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Mechanical engineer salary in California (Updated 2026)

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in California?

Average base salary

$126,694
22%
above national average
Average $126,694
Low $79,975
High $200,705

The average salary for a mechanical engineer is $126,694 per year in California. 2.2k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated June 28, 2026).

Mechanical Engineer job openings in California

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Power Generation Mechanical Pr...
Pacific Gas and Electric3.8out of 5 stars.
Chico, CA
$153,828 - $197,628 a year
Full-time
1 day ago

Highest paying companies for Mechanical Engineer in California

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
HYPERION BIOTECHNOLOGY
 
$416,000per year
View company
Aditya Birla Group
 
$300,000per year
View company
JBM Auto
 
$300,000per year
View company
FAR Government
 
$291,200per year
View company
Arm
 
$283,600per year
View company
Superior Skilled Trades
 
$250,000per year
View company

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Highest paying cities for Mechanical Engineers near California

  1. San Francisco, CA
    $169,206 per year
  2. San Jose, CA
    $143,789 per year
  3. Santa Clara, CA
    $135,658 per year
  4. Livermore, CA
    $133,762 per year
  5. Los Angeles, CA
    $132,655 per year

Where can a Mechanical Engineer earn more?

Compare salaries for Mechanical Engineers in different locations
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How much do similar professions as Mechanical Engineer get paid in California?

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Job openings
Average $84,774 per year

Junior Mechanical Engineer

Job openings
Average $87,671 per year

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job openings
Average $148,382 per year