Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Merced, CA
The average salary for Mechanical Engineerss in Merced, CA is $97,370. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Merced, CA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $151,030.
- Outlook: The current demand for Mechanical Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Merced, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Merced, CA earns-11.2%below the national average.
$46.8
$1,873
$8,114
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 2 years, Mechanical Engineers salaries in Merced, CA have shown healthy growth of 12.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
The earning potential for Mechanical Engineerss in Merced, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $58,910, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $151,030.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,910 | $28.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,028 | $35.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $88,250 | $42.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $121,713 | $58.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $151,030 | $72.6 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Merced, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $97,370 to $97,370.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.601
Per 1K Jobs
0.32
Location Quotient
At 0.32x, Merced, CA has a notably lower concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
50 people work as Mechanical Engineers in Merced, CA.
Only 0.601 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Mechanical Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,440↑ 9% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $96,560↓ 1% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $113,920↑ 17% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $132,380↑ 36% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $159,270↑ 64% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Merced, CA is $97,370. This typically ranges from $58,910 for entry-level positions to $151,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 11.2% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Merced, CA a good place for Mechanical Engineerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Mechanical Engineers salary in Merced, CA is $97,370 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Merced, CA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($106,440) and Fresno, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 0.601 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 Merced, CA