What is the starting salary for Mechanical Engineering graduates in Long Beach?

The estimated starting salary for Mechanical Engineering graduates in Long Beach, CA is $90,480 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 116. The national average starting salary for this major is $78,000. Salaries in Long Beach are 16% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Mechanical Engineering degree worth it in Long Beach?

A Mechanical Engineering degree in Long Beach has an estimated ROI payback period of 1.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $1,015,540 after subtracting education costs. With 14 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $4,169/year, Long Beach offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 6.6% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Mechanical Engineering in Long Beach?

The average annual public university tuition in Long Beach is $4,169, while private universities average $9,960/year. Including room and board ($17,446/year), total 4-year costs range from $86,460 at a public school to $109,624 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Long Beach is $15,553/year.

What jobs can Mechanical Engineering graduates get in Long Beach?

Mechanical Engineering graduates in Long Beach can pursue careers as Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer. Key skills valued by local employers include CAD, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Materials Science. The Long Beach job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Tesla.

How long to pay off student loans for Mechanical Engineering in Long Beach?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Mechanical Engineering graduates in Long Beach would pay $982/month on an estimated $86,460 in loans, with $31,348 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,692/month but save $16,307 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $90,480, monthly payments would represent 13% of gross monthly income.

Mechanical Engineering Degree in Long Beach, CA — Salary & ROI 2026

Mechanical Engineering degree analysis for Long Beach, CA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$90K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$128K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

1.7 yrs

in Long Beach

Cost of Living

116

index (100 = avg)

Mechanical Engineering in Long Beach, CA Overview

Long Beach, California (pop. 466,742) has 14 colleges offering Mechanical Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 116 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,546/month. Mechanical Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in CAD and Thermodynamics. The adjusted starting salary in Long Beach is approximately $90,480.

Mechanical Engineering Salary in Long Beach (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Long Beach's cost of living index of 116 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$90,480(+$12,480 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$127,600(+$17,600 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$160,080(+$22,080 vs national)

Note: National average Mechanical Engineering salary: $78,000 starting, $110,000 mid-career, $138,000 senior level.Long Beach adjustment factor: 1.16x based on the local cost of living index.

Mechanical Engineering ROI Calculator for Long Beach

Estimate your return on investment for a Mechanical Engineering degree using local Long Beach tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $4,169 | Private avg: $9,960

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Long Beach avg aid: $15,553/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$86,460

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$49,880

vs HS diploma in Long Beach

ROI Payback Period

1.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Long Beach

$1,015,540

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,102,000) minus total education cost ($86,460)

Student Loan Payoff for Mechanical Engineering in Long Beach

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$86,460

Monthly Payment$982

Total Interest$31,348

% of Monthly Income13%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$86,460

Monthly Payment$1,692

Total Interest$15,041

Interest Savings$16,307

Colleges in Long Beach for Mechanical Engineering

California State University, Long Beach

public

$6,798/yr

$27,192 total

Long Beach City College

public

$1,540/yr

$6,160 total

Pacific Coast University School of Law

private

$9,960/yr

$39,840 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Long Beach City College

$1,540/yr

Top Employers for Mechanical Engineering in Long Beach

Long Beach offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Mechanical Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

BoeingLockheed MartinTeslaGESpaceX

Key Long Beach Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Mechanical Engineering Job Titles

Mechanical EngineerDesign EngineerManufacturing Engineer

Mechanical Engineering in Nearby California Cities

Los Angeles, CA

$110K starting · COL 141

69 colleges

San Diego, CA

$109K starting · COL 140

68 colleges

San Jose, CA

$101K starting · COL 129

95 colleges

San Francisco, CA

$89K starting · COL 114

22 colleges

Fresno, CA

$92K starting · COL 118

37 colleges

Sacramento, CA

$87K starting · COL 112

38 colleges

Oakland, CA

$103K starting · COL 132

13 colleges

Bakersfield, CA

$105K starting · COL 134

18 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Long Beach

Petroleum Engineering

$58K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$58K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$95K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$58K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$93K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$93K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$58K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$90K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Mechanical Engineering degree outcomes in Long Beach, CA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Mechanical Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for California.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Long Beach using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Mechanical Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Mechanical Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Mechanical Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Long Beach Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), California students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (California)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — California programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "california higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Mechanical Engineering Degree in Long Beach — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Mechanical Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Long Beach.

Mechanical Engineering Overview Colleges in Long Beach All Majors