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Erie spans from $53,256 at the 10th percentile to $122,808 at the 90th percentile — a $69,552 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,920. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,920
$-22,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $53,256
25th Percentile $66,192
Median (50th) $80,900
75th Percentile $100,464
90th Percentile $122,808

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$98,236
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$90,531
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$89,568
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$84,753
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Erie

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Erie

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Erie

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $80,900 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $53,256 (10th percentile) to $122,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,900, a mechanical engineer in Erie earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Erie's median mechanical engineer salary of $80,900 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $92,458. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $80,900 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Erie? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Erie require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.