Find Grad Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Mechanical Engineer

Find Schools Near

All About Mechanical Engineers

Example of Mechanical Engineer Job 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.

Daily Life Of a Mechanical Engineer

  • Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
  • Direct the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of renewable energy equipment, such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or water systems.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
  • Select or install combined heat units, power units, cogeneration equipment, or trigeneration equipment that reduces energy use or pollution.
  • Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
  • Solicit new business.

Mechanical Engineer Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Mechanical Engineers say are important on the job.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Types of Mechanical Engineer

  • Cryogenics Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Tool Designer
  • Hydroelectric Plant Mechanical Engineer
  • Combustion Engineer

Job Demand for Mechanical Engineers

In the United States, there were 288,800 jobs for Mechanical Engineer in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 21,200 job openings in this field each year.

undefined

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.

undefined

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 do Mechanical Engineers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Mechanical Engineers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Python
  • Microsoft Access
  • Data entry software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Minitab

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer

What kind of Mechanical Engineer requirements are there?

undefined

How Long Does it Take to Become a Mechanical Engineer?

undefined

Where do Mechanical Engineers Work?

undefined

The table below shows the approximate number of Mechanical Engineers employed by various industries.

undefined

Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Mechanical Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: Michel Villeneuve via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Graduate Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited graduate schools across the U.S.