The average starting salary for mechanical engineers can vary based on several factors, including location and experience. As of 2025, various sources provide insights into this field:

1. General Salary Averages: According to a report from ZipRecruiter, the average salary for mechanical engineers in the United States is expected to be approximately $49.46 per hour, equating to an annual salary of about $102,878. In California, the average is slightly higher at $48.81 per hour, or around $101,531 per year (ZipRecruiter links: National, California).

2. Entry-Level Specifics: For entry-level positions, estimates indicate that the average salary could be around $110,831 per year, with a total compensation package potentially reaching as high as $137,296, including additional pay (Glassdoor link: Entry Level Salary).

3. State-Based Estimates: Focusing on California specifically, the average salary for an entry mechanical engineer is cited as $87,700 as of February 2025 (Salary.com link: Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary in California).

4. Bureau of Labor Statistics: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for mechanical engineers was recorded at $99,510 in 2023, with the best-paid 25% earning $126,990 and the lowest-paid 25% making around $79,160 (BLS link: Mechanical Engineers - BLS).

5. Discussion on Starting Salaries: Anonymously shared information from a Reddit discussion indicates that some entry-level positions might start at around $102,000 per year, revealing potential variations based on industry and location (Reddit link: Mechanical Engineering Starting Salary).

Overall, while there are fluctuations based on location and specific industry, aspiring mechanical engineers can expect starting salaries generally ranging from approximately $87,700 to upwards of $102,000 annually as they enter the workforce.

Sources

Mechanical Engineer Salary in 2025: Job Outlook & Pay | US News ...Salary: Mechanical Engineers in California (March, 2025)Salary: Mechanical Engineers (March, 2025) United StatesMechanical Engineer starting salary? : r/MechanicalEngineeringSalary: Entry Level Mechanical Engineer in United States 2025Entry Mechanical Engineer Salary in California (February, 2025)Mechanical Engineers - Bureau of Labor Statistics

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