How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
Design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $104,110 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$104,110/yr
Typical range
$73,990 to $164,340
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
18,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- CAD
- Thermodynamics
- Materials Science
- Problem Solving
- Mathematics
Helpful certifications
- PE (Professional Engineer)
- FE (Fundamentals of Engineering)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
42/100
Work-life balance
68/100
Stress level
38/100
Satisfaction
76/100
Related careers
- Computer Hardware Engineer$161,740 median
- Petroleum Engineer$144,910 median
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960 median
- Nuclear Engineer$133,970 median
- Chemical Engineer$125,040 median
- Electrical Engineer$120,630 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make?
The median pay for a Mechanical Engineer is $104,110 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The typical range runs from $73,990 to $164,340, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Mechanical Engineer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, and Applied Physics.
Is Mechanical Engineer a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 18,100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Mechanical Engineer use most?
Common skills for this role are CAD, Thermodynamics, Materials Science, Problem Solving, and Mathematics.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.