Salary distribution
Where Los Angeles mechanical engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $89,100 and $143,740, with a median of $114,290.
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.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for mechanical engineers.
- San Jose$147,730
- San Francisco$145,640
- San Diego$128,660
- Sacramento$116,370
- Riverside$101,800
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $114,290.
- Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Mechanical Engineers?
- The Los Angeles metro median is -9.6% versus the California state median of $126,370.
- How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Mechanical Engineers?
- The Los Angeles metro median is +9.2% versus the BLS national figure of $104,651.
- What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $69,990 and the 90th-percentile at $175,840 for the Los Angeles metro area.
- 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. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary 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.