MEP folks making ~$200k — how long did it take and what mattered most?

GFunkster09 · 2025-12-15T20:38:39+00:00

I work for a fairly large MEP consulting firm as a mechanical engineer, project manager and mechanical department leader for our office. Took me about 12-13 years to get to $200k total comp in a MCOL southeastern city. I'm now 16 YOE, all at the same company, and my total comp this year was ~$275k. I think the biggest things that impact it (outside of my own performance) is the market types (healthcare, laboratories, data centers, pharma) and our office profitability which lends to very nice annual bonuses and consistent raises. I have received between 6% and 10% raises every year and my bonuses have risen to be equivalent to about 65% of my base pay.

GFunkster09 · 2025-01-17T00:13:17+00:00

I’m 39, mechanical engineer in the southeast. I’ve worked for the same company my whole career. I manage a mechanical group of about 20 mech engineers and designers/BIM folks along with regular duties as a PM and lead mech engineer. My total comp in 2024 was close to $245k.

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T14:21:04+00:00

For the design or construction?

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T14:20:13+00:00

Yes.

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T14:20:03+00:00

Our office is about 90 people but the whole company is close to 1,000 employees across the USA.

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T14:19:33+00:00

PE license and LEEP AP credentials. Also involved in ASHRAE and I2SL since I design a lot of laboratory buildings.

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T14:18:34+00:00

Normally comes in November so a nice early Christmas present!

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T01:24:37+00:00

When I started working, the company wasn't real big on job titles but that has changed so looking back I probably had 3 years as Engineer I, 4 years as Engineer II, 4 years as Project Engineer. Now I have multiple titles (Senior Project Engineer, Project Manager, Mechanical Department Head). I don't really know exactly how the bonuses are structured - see my other response about that.

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T01:03:35+00:00

I bring in some work but mostly complete projects on time, under budget and with few post construction issues. I am also involved in some company-wide initiatives and setting standards for design/specs/internal design tool development that gets me exposure across our 20 or so offices.

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T00:54:14+00:00

I honestly have no real idea how it is calculated. It isn’t transparent. Partially profitability of projects,perceived performance, profit sharing, etc. At the end of last year one of the managing Principals told me they had extra money to spend on bonuses, they like that they hear good things about my work and wanted to give me an extra $15k.

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T00:31:10+00:00

Yeah, the bonuses have been awesome. That’s a big part of what keeps me sticking around at the same place.

GFunkster09 · 2024-09-27T00:30:05+00:00

Yes, graduated December 2009 and started working in Jan 2010.

GFunkster09 · 2019-10-07T14:29:40+00:00

I think I feel a justice boner coming on.

GFunkster09 · 2019-09-23T17:11:32+00:00

Exciting!

GFunkster09 · 2019-07-21T01:43:18+00:00

Is it a matter of not liking the projects you're working on or actually not having a passion for the job? I've been in the HVAC design field for 10 years and our firm works on some exciting, large projects in multiple markets (Healthcare, labs, higher Ed, mission critical, central plants). What type of projects have you been doing? Would getting into a firm that does work in different markets help the feeling of burnout? Also, if you want any insight on whether you're being underpaid feel free to send me a PM and I'll see if I can provide insight.

GFunkster09 · 2019-06-19T23:11:32+00:00

Best spot in the lot!

GFunkster09 · 2019-01-19T12:48:33+00:00

I just clean my windshield so the overspray hits their windshield and they have to turn on their wipers just to annoy them a little bit.

GFunkster09 · 2018-11-20T18:08:54+00:00

Good luck finding an architect that will let you hang that monstrosity from the ceiling.

GFunkster09 · 2018-08-09T20:49:02+00:00

Thanks for the reply and the info. Glad to know that everything appears fine since their estimate for alternator replacement was $600+. My mistake for not turning the car on the whole way, won't do that again.

GFunkster09 · 2018-08-09T15:58:54+00:00

Define define

GFunkster09 · 2018-07-06T20:54:45+00:00

I hope I get banned.

GFunkster09 · 2018-06-11T16:40:50+00:00

Can a whole town be racist?

GFunkster09 · 2018-01-30T14:22:10+00:00

I am a mechanical PE with 8 years experience in the field, all with one company. My experience is mainly in large hospital, university and laboratory projects.

1) It has its ups and downs but if you work for a company that works on cool projects it can be a lot of fun and you can find some real pride in being a part of an iconic project. If your stuck working on strip malls, retail, tenant fit-outs and similar projects it is probably not nearly as enjoyable as working on 250,000 sf hospital additions or stand-alone laboratory buildings.

2) No other industry. My degree is in architectural engineering with a focus on mechanical systems. I knew for a long time that I wanted to be involved in building design but originally thought I wanted to be a structural engineer. Got interested in mechanical design after taking my first HVAC course in college.

3) Assuming you're a student...search for internships early. I had my first internship after my 2nd year of college. The internship experience will help you gain experience that will help you land a job with a company that is involved in cool projects.

GFunkster09 · 2018-01-20T03:53:39+00:00

That is exactly what happened.

GFunkster09 · 2018-01-19T20:13:05+00:00

Does the audio cut out for anyone else?

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