Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Mechanical Engineers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $120,890, significantly surpassing the national average of $109,640. This elevated compensation is often driven by the region's robust industrial base, high demand for specialized engineering talent in sectors like aerospace and defense, and the overall economic dynamism of Southern California.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $120,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $175,840.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,280 Mechanical Engineers, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim presents a substantial market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, indicating that while the absolute number of jobs is significant, the field is not disproportionately concentrated, implying a steady demand that aligns with the workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+10.3%above the national average.
$58.1
$2,325
$10,074
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing technological advancements, infrastructure projects, and a persistent need for innovative solutions likely contribute to a competitive environment that drives compensation upwards.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the region.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $69,990 | $33.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,668 | $43.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $114,290 | $54.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $151,113 | $72.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $175,840 | $84.5 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$120,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$120,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $120,890 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national median, as the cost of goods and services locally matches the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
8,280
Total Jobs
1.335
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.72x the national average concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates that Mechanical Engineers are employed in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim at a rate slightly below the national average concentration. This suggests that while the region offers a considerable number of opportunities, the job market is not overly saturated, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers where demand is present but competition might be less intense than in highly concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $107,440↓ 11% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $116,390↓ 4% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $120,890. This typically ranges from $69,990 for entry-level positions to $175,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 10.3% higher than the national median of $109,640.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers.Mechanical Engineers in this region earn approximately $11,250 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index matching the national average, this makes the nominal salary highly competitive in real terms.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($107,440) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the Los Angeles Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $120,890, which is $11,250 higher than the national average of $109,640.
What is the job market like for Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles?
The job market is substantial, with 8,280 Mechanical Engineers employed locally. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests a steady demand that is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Los Angeles?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary maintains its purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
How many Mechanical Engineers work in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area?
There are approximately 8,280 Mechanical Engineers employed within the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,280 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 1.335 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA