In Philadelphia, PA, Mechanical Engineers earn a median of $104,520 a year — about 1% below the U.S. median of $105,220. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #14.
What that pay is worth in Philadelphia
Local prices run 103 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $114,820 salary buys less than it looks — about $111,961 in national-average buying power.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in Philadelphia?
A typical Philadelphia home runs about $232,400 — 2.0 times the average Mechanical Engineer salary, very affordable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,323/mo takes roughly 14% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Mechanical Engineer pay ladder in Philadelphia
Entry-level (10th percentile) Mechanical Engineers earn about $73,800; the top 10% reach $182,160 — a $108,360 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 Philadelphia
Philadelphia employs roughly 7,070 Mechanical Engineers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Philadelphia with other cities
See the full Mechanical Engineer salary by city ranking to weigh Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
The average Mechanical Engineer in Philadelphia, PA earns about $114,820 per year, 9.1% above the national average of $105,220.
What is the take-home pay for Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia after taxes?
After federal and PA taxes, this $114,820 salary is worth about $86,080 a year - roughly $7,173 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 25%.
What do the highest-paid Mechanical Engineers earn in Philadelphia?
The top 10% of Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia earn about $182,160 a year, versus about $73,800 for the bottom 10%.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in Philadelphia?
A typical Philadelphia home runs about $232,400 - roughly 2.0x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.