Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA, command an average annual salary of $102,690. This figure is slightly below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that while the demand is present, specific local economic factors or industry concentrations may influence compensation levels. Understanding these nuances is key for engineers considering a move to or within the Pittsburgh area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $102,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $142,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,570 Mechanical Engineers, Pittsburgh demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.73 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, signaling robust demand and a well-established ecosystem for mechanical engineering talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA earns-6.3%below the national average.
$49.4
$1,975
$8,558
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as technological advancements, increased industrial activity, and inflation likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for skilled engineers in the area.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while senior engineers with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights significant opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $66,200 | $31.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,018 | $37 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $97,580 | $46.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $128,363 | $61.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $142,230 | $68.4 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$102,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$102,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $102,690 in Pittsburgh aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Pittsburgh is equivalent to that of an engineer earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
3,570
Total Jobs
3.221
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Pittsburgh, PA has 1.7x the national concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.73 signifies that Mechanical Engineers are considerably more concentrated in Pittsburgh than the national average. This suggests a highly active and potentially competitive job market, where employers actively seek out specialized talent, and engineers may find a greater number of relevant opportunities compared to less concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Mechanical Engineers Salary | $92,760↓ 10% | 30 mi |
| Wheeling, WV-OH Mechanical Engineers Salary | $97,220↓ 5% | 45 mi |
| Morgantown, WV Mechanical Engineers Salary | $104,030↑ 1% | 55 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Mechanical Engineers Salary | $84,000↓ 18% | 57 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $81,710↓ 20% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA is $102,690. This typically ranges from $66,200 for entry-level positions to $142,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 6.3% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, Pittsburgh offers a competitive environment for Mechanical Engineers.The average salary of $102,690 is strong, and the high concentration of engineers (LQ of 1.73) indicates significant employer demand and opportunity.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($92,760) and Wheeling, WV-OH.
How does Pittsburgh's Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh is $102,690, which is slightly lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the job market like for Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has a robust job market for Mechanical Engineers, with a concentration 1.73 times the national average, indicating strong demand and a significant presence of these professionals.
Does the cost of living in Pittsburgh affect the Mechanical Engineer salary?
No, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $102,690 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Mechanical Engineers work in Pittsburgh?
There are approximately 3,570 Mechanical Engineers employed in the Pittsburgh area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,570 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 3.221 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 Pittsburgh, PA