How Much Does an MEP Get Paid? A MEP, or Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineer, specializes in designing integrated building systems for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure. In 2025, the average MEP engineer salary in the US is $105,000 to $110,000 annually, reflecting a 3-4% rise from 2024 due to demand in sustainable construction and data centers. Entry-level roles start lower, while seniors exceed $150,000. Factors like location, experience, and certifications heavily influence earnings, with top earners reaching $200,000+ in high-cost areas. This guide breaks down MEP pay trends for career planning.
Average MEP Engineer Salary in 2025
Nationally, MEP engineers earn a base salary of $105,000–$110,000 per year, or about $50–$53 per hour, based on data from Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and Levels.fyi. Total compensation often includes bonuses (5–10% of base) and benefits like 401(k) matching. The 25th percentile sits at $84,000–$85,000, while the 75th percentile reaches $116,000–$155,000, with 90th percentile at $135,000–$203,000. These figures align with broader engineering medians but outperform civil roles by 5–10%.
MEP Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives MEP pay progression significantly. Entry-level MEP engineers (0–2 years) earn $54,000–$72,000 annually, focusing on drafting and site coordination. Mid-level professionals (3–7 years) command $90,000–$120,000, handling full system designs. Seniors (8+ years) or those with PE licensure average $130,000–$160,000, leading projects in commercial high-rises or hospitals. Top earners with 15+ years hit $200,000+, often in consulting firms like AECOM or Turner Construction.
MEP Engineer Salary by Location
Geography boosts MEP salaries by 20–50% in high-demand hubs. California leads with $125,000–$140,000 averages (e.g., San Jose at $125,000+), driven by tech and green building mandates. New York and Virginia follow at $115,000–$130,000, with outliers like Warm Springs, VA, at $156,000 for specialized roles. Midwest states like Texas average $95,000–$105,000, balancing lower costs with steady energy sector jobs. Rural areas lag at $80,000–$90,000, but remote hybrid roles are closing the gap.
Factors Affecting MEP Pay in 2025
Key influencers include certifications (PE adds 15–20% premium; LEED boosts 10%) and specializations (data centers or healthcare yield 25% higher pay). Firm size matters—large consultancies pay 10–15% more than in-house teams. Economic trends like inflation (3%) and labor shortages (projected 10% MEP job growth) push wages up, but economic slowdowns could cap raises at 2%. Education (BS in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering minimum) and skills in BIM/Revit software enhance negotiating power.
How to Maximize Your MEP Engineer Salary
Negotiate based on market data—aim 10% above offers using Glassdoor benchmarks. Pursue PE within 4 years for a $20,000–$30,000 bump. Relocate to hotspots or freelance for 20% freelance premiums. Track trends via ASPE or ASHRAE for informed raises.
In summary, MEP engineers enjoy competitive pay with strong growth potential—average $105K+ in 2025. Research your niche for personalized insights.