### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Mechanical Engineers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			mechanical engineers imageMany mechanical engineers work in industries that manufacture machinery or automotive parts.							
						Quick Facts:     Mechanical Engineers2023     Median Pay
            						$99,510     per year
										$47.84     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    286,100Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    10% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    28,500What Mechanical Engineers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Mechanical engineers generally work in offices. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. Mechanical engineers work mostly in engineering services, research and development, and manufacturing.
            
                                                How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
                                                
                        
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. All states and the District of Columbia require mechanical engineers who sell services to the public to be licensed.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $99,510 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of mechanical engineers is projected to grow							 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 19,200 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Mechanical Engineers Do 
            

			Mechanical engineersComputer technology helps mechanical engineers create and analyze designs.			
Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.
Duties
Mechanical engineers typically do the following:
Analyze problems to see how mechanical and thermal devices might help solve a particular problem
Design or redesign mechanical and thermal devices or subsystems, using analysis and computer-aided design
Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and to recommend remedies
Develop and test prototypes of devices they design
Analyze the test results and change the design or system as needed
Oversee the manufacturing process for the deviceMechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields. Mechanical engineers design and oversee the manufacture of many products ranging from medical devices to new batteries.
Mechanical engineers design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Mechanical engineers design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators. They also design material-handling systems, such as conveyor systems and automated transfer stations.
Like other engineers, mechanical engineers use computers extensively. Mechanical engineers are routinely responsible for the integration of sensors, controllers, and machinery. Computer technology helps mechanical engineers create and analyze designs, run simulations and test how a machine is likely to work, interact with connected systems, and generate specifications for parts.
The following are examples of types of mechanical engineers:
***Auto research engineers*** seek to improve the performance of cars. These engineers work to improve traditional features of cars such as suspension, and they also work on aerodynamics and new possible fuels.
***Heating and cooling systems engineers*** work to create and maintain environmental systems wherever temperatures and humidity must be kept within certain limits. They develop such systems for airplanes, trains, cars, schools, and even computer rooms.
***Robotic engineers***plan, build, and maintain robots. These engineers plan how robots will use sensors for detecting things based on light or smell, and they design how these sensors will fit into the designs of the robots.
 Work Environment
			Mechanical engineersAlthough they do most of their work in an office setting, mechanical engineers also visit worksites to gain firsthand knowledge of their designs.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Mechanical engineers held about 286,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of mechanical engineers were as follows:
        Architectural, engineering, and related services
                20%Machinery manufacturing
                15Transportation equipment manufacturing
                10Scientific research and development services
                8Computer and electronic product manufacturing
                7Mechanical engineers generally work in offices. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. In most settings, they work with other engineers, engineering technicians, and other professionals as part of a team.
Work Schedules
Most mechanical engineers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week.
 How to Become a Mechanical Engineer

			Mechanical engineersMechanical engineers analyze problems to see how a mechanical device might help to solve them.			
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia.
Education
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degreein mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technologies. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. They may emphasize internships and co-ops to prepare students for work in industry.
Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education.
ABET accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.
Important Qualities
***Creativity.*** Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery. A creative mind is essential for this kind of work.
***Listening skills.*** Mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists. They must listen to and analyze different approaches made by other experts to complete the task at hand.
***Math skills.*** Mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
***Mechanical skills.*** Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as a mechanical engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Relevant work experience typically at least 4 years
A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.
Several states require engineers to take continuing education to renew their licenses every year. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the other state’s licensing requirements meet or exceed their own licensing requirements.
Several professional organizations offer a variety of certification programs for engineers to demonstrate competency in specific fields of mechanical engineering.
Advancement
A Ph.D. is essential for engineering faculty positions in higher education, as well as for some research and development programs. Mechanical engineers may earn graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology, broaden their education, and enhance their project management skills. Mechanical engineers may become administrators or managers after gaining work experience.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Mechanical EngineersMedian annual wages, May 2023Engineers$102,660  Mechanical engineers$99,510  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $99,510 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $157,470.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for mechanical engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Scientific research and development services
                $125,640Computer and electronic product manufacturing
                104,070Transportation equipment manufacturing
                99,930Architectural, engineering, and related services
                99,290Machinery manufacturing
                90,040Most mechanical engineers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Mechanical EngineersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Mechanical engineers10%  Engineers7%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of mechanical engineers is projected to grow				 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 19,200 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Mechanical engineers work in a range of industries and on many types of projects. As a result, employment growth for these workers varies by industry.
As manufacturing processes incorporate more complex automation machinery, mechanical engineers are expected to be needed to help plan for and design this equipment.
			

                        Employment projections data for     mechanical engineers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Mechanical engineers**
			17-2141
			286,100
			314,700
			10
			28,500
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Mechanical engineers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of mechanical engineers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Drafters**
            Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.
            Associate's degree
            $62,530**Materials Engineers**
            Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $104,100**Mathematicians and Statisticians**
            Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.
            Master's degree
            $104,860**Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians**
            Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices.
            Associate's degree
            $64,020**Natural Sciences Managers**
            Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate research and other activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
            Bachelor's degree
            $157,740**Petroleum Engineers**
            Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface.
            Bachelor's degree
            $135,690**Physicists and Astronomers**
            Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $149,530**Sales Engineers**
            Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses.
            Bachelor's degree
            $116,950**Nuclear Engineers**
            Nuclear engineers research and develop projects or address problems concerning the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
            Bachelor's degree
            $125,460
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about general engineering education and mechanical engineering career resources, visit
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society for Engineering Education
Technology Student Association
For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET
For more information about licensure as a mechanical engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
National Society of Professional Engineers
For information about certification, visit
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Occupational Requirements Survey
For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
Mechanical engineers (PDF)

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Automotive EngineersFuel Cell EngineersMechanical Engineers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mechanical Engineers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**
Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections 
PSB Suite 2135 
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE  
Washington, DC 20212-0001 Telephone:1-202-691-5700 

www.bls.gov/ooh
Contact OOH