Mechanical Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$102K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

10.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Mechanical Engineer?

A Mechanical Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, builds, and tests mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They apply principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science to create and improve various technologies.

Sample job titles:

Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Engineer, Project Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Mechanical Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Mechanical Engineer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$69K per year	$82K per year	$102K per year	$130K per year	$161K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $53K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Mechanical Engineer do?

Work environment

Mechanical Engineers typically work in professional office settings but may also spend time in manufacturing plants, engineering services, or research and development laboratories. They often work in teams with other engineers and professionals and may have to visit sites to observe a problem or a piece of complex equipment.

Quick task list

Designs and tests mechanical devices and systems.
Develops and tests prototypes of devices.
Analyzes problems to see how mechanical and thermal devices might solve them.
Oversees the manufacturing process for devices.
Uses computer-aided design (CAD) software for design purposes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Designing climate control systems for comfort and efficiency.
Robotics: Developing robotic systems for various applications.
Automotive Engineering: Designing and improving motor vehicles.
Aerospace Engineering: Specializing in aircraft and spacecraft design.
Energy Systems: Focusing on the production and management of energy.

Description

Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, encompassing a wide range of products and systems. From small components like sensors to large machines like aircraft, Mechanical Engineers use their expertise to innovate and improve. They work through the entire process of a product, from initial design and testing to the final production.

This role requires a solid understanding of core concepts such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science. Mechanical Engineers must be adept at using various tools, including sophisticated computer software for designing and analyzing their work. The role also involves a combination of creative problem-solving, analytical skills, and attention to detail.

The field offers diverse opportunities, allowing Mechanical Engineers to work in multiple industries, from automotive to energy to robotics. This versatility means their skills are in high demand. The career is ideal for those who are curious, enjoy solving complex problems, and are passionate about turning ideas into tangible products or systems.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Creating innovative solutions and tangible products.
Working on a diverse range of projects and challenges.
The satisfaction of seeing one's designs come to life and solve real-world problems.

You might make a good Mechanical Engineer if you are...

Fascinated by how things work and enjoy dismantling and rebuilding devices.
Strong in math and physics.
Creative and adept at solving complex problems.
Proficient in using computers and enjoy learning new software.
Interested in a career that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Pros:

Diverse career opportunities in various industries.
High potential for innovation and working on cutting-edge technologies.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Cons:

Can involve long hours, particularly in project-based roles.
Stays up to date with rapidly changing technology can be challenging.
Some roles may require working in noisy or dirty environments, such as manufacturing plants.

How to become a Mechanical Engineer

Typical education

To become a Mechanical Engineer, one usually needs a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, which generally requires 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may require a master's degree or additional certifications.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced courses in mathematics, especially calculus and algebra.
Physics to understand the basic principles that apply to mechanical systems.
Computer science courses, particularly those focusing on CAD software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining robotics clubs or engineering-focused groups.
Participating in science fairs or engineering competitions.
Engaging in DIY projects related to mechanics or electronics.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
Consider internships or cooperative education programs in engineering firms.
Gain experience with CAD software and other engineering tools.
Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in mechanical engineering.

More resources

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - Professional organization offering resources and networking for mechanical engineers.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) - Provides information on licensure, ethics, and professional practice.
Autodesk Design Academy - Offers free CAD software and learning resources for students.
Engineers Edge - Provides various engineering resources, including tools, formulas, and reference tables.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.