Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$91,800 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$60,690
Median
$91,800
Senior Level
$129,030

Mechanical Engineer salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

CADProduct DesignThermodynamicsManufacturingProblem Solving

Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Mechanical Engineer professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Mechanical Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Mechanical Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia

City of PhiladelphiaSEPTAComcastIndependence Blue Cross

Major employers hiring Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia include City of Philadelphia, SEPTA, Comcast, Independence Blue Cross. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Mechanical Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for Mechanical Engineer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Mechanical Engineer in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Mechanical Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Mechanical Engineers

The job outlook for Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include CAD, Product Design, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Mechanical Engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $91,800 per year. Entry-level Mechanical Engineers typically start around $60,690, while experienced professionals can earn $129,030 or more. The national average for Mechanical Engineer roles is $90,000.

How many Mechanical Engineer jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Mechanical Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Mechanical Engineers include City of Philadelphia, SEPTA, Comcast, Independence Blue Cross. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Mechanical Engineers?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Mechanical Engineers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia include CAD, Product Design, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing, Problem Solving. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Mechanical Engineers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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