▼24%
$127,423
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$100k
MEDIAN
$127k
90%
$161k
The average salary for a Principal Mechanical Engineer is $127,423 in 2025
Base Salary
$100k - $161k
Bonus
$1k - $19k
Profit Sharing
$1k - $20k
Total Pay
$102k - $170k
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Principal Mechanical Engineers?
What Do Principal Mechanical Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
How do Principal Mechanical Engineers Rate Their Jobs?
Based on 58 responses, the job of Principal Mechanical Engineer has received a job satisfaction rating of 3.83 out of 5. On average, Principal Mechanical Engineers are highly satisfied with their job.
Common Health Benefits for a Principal Mechanical Engineer
Medical
94%
Dental
91%
Vision
84%
None
6%
Gender Breakdown for Principal Mechanical Engineers
Male
91.5%
Female
7.1%
Prefer to self-define
0.9%
This data is based on 211 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Principal Mechanical Engineers
What is the highest pay for Principal Mechanical Engineers?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Principal Mechanical Engineer is $161k / year
What is the lowest pay for Principal Mechanical Engineers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Principal Mechanical Engineer is $100k / year
How can Principal Mechanical Engineers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Principal Mechanical Engineer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Principal Mechanical Engineer that oversees more junior Principal Mechanical Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.