Mechanical Engineer Salary

Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Herriman, UT: $76,028 (2026)

Quick Answer:New mechanical engineers entering the Herriman, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,028 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Herriman's local price level (BEA RPP 98.12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,501 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,571) within a few years of clinical practice.

$76,028
Starting Salary
$36.55/hr
Starting Hourly
$76,028
Entry Level
$102,571
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Mechanical Engineer Entry Level Salary in Herriman, UT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Herriman, UT mechanical engineer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the mechanical engineering field in Herriman, UT, the starting mechanical engineer salary is projected to be around $76,028 in 2026. This figure is somewhat lower than the city median salary of $102,571, indicating that entry-level positions may not fully reflect the earning potential experienced by established professionals. However, as new engineers gain experience, there is a clear growth trajectory where salaries can rise upwards from the 25th percentile ($82,222) to a median pay level within the first three to five years of employment. With a projected growth rate of 2.92% annually, Herriman remains a viable market for aspiring mechanical engineers, offering opportunities to build a career while gradually increasing their income.

About the Herriman Market

Salary estimated from Utah average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Herriman

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$76,028/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$82,222/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$102,571/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$131,291/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Herriman

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for mechanical engineers in Herriman. The median salary is $102,571, compared to the national median of $107,150.$68.4K$93.1K$117.7K$142.3K$166.9K$76.0K10th Pctl$82.2K25th Pctl$102.6KMedian$131.3K75th Pctl$159.0K90th PctlUS Median$107.2K

Entry-level mechanical engineers in Herriman, UT typically start between $76,028 and $82,222 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,958 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,5714.27% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of mechanical engineer pay in the Herriman metro area.

Return on Investment

$52,000
Avg UT Program Cost
$76,028
Starting Salary
68.40%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average mechanical engineering program cost in Utah of $52,000 represents just 68.40% of the starting mechanical engineer pay ($76,028/year) in Herriman. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate mechanical engineering programs. Many employers value or require the FE exam early in career, with PE typical for specific industries (consulting, manufacturing safety).

ME, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Herriman

  • 1Research the Herriman market: entry-level mechanical engineer pay ranges from $76,028 to $82,222, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the mechanical engineering field — employers in UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Herriman, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Herriman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Herriman's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Mechanical Engineer Compensation Range

The mechanical engineer wage spread in Herriman is $82,958 ( 109.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,028, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,986.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$57,038

2025 BLS Actual

$73,871

2026 Current Est.

$76,028

2019–2027 Growth

+37.2%

Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Herriman (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for mechanical engineers in Herriman. Baseline $57,038 in 2025, projected to $78,248 by 2027.$52.8K$60.2K$67.6K$75.1K$82.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$57.0K$58.3K$60.7K$61.9K$64.5K$64.3K$73.9K$76.0K$78.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$57,038Actual
2020$58,316Actual
2021$60,652Actual
2022$61,890Actual
2023$64,456Actual
2024$64,268Actual
2025$73,871Actual
2026(current)$76,028Estimated
2027$78,248Projected

Entry-level mechanical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Herriman, UT grew 29.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,038 in 2019 to $73,871 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,248. New graduates entering the Herriman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herriman metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your mechanical engineering Career in Herriman

Employers in Herriman that hire entry-level mechanical engineers often include major automotive manufacturers such as Tesla, GM, Ford, and Toyota, which have structured programs for new graduates. Additionally, aerospace companies like Boeing, SpaceX, and Lockheed frequently seek new talent through internship pipelines, particularly those with security clearances. HVAC firms offer training programs for engineers to earn Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, which can elevate starting pay and career prospects. Possessing a Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program and passing the FE exam can improve job prospects. Career strategies for the first few years should emphasize acquiring essential credentials and gaining experience in areas like consumer products, where firms like Apple and Google pay competitively. Entry-level salaries in Herriman can grow significantly within the first three years, especially with a focus on gaining practical experience and pursuing credentials that enhance employability and income potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for mechanical engineers in Herriman in 2026?

Entry-level mechanical engineers in Herriman start at approximately $76,028/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.92% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $36.55/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do mechanical engineer salaries grow in Herriman?

Most mechanical engineers in Herriman progress from the entry-level salary of $76,028 to the area median of $102,571 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $158,986 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is mechanical engineering school worth it in Herriman?

With a starting salary of $76,028/year in Herriman and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new mechanical engineers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new mechanical engineers make right out of school in Herriman?

New mechanical engineering graduates in Herriman typically start near the 10th percentile at $76,028/year, or approximately $36.55/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a mechanical engineer in Utah?

To become a licensed mechanical engineer in Utah, you typically need bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an abet-accredited program (4 years). master's (msme) common for specialty work, r&d, or leadership. professional engineer (pe) license required for engineers who sign off on public-safety designs: fe exam → 4 years experience → pe mechanical exam., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Utah, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some mechanical engineers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Utah

AP

Written by Amina Patel, PE

Career Analyst

Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Robinson, PhDData verified by Lina Zhang, MS

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new mechanical engineering graduates. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Herriman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Herriman is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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