Mechanical Engineer Salary in District of Columbia

Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia earn an average of $111,873 per year across 1 metro area. This is +11.7% higher than the national average.

Average Salary

$111,873

per year

Hourly Rate

$53.79

per hour

vs National

+11.7%

$100,140 national

Salary Range

$70,407

to $159,821

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$111,873

Cost of Living Index

153

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$73,120

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Mechanical Engineer's salary of $111,873 has the purchasing power of $73,120 in an average-cost area.

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in District of Columbia

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Washington, DC$111,873$53.79/hr$70,407$159,821364

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

District of Columbia vs National Average

Mechanical Engineer Salary Comparison

District of Columbia Average$111,873
National Average$100,140
Difference+$11,733 (+11.7%)

Employment in District of Columbia

There are approximately 364 Mechanical Engineers employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.

Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services

State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Range in District of Columbia

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$70,407

Starting salary for new Mechanical Engineers

Median (50th Percentile)

$111,873

Mid-career Mechanical Engineer salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$159,821

Top earners in the field

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Mechanical Engineer salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in District of Columbia?

The average Mechanical Engineer salary in District of Columbia is $111,873 per year ($53.79/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 11.7% above the national average of $100,140.

What is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia?

Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $111,873 per year.

What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia?

Mechanical Engineer salaries in District of Columbia range from $70,407 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $159,821 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $111,873 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within District of Columbia. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.