Salary distribution
Where San Francisco mechanical engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $121,510 and $177,430, with a median of $145,640.
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 San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for mechanical engineers.
- San Jose$147,730
- San Diego$128,660
- Sacramento$116,370
- Los Angeles$114,290
- Riverside$101,800
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Mechanical Engineers in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $145,640.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Mechanical Engineers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +15.2% versus the California state median of $126,370.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Mechanical Engineers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +39.2% versus the BLS national figure of $104,651.
- What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $97,070 and the 90th-percentile at $207,610 for the San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.