What Does it Take to Be a Mechanical Engineer?
Job Description & Duties Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
A Day in the Life of a Mechanical Engineer
- Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
- Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
- Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
- Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
- Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products.
- Study industrial processes to maximize the efficiency of equipment applications, including equipment placement.
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Things a Mechanical Engineer Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Mechanical Engineers say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Mechanical Engineer Jobs
- Textile Engineer
- Roller Coaster Engineer
- Engineer
- Auto Research Engineer
- Wind Turbine Mechanical Engineer
Job Outlook for Mechanical Engineers
There were about 288,800 jobs for Mechanical Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,300 new jobs for Mechanical Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 21,200 positions for Mechanical Engineer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Mechanical Engineers Salary
Mechanical Engineers make between $56,270 and $136,550 a year.
Mechanical Engineers who work in District of Columbia, New Mexico, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Mechanical Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $90,030 |
| Alaska | $128,690 |
| Arizona | $98,390 |
| Arkansas | $71,730 |
| California | $107,370 |
| Colorado | $104,220 |
| Connecticut | $94,270 |
| Delaware | $106,220 |
| District of Columbia | $112,780 |
| Florida | $87,770 |
| Georgia | $84,870 |
| Hawaii | $81,730 |
| Idaho | $86,010 |
| Illinois | $92,030 |
| Indiana | $82,510 |
| Iowa | $80,530 |
| Kansas | $82,210 |
| Kentucky | $84,380 |
| Louisiana | $101,810 |
| Maine | $93,310 |
| Maryland | $109,960 |
| Massachusetts | $98,190 |
| Michigan | $91,100 |
| Minnesota | $87,030 |
| Mississippi | $85,570 |
| Missouri | $85,450 |
| Montana | $77,140 |
| Nebraska | $80,650 |
| Nevada | $88,950 |
| New Hampshire | $97,270 |
| New Jersey | $95,680 |
| New Mexico | $110,210 |
| New York | $91,820 |
| North Carolina | $87,470 |
| North Dakota | $75,770 |
| Ohio | $81,020 |
| Oklahoma | $88,190 |
| Oregon | $85,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,740 |
| Rhode Island | $94,520 |
| South Carolina | $93,730 |
| South Dakota | $76,220 |
| Tennessee | $87,990 |
| Texas | $105,570 |
| Utah | $88,150 |
| Vermont | $94,580 |
| Virginia | $100,540 |
| Washington | $96,860 |
| West Virginia | $84,070 |
| Wisconsin | $79,360 |
| Wyoming | $84,200 |
What Tools & Technology do Mechanical Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mechanical Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Minitab
Becoming a Mechanical Engineer
What education is needed to be a Mechanical Engineer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Mechanical Engineers?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Mechanical Engineer may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Michel Villeneuve via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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