In Los Angeles, CA, Mechanical Engineers earn a median of $104,990 a year — almost exactly the U.S. median of $105,220. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #13.
What that pay is worth in Los Angeles
Local prices run 114 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $117,300 salary buys less than it looks — about $103,288 in national-average buying power.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 — 7.5 times the average Mechanical Engineer salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,879/mo takes roughly 19% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Mechanical Engineer pay ladder in Los Angeles
Entry-level (10th percentile) Mechanical Engineers earn about $73,250; the top 10% reach $169,190 — a $95,940 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Mechanical Engineer job market in Los Angeles
Los Angeles employs roughly 8,520 Mechanical Engineers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Los Angeles with other cities
See the full Mechanical Engineer salary by city ranking to weigh Los Angeles against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Mechanical Engineers make in Los Angeles?
The average Mechanical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns about $117,300 per year, 11.5% above the national average of $105,220.
What is the take-home pay for Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $117,300 salary is worth about $84,518 a year - roughly $7,043 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 28%.
What do the highest-paid Mechanical Engineers earn in Los Angeles?
The top 10% of Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles earn about $169,190 a year, versus about $73,250 for the bottom 10%.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 - roughly 7.5x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.