From all of the engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering is one of the broadest. Mechanical engineers are involved in designing, researching, development, and the testing of mechanical and thermal devices. This includes engines, machines, and tools.
Mechanical engineers are characterized by their creative abilities, for developing a breadth of knowledge in their industry, and for being versatile. It’s also important to be able to not only work autonomously, but as a part of a team too.
We all use a lot of day-to-day items that we probably don’t stop and think about, but engineers were involved in the design and manufacture of. Like microwaves, refrigeration, communication devices, transportation, to mention a few etc.
Interested to learn more? Have a look our guide on how to become a mechanical engineer by clicking this link.
Mechanical Engineer Salary
If you have been pondering on, how much do Mechanical Engineers make? The Median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers is . This is calculated by looking at the figure that half of the workers earned more than, and half earned less than.
The lowest 10% earn less than $56,270, while the top 10% earn more than $136,550. This shows a clear indication that the lower level of earnings reflects the fact that there are certain qualifications needed to enter this profession.
We can look at the top five industries employing mechanical engineers, and the median annual wage being paid:
Computer and electronic product manufacturing – $93,070
Architectural, engineering, and related services – $90,060
Transportation equipment manufacturing – $88,460
Machinery manufacturing – $80,310
Scientific research and development services – $99,870
Mechanical engineers are in demand in the US now, with future projections indicating that there is a need for professionals in this area of speciality. Out of around 3 million engineers in the US now, around 20% are Mechanical Engineers.
Top 5 Paying States
| Flag | State | Employment per 1000 Jobs | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Alaska | 1.49 | $59.45 | $123,660 |
 | New Mexico | 1.33 | $48.54 | $100,970 |
 | California | 1.59 | $47.77 | $99,360 |
 | Texas | 1.81 | $47.63 | $99,080 |
 | Louisiana | 1.39 | $47.30 | $98,390 |
Top Paying Industries
| Industry | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and Gas Extraction | 0.50 | $74.01 | $153,940 |
| Information Services | 0.06 | $66.59 | $138,510 |
| Waste Treatment and Disposal | 0.63 | $52.88 | $110,000 |
| Waste Management Services | – | $51.27 | $106,640 |
| Support Activities for Air Transportation | 0.06 | $49.82 | $103,630 |
Mechanical Engineer Job Description
There is a wide range of tasks within a mechanical engineers job spec, here are some of the typical tasks:
- Analysing problems to find a resolve using mechanical and thermal applications to solve the problem.
- Using computer technology to design or redesign current mechanical and thermal devices.
- Being involved in the research and development phase of prototypes of devices.
- Analysing test results and making changes to designs as required.
- Overseeing the manufacturing process for mechanical and thermal devices.
Mechanical engineers oversee the design and manufacturing process of many products being made. From medical devices, to household appliances, to batteries. As well as much larger machines, such as electric generators, combustion engines, wind, steam, and gas turbines, as well as other power generating or power using machines.
An individual wouldn’t be expected to oversee the whole process from start to finish. Teams will be divided into different department, sometimes depending on skill set and experience, or sometimes on request of a person’s preferred role. There will be teams of engineers in the design department, overseeing the design of a product and making changes where needed. Likewise there will be engineers involved in the manufacturing process, checking for defects and reporting back to the design team.
Mechanical engineers also design machinery used in buildings, like factories or living accommodations. These can include elevators, escalators, and mechanical doors. They also design systems and devices used in workplaces, like material-handling systems, product sorting machines, conveyor systems and automated processes.
Mechanical engineers rely heavily on computers and other state-of-the-art technologies in this modern era. Computers help mechanical engineers create designs to a high degree of accuracy, and analyze reports and patterns. Some advanced computer simulations can test how a device or machine is going to be working, and calculate the specifications needed to create parts.
Having an engineering degree is an excellent foundation for entering into the engineering profession, and gives an individual a good start on further training and development.
Mechanical Engineer Job Outlook
There is a 9% projected growth in the employment of mechanical engineers between 2016 and 2026. This is as fast as the average calculated for all occupations, but can change drastically if there are unexpected advances in technology. Mechanical engineers are able to work across a wide range of industries, across many different types of project. With this in mind, there can also be large shifts in employment when trends shift.
Growth in industries such as oil and gas extraction is expected to grow. This is because the knowledge and technologic advancements with thermal energy is on the increase. The scope of alternative energies is always broadening, and natural resources deplete. Raising more opportunities for engineers to develop new strategies.
