Mechanical Engineers

Career, Salary and Education Information

What They Do: Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

Work Environment: Mechanical engineers generally work in offices. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. Mechanical engineers work mostly in engineering services, research and development, and manufacturing.

How to Become One: Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. All states and the District of Columbia require mechanical engineers who sell services to the public to be licensed.

Salary: The median annual wage for mechanical engineers is $95,300.

Job Outlook: Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 2 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.

Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineers with similar occupations.

Following is everything you need to know about a career as a Mechanical Engineer with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following Mechanical Engineer jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:

Top 3 Mechanical Engineer Jobs

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Piper Companies - Saratoga, CA
Piper Companies is hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer for a Semiconductor Manufacturing Company located in California. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will need to sit on site 5 days per week in ...
Senior Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer - Mama Lola's LLC - Phoenix, AZ
JOB SUMMARYThe Senior Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing and reviewing the procedures and equipment involved in the manufacturing process. Duties include ...
Mechanical Engineer - Focus Search LLC - Salt Lake City, UT
Focus Search LLC is recruiting for a Mechanical Engineer to collaborate with our engineering and construction partners. The ideal candidate will have a background in biorefinery, petroleum, or ...

See all Mechanical Engineer jobs

What Mechanical Engineers Do[About this section] [To Top]

Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.

Duties of Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers typically do the following:

Analyze problems to see how mechanical and thermal devices might help solve a particular problem
Design or redesign mechanical and thermal devices or subsystems, using analysis and computer-aided design
Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and to recommend remedies
Develop and test prototypes of devices they design
Analyze the test results and change the design or system as needed
Oversee the manufacturing process for the device

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields. Mechanical engineers design and oversee the manufacture of many products ranging from medical devices to new batteries.

Mechanical engineers design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Mechanical engineers design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators. They also design material-handling systems, such as conveyor systems and automated transfer stations.

Like other engineers, mechanical engineers use computers extensively. Mechanical engineers are routinely responsible for the integration of sensors, controllers, and machinery. Computer technology helps mechanical engineers create and analyze designs, run simulations and test how a machine is likely to work, interact with connected systems, and generate specifications for parts.

The following are examples of types of mechanical engineers:

Auto research engineers seek to improve the performance of cars. These engineers work to improve traditional features of cars such as suspension, and they also work on aerodynamics and new possible fuels.

Heating and cooling systems engineers work to create and maintain environmental systems wherever temperatures and humidity must be kept within certain limits. They develop such systems for airplanes, trains, cars, schools, and even computer rooms.

Robotic engineers plan, build, and maintain robots. These engineers plan how robots will use sensors for detecting things based on light or smell, and they design how these sensors will fit into the designs of the robots.

Work Environment for Mechanical Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Mechanical engineers hold about 284,900 jobs. The largest employers of mechanical engineers are as follows:

Architectural, engineering, and related services	21%
Machinery manufacturing	15%
Transportation equipment manufacturing	10%
Computer and electronic product manufacturing	7%
Scientific research and development services	5%

Mechanical engineers generally work in offices. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. In most settings, they work with other engineers, engineering technicians, and other professionals as part of a team.

Mechanical Engineer Work Schedules

Most mechanical engineers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer[About this section] [To Top]

Get the education you need: Find schools for Mechanical Engineers near you!

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia.

Education for Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. They may emphasize internships and co-ops to prepare students for work in industry.

Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education.

ABET accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.

Important Qualities for Mechanical Engineers

Creativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery. A creative mind is essential for this kind of work.

Listening skills. Mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists. They must listen to and analyze different approaches made by other experts to complete the task at hand.

Math skills. Mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Mechanical skills. Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems.

Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Mechanical Engineers

Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as a mechanical engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one's career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires

A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Relevant work experience typically at least 4 years
A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor's degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.

Several states require engineers to take continuing education to renew their licenses every year. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the other state's licensing requirements meet or exceed their own licensing requirements.

Several professional organizations offer a variety of certification programs for engineers to demonstrate competency in specific fields of mechanical engineering.

Other Experience for Mechanical Engineers

During high school students can attend engineering summer camps to see what these and other engineers do. Attending these camps can help students plan their coursework for the remainder of their time in high school.

Advancement for Mechanical Engineers

A Ph.D. is essential for engineering faculty positions in higher education, as well as for some research and development programs. Mechanical engineers may earn graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology, broaden their education, and enhance their project management skills. Mechanical engineers may become administrators or managers after gaining work experience.

Mechanical Engineer Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]

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The median annual wage for mechanical engineers is $95,300. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $141,060.

The median annual wages for mechanical engineers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Scientific research and development services	$102,050
Computer and electronic product manufacturing	$99,640
Architectural, engineering, and related services	$97,090
Transportation equipment manufacturing	$97,000
Machinery manufacturing	$79,770

Most mechanical engineers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week.

Job Outlook for Mechanical Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 2 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 17,900 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

See all engineering jobs.

Employment of Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers work in many industries and on many types of projects. As a result, employment growth for these workers will vary by industry.

As manufacturing processes incorporate more complex automation machinery, mechanical engineers are expected to be needed to help plan for and design this equipment. In automotive manufacturing, these engineers will play a key role in improving the range and performance of hybrid and electric cars. However, employment declines in some industries may temper overall employment growth of mechanical engineers.

Engineers who have experience or training in three-dimensional printing also will have better job prospects.

Employment projections data for Mechanical Engineers, 2021-31
Occupational Title	Employment, 2021	Projected Employment, 2031	Change, 2021-31
Occupational Title	Employment, 2021	Projected Employment, 2031	Percent	Numeric
Mechanical engineers	284,900	291,300	2	6,400

Careers Related to Mechanical Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies.

Drafters

Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

Materials Engineers

Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, nanomaterials (extremely small substances), and other substances in order to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements.

Mathematicians and Statisticians

Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply mathematical and statistical techniques to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.

Natural Sciences Managers

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. They direct activities related to research and development, and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.

Nuclear Engineers

Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. Many of these engineers find industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials—for example, in equipment used in medical diagnosis and treatment.

Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth's surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells.

Physicists and Astronomers

Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers.

Sales Engineers

Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products' parts and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.