States Where Mechanical Engineers Make the Most, and the Least

There are more than 300,000 mechanical engineers in the country, and many make a six-figure salary, or close to it. The average mechanical engineer makes $92,800 a year, and can make about $44.62 an hour.

Engine, turbine, power and transmission manufacturing is the nation’s largest sector that employs mechanical engineers. Employment is expected to grow in all sectors by at least 4% from 2018 to 2028.

While job and pay outlooks are good for mechanical engineers nationwide, some states are more lucrative for engineers than others. Here’s a breakdown of stats about the industry from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

States where mechanical engineers make the most money:

1. Alaska - $128,690 a year
   • Anchorage engineers make $147,570 on average
2. New Mexico - $110,210
   • Alberquerque engineers make $117,360
3. Maryland - $109,960
   • Washington/Arlington/Alexandria area engineers make $117,220
4. California - $107,370
   • San Francisco/Oakland-Hayward area engineers make $117,770
5. Delaware - $106,220
6. Texas - $105,570
   • Beaumont and Tyler area engineers make more than $121,000 on average
7. Colorado - $104,220
8. Louisiana - $101,810
9. Virginia - $100,540
10. Arizona - $98,390

States where mechanical engineers make the least money:

1. Arkansas - $71,730
2. North Dakota - $75,770
3. South Dakota - $76,220
4. Montana - $77,140
5. Wisconsin - $79,360
6. Iowa - $80,630
7. Nebraska - $80,650
8. Ohio - $81,020
9. Hawaii - $81,730
10. Kansas - $82,210

The top-paying industries for this occupation:

1. Oil and gas extraction
   • Mean yearly wage: $126,880
2. Waste Treatment and disposal
   • $120,200
3. Remediation and Other Waste Management
   • $109,560
4. Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
   • $108,980
5. Spectator Sports
   • $107,110

The states with the highest employment levels in this industry:

1. Michigan
2. Illinois
3. Pennsylvania
4. Texas
5. California