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 $96,310 per year and about average projected job growth.

Median pay

$96,310/yr

Typical range

$63,440 to $142,850

Job growth

Openings / yr

19,200

Majors that lead here

Mechanical Engineering Engineering

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

Electrical Engineer$106,950 median
Civil Engineer$95,890 median
Agricultural Engineer$82,640 median

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Salary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.