Mechanical Engineers Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA

Median annual salary $97,580 -4.6% vs national
Median hourly $46.91
10th percentile $66,200
90th percentile $142,230
Employed locally 3,570
National median $102,320

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Mechanical Engineers
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Pittsburgh, PA
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    In Pittsburgh, PA, the typical mechanical engineer earns a median annual salary of $97,580, which translates to an hourly wage of approximately $46.91. This figure is slightly below the national median for mechanical engineers, which stands at $102,320. When compared to local household income in Pittsburgh, where the area median is $73,942, it becomes evident that mechanical engineers earn significantly more than the average household in the region. This disparity highlights the specialized skills and knowledge required in this field, positioning mechanical engineering as a lucrative career option relative to other professions within the same geographic locale.

    For entry-level mechanical engineers in Pittsburgh, earnings tend to be lower, with salaries at the 10th percentile starting around $66,200 annually. Conversely, more experienced professionals can earn substantially higher wages, reaching up to $142,230 at the 90th percentile. The substantial difference between these figures is driven by a combination of factors including years of experience, level of education, and specialized skills or certifications. Additionally, roles that require advanced technical expertise or leadership responsibilities often command higher salaries. These variations underscore the career growth potential within mechanical engineering, where increased proficiency and responsibility can lead to significant salary advancements over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $66,200
    25th
    $79,700
    50th (median)
    $97,580
    75th
    $121,830
    90th
    $142,230

    Pittsburgh economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $73,942 2023 • Census ACS
    Mechanical Engineers salary vs area income 132% Median Mechanical Engineers salary is 32% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Mechanical Engineers make per hour in Pittsburgh?

    The median hourly wage for Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA is $46.91, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $68.75 or more per hour.

    Is Pittsburgh above or below average for Mechanical Engineers salaries?

    The median Mechanical Engineers salary in Pittsburgh, PA is 4.6% below the national median of $102,320. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Mechanical Engineers in Pittsburgh?

    Entry-level Mechanical Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $66,200 per year in Pittsburgh, PA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $79,700.