U.S. COMPENSATION DATA · UPDATED MAY 2026 · SOURCE: BLS OES30 ROLES · 20 MARKETS
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RolesMechanical EngineerWashington DC

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Washington DC, DC

Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data

$120,000
2.6% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$70,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$90,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$120,000
50th Pct.
Median
$155,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$200,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in Washington DC?+

The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC is $120,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $90,000 and $155,000.

What is the entry-level Mechanical Engineer salary in Washington DC?+

Entry-level Mechanical Engineer positions in Washington DC typically start around $90,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $120,000.

What do senior Mechanical Engineers earn in Washington DC?+

Senior Mechanical Engineers in Washington DC earn $155,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $200,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.

How has the Mechanical Engineer market changed in Washington DC?+

Year-over-year salary growth for Mechanical Engineers in Washington DC stands at 2.6% as of May 2026, indicating moderate demand in the local market.

Mechanical Engineer — Other Markets
Market25th Pct.Median75th Pct.YoY
San Francisco, CA$105,000$140,000$185,000+2.6%
New York, NY$95,000$130,000$175,000+2.6%
Seattle, WA$90,000$125,000$160,000+2.6%
Boston, MA$85,000$120,000$155,000+2.6%
Austin, TX$75,000$105,000$135,000+2.6%
Denver, CO$75,000$105,000$135,000+2.6%
Chicago, IL$80,000$105,000$140,000+2.6%
Los Angeles, CA$95,000$125,000$165,000+2.6%
Washington DC — Other Roles
Role25th Pct.Median75th Pct.
Software Engineer$120,000$160,000$200,000
Data Analyst$75,000$100,000$130,000
Data Scientist$105,000$145,000$190,000
Product Manager$110,000$150,000$195,000
DevOps Engineer$115,000$155,000$195,000
UX Designer$85,000$110,000$150,000