Mechanical engineer salary in San Diego, CA

The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $112,568 per year in San Diego, CA. This figure is based on 118 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on September 11, 2026.

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Mechanical Engineer salaries in San Diego, CA typically range between a low of $70,541 and a high of $179,632 per year, depending on experience and the hiring company.

Some of the highest-paying cities for Mechanical Engineer in San Diego, CA include San Francisco, CA at $169,094 per year, San Jose, CA at $151,512 per year, and Santa Clara, CA at $140,833 per year.

Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Mechanical Engineer in San Diego, CA include Buro Happold ($210,000 per year) and NuVasive, Inc. ($185,000 per year).

Compensation can vary based on the specific niche and level of responsibility within the field. Here is how the average Mechanical Engineer salary in San Diego, CA compares to related positions:

• Entry Level Mechanical Engineer: Average $73,749 per year
• Junior Mechanical Engineer: Average $79,945 per year
• Senior Mechanical Engineer: Average $136,766 per year