What is a Mechanical Engineer?
Mechanical Engineer Example 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
- Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
- Evaluate mechanical designs or prototypes for energy performance or environmental impact.
- Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
- Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products.
- Direct the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of renewable energy equipment, such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or water systems.
- Provide technical customer service.
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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 Jobs
- Motorcycle Designer
- HVAC Design Mechanical Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Design Mechanical Engineer)
- Stress Analyst
- HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer)
- Machine Design Engineer
Mechanical Engineer Employment Estimates
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. 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.
Do Mechanical Engineers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Mechanical Engineer ranges between $56,270 and $136,550.

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?
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 do I 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 some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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