How Much Does a Mechanical Engineer Earn After Taxes?
National median: $99,510/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $78,391/year take-home — 21.2% effective rate.
Mechanical Engineer Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $62,000 | $51,856 | $4,321 | 16.4% |
| 25th Percentile | $78,000 | $63,259 | $5,272 | 18.9% |
| MedianBLS Median | $99,510 | $78,391 | $6,533 | 21.2% |
| 75th Percentile | $130,000 | $99,608 | $8,301 | 23.4% |
| 90th Percentile | $162,000 | $121,480 | $10,123 | 25.0% |
| Senior Level | $145,000 | $109,861 | $9,155 | 24.2% |
Mechanical Engineer Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,149 | $85,240 | $7,103 | 30.2% |
| Texas | $107,720 | $84,167 | $7,014 | 21.9% |
| Michigan | $106,227 | $78,602 | $6,550 | 26.0% |
| Washington | $113,441 | $88,192 | $7,349 | 22.3% |
| Ohio | $106,724 | $81,197 | $6,766 | 23.9% |
About This Career
Mechanical engineers design, analyze, and manufacture machines, engines, and mechanical systems across aerospace, automotive, energy, and consumer products industries. The automotive electrification transition has created significant new demand in battery thermal management and electric motor design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in the US?+
The national median Mechanical Engineer salary is $99,510 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $78,000 and $130,000, while the top 10% earn over $162,000.
How much does a Mechanical Engineer take home after taxes?+
A Mechanical Engineer earning the median $99,510 takes home approximately $78,391 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Mechanical Engineers earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Mechanical Engineers are California, Texas, Michigan. Top cities include Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, where salaries can exceed $130,000 for experienced professionals.