Mechanical Engineers in California. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
California's median wage for Mechanical Engineers was $126,370 in 2024, about 21% above the national median of $104,651. That gap is meaningful, but it shrinks once you account for what the money actually buys. California's cost-of-living index sits at 114.8, so the nominal premium translates to roughly $110,100 in national-baseline dollars, closer to a 5% real advantage over the US figure.
The spread between low and high earners is wide. Engineers at the 10th percentile earned $77,360, while those at the 90th pulled in $188,660. The top earners made about 2.4 times what the bottom earners made. In practice, that gap reflects years of experience, specialization, and the kinds of employers operating in the state. Aerospace, defense, and semiconductor manufacturing all concentrate here and tend to pay above what general manufacturing roles offer elsewhere.
The average wage of $131,130 runs about $4,760 above the median. A share of senior engineers at the high end is pulling that figure up, so the median is the more useful anchor for someone early in their career.
BLS projects employment for Mechanical Engineers to grow 9% nationally between 2024 and 2034, categorized as faster than average. That projection covers the national occupation, not California specifically, so treat it as directional context rather than a state forecast.
With 27,090 Mechanical Engineers employed in California in 2024, the state accounts for a large share of total US employment in this occupation. That scale tends to support a wider range of sub-specialties and career paths than smaller state markets typically can.
Salary distribution
Where California mechanical engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $102,360 and $166,580, with a median of $130,900.
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Mechanical Engineers pay by experience level in California
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in California over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Mechanical
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Physics
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- 02
Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- 03
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- 04
Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
- 05
Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- 06
Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
- 07
Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
- 08
Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+9.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in California
Metro-level salary data for mechanical engineers in major California metropolitan areas.
- San Jose$168,030
- San Francisco$161,370
- Los Angeles$123,900
- San Diego$121,750
- Sacramento$120,970
- Riverside$104,910
Compare Mechanical Engineers pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare California with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Mechanical Engineers in California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in California is $130,900.
- How does California compare to the national median for Mechanical Engineers?
- The California median is +21.6% versus the BLS national figure of $107,639.
- What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in California?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $82,070 and the 90th-percentile at $203,620, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Mechanical Engineers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 9.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Mechanical Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.