EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$103,293/yr
Typical range: $100,448 – $120,547
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Mechanical Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Mechanical Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $103,293 | $8,608 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $125,427 | $10,452 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,183 | $11,682 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,776 | $13,231 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,634 | $16,970 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $239,049 | $19,921 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $247,902 | $20,659 | +140% |
Current Salary
$103,293
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $50/hr
Next Level Target
$125,427
Junior · 2
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Mechanical Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $103K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $103K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $50/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Mechanical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Mechanical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $181K–$217K/yr.