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.
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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.
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 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?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Mechanical Engineer?
Where do Mechanical Engineers Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Mechanical Engineers employed by various industries.
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.
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