📍 California⏱ Programs from 2 to 4 years📈 Steady demand across the United States

Mechanical Engineer salary in California

A strong career option in California — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$130,900/ yr

$10,908 / mo · $62.93 / hr

Pay by experience

Entry

$82,077

Median

$130,900

Experienced

$203,611

Demand

Moderate

Program length

2 to 4 years

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Job demand & outlook

Steady demand across the United States

Moderate demand

Source: BLS Employment Projections

Where this career can take you

A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step

  • State Certificate$50,559
  • Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
  • Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
  • Associate Degree$80,408

Is this career change worth it?

A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain

What it typically costs

  • Average training cost—
  • Time to complete2 to 4 years
  • Credential earned—

What you get back

  • Starting salary$82,077
  • Median salary$130,900
  • Experienced salary$203,611

Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.

How to become a Mechanical Engineer in California

A clear path from where you are to where you want to be

1

Find a Mechanical Engineer program in California

Browse certified training programs. Most Mechanical Engineer tracks complete in 2 to 4 years.

2

Earn your certification

Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in California.

3

Get hired in California

With roughly thousands of Mechanical Engineer openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for a Mechanical Engineer in California is $130,900 per year, which is $62.93 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $82,077 while experienced Mechanical Engineers can earn up to $203,611 annually.

Next step

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Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Mechanical Engineer classes in your area.

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