# data[].attributes.body
Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDg2UcaZzcg.

Quick Facts: Mechanical Engineers
2022 Median Pay

$96,310 per year
$46.31 per hour

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

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.

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.

The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $96,310 in May 2022.

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 19,200 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.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers.

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

Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

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

Duties

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.

Mechanical engineers held about 286,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of mechanical engineers were as follows:

Architectural, engineering, and related services

20%

Machinery manufacturing

15

Transportation equipment manufacturing

10

Scientific research and development services

8

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

7

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.

Work Schedules

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Median annual wages, May 2022

The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $96,310 in May 2022. 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 $61,990, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $151,260.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for mechanical engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Scientific research and development services

$125,850

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

101,100

Transportation equipment manufacturing

98,360

Architectural, engineering, and related services

98,280

Machinery manufacturing

82,280

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

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 19,200 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.

Employment

Mechanical engineers work in a range of industries and on many types of projects. As a result, employment growth for these workers varies 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.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2022

Projected Employment, 2032

Change, 2022-32

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Mechanical engineers

17-2141

286,100

314,700

10

28,500
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about general engineering education and mechanical engineering career resources, visit
American Society of Mechanical Engineers American Society for Engineering Education Technology Student Association
For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET
For more information about licensure as a mechanical engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying National Society of Professional Engineers
For information about certification, visit
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Occupational Requirements Survey

For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see

Mechanical engineers (PDF)

O*NET
Automotive Engineers Fuel Cell Engineers Mechanical Engineers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

# data[].attributes.body
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering will grant me medical, dental, and vision insurance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The web pages currently in English on the EDD website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the EDD provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes.

# data[].attributes.body
I would need to get a bachelor's degree

# data[].attributes.headline
- What technology must be used for your career?

# data[].attributes.subject
- What technology must be used for your career?

# data[].attributes.body
Computer software is an essential technology that is used everyday because it provides a visual way to design tools and machinery,  through presenting analytical and scientific appilcations such as AutoCAD and Ladder Logic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mechanical engineers use several kinds of tools to help them prepare technical drawings, test equipment, investigate equipment and monitor the production of machinery. Mechanical engineers are trained to use these tools with precision in a variety of areas, including indoor workplaces, outdoor installations and ...

# data[].attributes.headline
-Salary? (starting, average, and high end)

# data[].attributes.subject
-Salary? (starting, average, and high end)

# data[].attributes.body
Completing all of these requirements will lead to a salary of at least $88,000 a year

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDg2UcaZzcg.

Quick Facts: Mechanical Engineers
2022 Median Pay

$96,310 per year
$46.31 per hour

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

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.

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.

The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $96,310 in May 2022.

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 19,200 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.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers.

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

Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

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

Duties

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.

Mechanical engineers held about 286,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of mechanical engineers were as follows:

Architectural, engineering, and related services

20%

Machinery manufacturing

15

Transportation equipment manufacturing

10

Scientific research and development services

8

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

7

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.

Work Schedules

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Median annual wages, May 2022

The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $96,310 in May 2022. 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 $61,990, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $151,260.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for mechanical engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Scientific research and development services

$125,850

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

101,100

Transportation equipment manufacturing

98,360

Architectural, engineering, and related services

98,280

Machinery manufacturing

82,280

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

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 19,200 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.

Employment

Mechanical engineers work in a range of industries and on many types of projects. As a result, employment growth for these workers varies 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.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2022

Projected Employment, 2032

Change, 2022-32

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Mechanical engineers

17-2141

286,100

314,700

10

28,500
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about general engineering education and mechanical engineering career resources, visit
American Society of Mechanical Engineers American Society for Engineering Education Technology Student Association
For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET
For more information about licensure as a mechanical engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying National Society of Professional Engineers
For information about certification, visit
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Occupational Requirements Survey

For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see

Mechanical engineers (PDF)

O*NET
Automotive Engineers Fuel Cell Engineers Mechanical Engineers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

# data[].attributes.body
I plan to attend Texas A&M University College Station so I can obtain a degree from ABET engineering program, a passing score on the fundamentals of Engineering exam, and a work experience of atleast 4 years.