Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.
Is mechanical engineers a good career?
It scores 35/100 and ranks #98 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($104,110 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+9.1% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What mechanical engineers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. mechanical engineers earn between $84,130 and $132,590 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live mechanical engineers jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technologies. 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.
Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. A degree from an accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
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 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.
Advancement
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.
Important qualities
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.
Related occupations
How much do mechanical engineers make?
The national median wage is $104,110 a year, with the middle half earning between $84,130 and $132,590 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is mechanical engineers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 35 of 100 and ranks #98 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +9.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a mechanical engineer?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do mechanical engineers earn the most?
Among states, New Mexico pays the highest median ($157,710). Local pay for every state and metro is below.