Median pay
$102,320
Median annual pay for Mechanical Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Engineering and Architecture
Mechanical Engineers
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.
10-year growth
9.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
18,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
293,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Mechanical Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+26,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Mechanical Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Reading Comprehension
- 4Mathematics
- 5Science
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Design
- 2Engineering and Technology
- 3Production and Processing
- 4Mechanical
- 5English Language
- 6Mathematics
Abilities
- 1Deductive Reasoning
- 2Inductive Reasoning
- 3Oral Comprehension
- 4Oral Expression
- 5Problem Sensitivity
- 6Written Comprehension
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Investigative
- 3Conventional
- 4Artistic
- 5Enterprising
- 6Social
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Dependability
- 3Innovation
- 4Cautiousness
- 5Intellectual Curiosity
- 6Achievement Orientation
Work activities
- 1Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- 2Working with Computers
- 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 4Thinking Creatively
- 5Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- 6Getting Information
Work context
- 1E-Mail
- 2Contact With Others
- 3Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- 4Telephone Conversations
- 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Representative tasks
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
- Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
- Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
- Provide technical customer service.
Software and tools
Microsoft Outlook · in demandDassault Systemes SolidWorks · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandAutodesk Revit · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandPython · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · in demandPTC Creo Parametric · in demandR · hot technologyPuppet · hot technologyMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA · hot technology
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.