Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in State College, PA
The average salary for Mechanical Engineerss in State College, PA is $90,390. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in State College, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $90,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,240.
- Outlook: The current demand for Mechanical Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader State College, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in State College, PA earns-17.6%below the national average.
$43.5
$1,738
$7,533
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Mechanical Engineers salaries in State College, PA have remained stable with a modest increase of 9.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in State College, PA
The earning potential for Mechanical Engineerss in State College, PA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $61,810, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $122,240.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,810 | $29.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $67,793 | $32.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $89,000 | $42.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $112,988 | $54.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $122,240 | $58.8 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$90,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$90,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
In State College, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $90,390 to $90,390.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
2.125
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, State College, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mechanical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
150 people work as Mechanical Engineers in State College, PA.
Moderate density — roughly 2.125 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $82,160↓ 9% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $84,170↓ 7% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $86,820↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $91,770↑ 2% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,650↑ 11% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in State College, PA is $90,390. This typically ranges from $61,810 for entry-level positions to $122,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 17.6% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is State College, PA a good place for Mechanical Engineerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Mechanical Engineers salary in State College, PA is $90,390 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of State College, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($82,160) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 2.125 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Mechanical Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in State College, PA
- All Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Management Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Production Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Browse All Jobs in State College, PA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in State College, PA