Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering designs and improves anything that moves or uses energy: engines, machines, vehicles, robots, HVAC systems and manufacturing equipment. It is one of the broadest engineering fields.
Where Mechanical Engineering can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical engineers | $104,110 | +11% Much faster than average |
17,800 | Bachelor's degree |
| Aerospace engineers | $134,960 | +8% Much faster than average |
3,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
What mechanical engineers earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by industry
| Industry | Share of jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 20% | $103,440 |
| Machinery manufacturing | 14% | $98,620 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 10% | $105,560 |
| Scientific research and development services | 7% | $132,040 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 6% | $106,870 |
Source: BLS, mechanical engineers (pay and work environment tabs).
Where the jobs are
The five states with the most jobs for mechanical engineers in May 2025, with local median and average (mean) pay. Pay is usually higher where living costs are higher.
| State | Jobs | Median pay | Mean pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 34,630 | $104,890 | $112,320 |
| California | 30,530 | $130,900 | $136,660 |
| Texas | 22,080 | $112,410 | $121,510 |
| Ohio | 14,390 | $99,100 | $101,320 |
| Pennsylvania | 13,550 | $97,920 | $103,740 |
BLS publishes estimates for all 50 states and DC for this occupation. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job. Most work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week; mostly in offices, with occasional visits to worksites.
Common 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.
- 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.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Use email every day | |
| Have constant contact with others | |
| Work indoors in a controlled environment every day | |
| Work a typical 40-hour week |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Realistic, Investigative, Conventional. Source: O*NET OnLine, 17-2141.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
Math and physics
Calculus, physics and hands-on projects.
- Step 2
Bachelor's degree
Mechanical engineering, ideally ABET-accredited; co-ops common.
- Step 3
FE exam (optional)
Leads to Engineer in Training status — the first PE step.
- Step 4
Design or manufacturing
Product design, testing, manufacturing or HVAC.
- Goal
Senior engineer or PE
PE license if you offer services to the public; management roles.
High school preparation
- Calculus and physics
- Chemistry
- Shop, robotics or engineering design courses
- Drafting or CAD if offered
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology, ideally from an ABET-accredited program; many programs emphasize internships and co-ops.
Education workers say their job requires (O*NET)
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | |
| Associate's degree | |
| Post-secondary certificate |
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for mechanical engineers: creativity, listening skills, math skills, mechanical skills, problem-solving skills.
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Granted by state engineering licensing boards. Each state board sets its own application rules, fees and approval steps; many states require continuing education to renew.
Not always required: Many engineering jobs do not require a PE. BLS: a PE is required to offer services directly to the public (e.g. civil engineers signing off public projects); entry-level civil engineers do not need one. Computer hardware and most software/industry roles rarely require a PE.
Full step-by-step licensing route →Why demand is changing
BLS expects automation and innovation to create demand for engineers who design, test and maintain products and systems, and who integrate complex automated machinery into manufacturing.
Much faster than average
Mechanical engineers
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- Do a co-op or internship; BLS notes many programs emphasize them.
- Learn CAD tools such as SolidWorks — O*NET lists them among the most-used technologies.
- Look beyond California: Michigan had the most mechanical engineer jobs of any state in May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Mechanical engineers checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Aerospace engineers checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 17-2141.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07
- FE exam · NCEES checked 2026-10-07
- PE exam · NCEES checked 2026-10-07
- What Programs Does ABET Accredit? · ABET checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Outlook Handbook · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics checked 2026-10-07