Engineering Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Austin, Texas

The median mechanical engineer salary in Austin, TX is $101,126 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$101,126
vs State Avg
+$12,521
vs National
+$4,816
Cost of Living
105%

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

Austin offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $101,126, which is $12,521 above the Texas state average of $88,605. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Austin spans from $66,570 at the 10th percentile to $153,510 at the 90th percentile — a $86,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,250, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,900. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $68,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,800
+$4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,900
+$6,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $66,570
25th Percentile $82,740
Median (50th) $101,126
75th Percentile $125,580
90th Percentile $153,510

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$96,310
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$92,458
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$88,605
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$84,753
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Austin

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Austin and the surrounding Texas 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 Austin may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Austin

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Austin, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Austin

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Austin, Texas is $101,126 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $66,570 (10th percentile) to $153,510 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,126, a mechanical engineer in Austin earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Austin's median mechanical engineer salary of $101,126 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $88,605. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $101,126 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Austin? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Austin 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.