EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineer Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$207,915/yr
Typical range: $184,425 – $221,328
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Mechanical Engineer salary by experience level in New York
Mechanical Engineer Salary Progression in New York
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $105,464 | $8,789 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $128,064 | $10,672 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $143,130 | $11,928 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $162,113 | $13,509 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $207,915 | $17,326 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $244,074 | $20,340 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $253,114 | $21,093 | +140% |
Current Salary
$207,915
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $100/hr
Next Level Target
$244,074
Principal · 14
+$36Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Mechanical Engineer salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineers in New York, NY earn approximately $208K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Mechanical Engineer make per hour in New York, NY?
Based on $208K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $100/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Mechanical Engineer in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Mechanical Engineer in New York, NY earns $184K–$221K/yr.