Earnings depend on experience and training. The government tends to pay its engineers slightly less than the going rate in private industry. Large companies that employ mechanical engineers usually offer complete benefit packages. They generally include health insurance, life insurance, paid sick leave, paid vacations and holiday, and travel expenses. Large companies also may offer some form of profit sharing.
Some employers require their engineers to pursue advanced degrees.
And all or part of the tuition costs for job-related courses may be paid by the company. It is critical for mechanical engineers to continue the educational process beyond college graduation. Technology changes at a rapid pace. In the years following graduation, the mechanical engineer will discover that some skills and methodologies learned in college become obsolete. Professional societies play an important role in getting information to the mechanical engineer.