Mechanical Engineers Salary Trend (2011–2024)
Historical salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Salary in 2024
$102,320
↑ 29.1% since 2011
Median Salary Over Time
Mechanical Engineers — Median Annual Salary
Employment Over Time
Mechanical Engineers — Total Employment
Key Insights
📈Salaries grew 29.1% since 2011 ($79,230 → $102,320)
🏆Peak year: 2024 at $102,320
🦠COVID impact: Salary remained relatively stable (+2.0%) through the 2020 pandemic year.
💰After inflation (~3%/yr), real growth is approximately -12%
Year-by-Year Salary Data
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $102,320 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $99,510 | +3.3% |
| 2022 | $96,310 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $95,300 | +5.7% |
| 2020 | $90,160 | +2.0% |
| 2019 | $88,430 | +1.2% |
| 2018 | $87,370 | +1.7% |
| 2017 | $85,880 | +2.0% |
| 2016 | $84,190 | +0.7% |
| 2015 | $83,590 | +0.6% |
| 2014 | $83,060 | +1.2% |
| 2013 | $82,100 | +1.9% |
| 2012 | $80,580 | +1.7% |
| 2011 | $79,230 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2011–2024. All figures are annual median wages in nominal dollars.