What Can You Do With a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
- Mechanical engineering is a field with expanding career options and exceptional earning potential.
- The path to a career in mechanical engineering begins with a postsecondary education. Engineers may also require state licensure to work in certain industries.
- Mechanical engineers work well in collaborative environments across many industries and locations.
Mechanical engineering degrees offer a rigorous curriculum rooted in STEM courses and project-based, collaborative learning.
Successful students tend to have a natural inclination towards math and science, boasting solid critical thinking and analytical skills.
Mechanical engineering students are prepared to enter a growing field that offers many lucrative career opportunities.
Graduates work in diverse areas, including manufacturing, automotive research, and aeronautics.
While a bachelor’s degree provides above-average salaries, additional academic and professional training can greatly increase earning potential, expanding job options to more specialized roles and management positions.
What is the Salary for a Mechanical Engineer?
Mechanical engineering graduates enter a field with expanding career options and exceptional earning potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineers earned a median annual salary of $88,430 in 2019.
A worker’s experience, specialization, and education often dictate their earnings. Mechanical engineers entering the field for the first time typically earn annual salaries of $60,000-$65,000.
Those with a decade of experience see their average pay grow to more than $90,000 a year. Experienced engineers in management positions can earn well over $100,000 per year.
| Job Title | Entry-Level (0-12 months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | $62,760 | $68,370 | $79,740 | $90,980 |
| Mechanical Designer | $53,080 | $55,750 | $57,790 | $65,570 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $61,980 | $66,470 | $80,770 | $89,510 |
Source: PayScale
Where Can You Work With a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
Mechanical engineers possess a broad set of intellectual and technical skills and work especially well in collaborative environments across many industries and locations.
Top Industries for Mechanical Engineers
Source: BLS
Top Locations for Mechanical Engineering Jobs
Although mechanical engineers can find employment across the country, Michigan, California, and Texas employ the largest number of these professionals in the U.S.
Additionally, mechanical engineers in New Mexico and the District of Columbia tend to make the highest wages, taking home average salaries above $110,000 annually.
Choose Your State Below
How to Start Your Career in Mechanical Engineering
The path towards a mechanical engineering career begins with a postsecondary education. Engineering programs introduce students to the theoretical and practical knowledge required to succeed in the field.
During undergraduate coursework, internships, and cooperative education, students expand their skills and gain an introduction to the field. Practical experience and labs are particularly important in engineering programs.
Although individuals qualify for many jobs after earning a bachelor’s degree, many professionals often seek additional education and specialized training.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering?
Full-time learners seeking a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering can graduate in four years, completing about 120 credits.
In addition to general education requirements, major-specific courses include manufacturing systems, dynamics and vibrations, and solid-state mechanics.
Mechanical engineering students often choose to tackle a concentration, such as design and manufacturing, robotics and mechatronics, or energy and the environment.
These engineers use computer-aided software to design thermal and mechanical products that tend to specific issues. These products include elevators, air conditioning systems, and medical equipment. Professionals test these products for efficiency and make adjustments when necessary. Pursuing a professional engineering license may help these professionals advance into leadership positions.
Salary:$88,430
Sources: BLS and PayScale
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering?
Master’s students typically complete the required 30-60 credits in 1-2 years.
Master’s programs in mechanical engineering feature specialized coursework and research in topics like advanced aeronautics, CAD, and fluid mechanics.
Students interested in supervisory positions often complete graduate business administration classes.
Senior mechanical engineers participate in the research and development of products while working to improve mechanical systems. These specialized professionals typically have strong computer skills and hold a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Salary:$98,410
Source: PayScale
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineers interested in obtaining a doctoral degree typically have two academic paths they can pursue.
Those interested in the academic work of teaching and research often pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and typically graduate in 4-7 years.
Students interested in pursuing a highly specialized engineering degree to augment practice-based career options can choose a doctor of engineering science (Eng.Sc.D.).
These engineers are experts in the field and often tackle sizable research projects. They employ both scientific and interpersonal skills, engaging with research while effectively relaying information to upper management, clients, and other engineers. Research engineers boast strong analytical and technical skills and often work closely with other professionals.
Salary:$82,780
Source: PayScale
How to Advance Your Career in Mechanical Engineering
Gaining additional education provides a straightforward path towards a more competitive resume.
Beyond education, taking advantage of networking opportunities and actively participating in professional organizations often opens doors.
Licensure and Certifications for Mechanical Engineers
In the United States, mechanical engineers offering services directly to the general population may need to hold a state license.
While engineers working in the private sector and manufacturing are not required to become licensed professional engineers (PEs), PE licensure boosts credentials.
Each state sets specific licensure regulations, ensuring that public-facing engineering projects prioritize public safety.
All licensure candidates must earn a four-year degree and work under a licensed professional engineer for at least four years before they can apply. Candidates must also pass two intensive competency exams.
The National Society of Professional Engineers sets national licensure standards and a code of ethics for engineers, regardless of their practice area. Engineering licenses remain valid only within the state in which they are granted.
Professionals can also pursue voluntary certifications, such as credentials issued by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, to boost their resumes and signal expertise to potential employers.
Resources for Mechanical Engineering Majors
Organizations like the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers offer many resources to professional engineers and students alike.
Typical benefits include professional certification and access to continuing education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mechanical Engineering
Is mechanical engineering a good career?
Yes. A mechanical engineering degree can lead to careers in many fields, including manufacturing and aerospace. These careers provide strong annual salaries.
Where do most mechanical engineers work?
Mechanical engineers often find employment related to architecture, manufacturing, management, and research. They generally work in offices, although some may also engage in field work.
What kind of jobs can you get with a mechanical engineering degree?
Mechanical engineering graduates can work in manufacturing, scientific research and development, and governmental positions at NASA and the Department of Defense.
What mechanical engineering jobs pay the most?
According to the BLS, architectural and engineering managers earned a median annual salary of $144,830 in 2019.
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