Salaries in Mechanical Engineering

Compensation in Mechanical Engineering, 3rd Edition - 2004

PUBLISHED: September 2004

Summary of the 576-page Compensation in Mechanical Engineering, 3rd Edition - 2004 survey report from Abbott, Langer & Associates, Inc.  The following describes the national median total cash compensation for 10 benchmark jobs.

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The median annual income reported in a recent survey of the compensation of mechanical engineers was $83,236, with 10% making under $50,917 and 10% making over $131,000, according to Dr. Steven Langer, President of Abbott, Langer & Associates, Inc., Crete, IL. The composite highest-income practitioner in this field (salary plus cash bonus and/or cash profit sharing) is the Research Vice President/Director with a median income of $135,000. Far toward the other end of the income spectrum, Junior Engineers have a median annual income of $50,000 and Junior Consultants $42,700.

E-mail invitations to participate in the survey were sent to members of ASME. Usable responses were received from 8,966 individuals. The results are contained in the in-depth, 576-page survey report, Compensation in Mechanical Engineering, 3rd Edition - 2004, sponsored by ASME. The report is available for $395.00 through our On-Line Order Form or from Abbott, Langer & Associates, Inc., Dept. NET, 548 First St., Crete, IL 60417; telephone 708/672-4200; fax 708/672-4674.

The median total cash compensation of some of the jobs included in the survey report are:

Income data are reported by region, state, and metropolitan area; type of employer; number of employees in organization; type of employer vs. number of employees; primary job function; level of education; primary area of education; level of education vs. primary area of education; total years of engineering experience; education vs. experience with engineering as primary area of education; education vs. experience with scientific/technical as primary area of education; principal engineering specialty; registration status; supervisory responsibility; gender; and ethnic origin.

The highest median incomes are found in Shreveport, Newark/Jersey City, Anchorage, San Francisco, San Jose, Washington (DC), and Albuquerque (all between $110,500 and $100,000). The lowest median annual incomes are found in San Juan (PR), Amarillo, Lima/Findley (OH), Modesto/Stockton/Fresno, Miami, Oklahoma City, Des Moines, and Tacoma (all between $43,000 and $67,000).

Compensation varies considerably from one type of employer to another. Median incomes are highest for independent consultants ($105,000), in petroleum/coal/natural gas extraction and refining firms ($101,250) and in manufacturers of computer & allied products ($94,550) and drugs & medicine ($94,500); and lowest in state government ($62,000), in firms manufacturing heating/air conditioning/refrigeration products ($63,300) and wood and wood products ($63,810), and providing transportation services ($64,750).

By principal engineering specialty, the highest median incomes are found in management ($104,000), nuclear engineering ($101,700), tribology ($100,977), petroleum ($100,000), and information storage and processing systems ($99,090). The lowest are found in manufacturing engineering ($70,900), design engineering ($74,000), teaching/training ($76,800), fluid power systems and technology ($77,000), and technology & society ($77,800).

When level of education is taken into account, mechanical engineers with a doctoral degree earn a median annual income of $100,000, 40% higher than those who attended college but did not receive a bachelor's degree ($71,430).

Mechanical engineers with under one year of experience have a median income of $49,004, under one-half that of the 25-plus-year veteran ($104,709).

Those mechanical engineers with no supervisory responsibility have a median income of $74,000. For those supervising 250 or more professional & sub-professional employees, it is $170,000.

the 576-page survey report, Compensation in Mechanical Engineering, 3rd Edition - 2004, described on this page for $395, with charges for shipping & handling (and IL sales tax, if applicable). The report is IN STOCK and can be shipped out within two business days. The mean, median, 1st and 3rd quartile, and 1st and 9th decile data for base salary, and total annual cash compensation are reported for many demographic variables, including education, experience, geographic location, type and size of employer, etc. To purchase the report, use our On-Line Order Form, call 708/672-4200, email, fax, or write per the information at the bottom of this page.