Overall the outlook for mechanical engineers is positive, and probably the most positive out of all the types of engineering.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by State
| Flag | State | Employment per 1000 Jobs | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Alabama | 1.758 | $40.49 | $84,210 |
| Alaska | 1.488 | $59.45 | $123,660 |
 | Arizona | 1.537 | $44.88 | $93,340 |
 | Arkansas | 1.105 | $35.47 | $73,770 |
| California | 1.589 | $47.77 | $99,360 |
 | Colorado | 2.626 | $42.71 | $88,830 |
 | Connecticut | 3.673 | $40.52 | $84,290 |
 | Delaware | 1.683 | $46.48 | $96,670 |
 | Florida | 0.706 | $40.80 | $84,860 |
 | Georgia | 1.252 | $39.41 | $81,970 |
 | Hawaii | 0.952 | $38.47 | $80,020 |
 | Idaho | 1.734 | $39.39 | $81,940 |
 | Illinois | 2.044 | $40.59 | $84,420 |
 | Indiana | 3.567 | $35.72 | $74,300 |
 | Iowa | 1.843 | $35.43 | $73,700 |
 | Kansas | 1.634 | $34.83 | $72,440 |
 | Kentucky | 1.536 | $37.72 | $78,450 |
| Louisiana | 1.391 | $47.30 | $98,390 |
 | Maine | 1.312 | $39.86 | $82,900 |
 | Maryland | 2.008 | $46.06 | $95,800 |
 | Massachusetts | 2.808 | $44.35 | $92,250 |
 | Michigan | 9.501 | $42.66 | $88,730 |
 | Minnesota | 2.457 | $39.60 | $82,370 |
 | Mississippi | 0.802 | $37.24 | $77,460 |
 | Missouri | 1.343 | $38.24 | $79,530 |
 | Montana | 0.789 | $38.03 | $79,110 |
 | Nebraska | 1.039 | $36.79 | $76,530 |
 | Nevada | 0.458 | $41.20 | $85,700 |
 | New Hampshire | 2.665 | $40.85 | $84,970 |
 | New Jersey | 1.629 | $43.27 | $90,000 |
| New Mexico | 1.334 | $48.54 | $100,970 |
 | New York | 1.163 | $40.82 | $84,900 |
 | North Carolina | 1.411 | $39.21 | $81,550 |
 | North Dakota | 1.143 | $35.55 | $73,940 |
 | Ohio | 2.345 | $35.83 | $74,520 |
 | Oklahoma | 1.569 | $39.34 | $81,830 |
 | Oregon | 1.592 | $39.01 | $81,140 |
 | Pennsylvania | 1.854 | $39.86 | $82,900 |
 | Rhode Island | 2.16 | $43.79 | $91,080 |
 | South Carolina | 3.023 | $41.21 | $85,710 |
 | South Dakota | 1.17 | $33.62 | $69,930 |
 | Tennessee | 1.478 | $40.90 | $85,060 |
| Texas | 1.81 | $47.63 | $99,080 |
 | Utah | 2.736 | $37.38 | $77,760 |
 | Vermont | 1.718 | $41.03 | $85,330 |
 | Virginia | 2.251 | $46.61 | $96,960 |
 | Washington | 2.216 | $43.92 | $91,360 |
 | West Virginia | 0.504 | $37.00 | $76,960 |
 | Wisconsin | 3.053 | $34.01 | $70,730 |
 | Wyoming | 0.913 | $38.70 | $80,500 |
Top paying metropolitan areas
| Area | Employment per 1000 jobs | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 2.21 | $60.22 | $125,260 |
| Taunton/Norton/Raynham – MA, NECTA Division | 4.42 | $56.15 | $116,780 |
| San Jose/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara – CA | 4.52 | $53.71 | $111,720 |
| Washington/Arlington/Alexandria – DC/VA/MD/WV – Metropolitan Division | 1.86 | $52.91 | $110,060 |
| Boulder, CO | 4.53 | $52.85 | $109,920 |
Top paying non-metropolitan areas
| Area | Employment per 1000 jobs | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Railbelt – Southwest Alaska, nonmetropolitan area | 0.72 | $59.92 | $124,640 |
| Northeastern Oklahoma – nonmetropolitan area | 0.89 | $51.78 | $107,700 |
| Northeastern Virginia – nonmetropolitan area | 7.09 | $50.28 | $104,570 |
| Sussex County – Delaware – nonmetropolitan area | 1.03 | $47.93 | $99,690 |
| St. Mary’s County – Maryland – nonmetropolitan area | 8.87 | $45.60 | $94,840 |
