Mechanical Engineering

What You'll Do in a Mechanical Engineering Career

Mechanical engineering is a very broad discipline, covering the design and manufacturing of mechanical devices from hand-operated tools to complex machinery. Mechanical engineers work in a wide range of industries, but what all jobs in the field have in common is a focus on the mechanics of motion, whether it's fluid dynamics in a hydroelectric power system, the transport and conversion of energy, or the moving parts of complex automated factory equipment.
Mechanical engineering professionals often concentrate on drafting and design engineering, such as product, equipment or systems design. They also work on research and development, manufacturing, and testing in the lab or in the field. Because of the versatile skill set that the field demands, many mechanical engineers are capable of working in administrative or managerial capacities, or in related fields such as biomedical technology.

 

Mechanical Engineering Job Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 15.1 percent of America's engineers are mechanical engineers. Many work in general machinery engineering, such as refrigeration systems; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; or industrial manufacturing equipment. Others work in energy-related fields, helping to develop new sources of energy production or designing methods of energy conversion like power plants and combustion engines. Some design transportation machinery, while others test machines such as vehicles and elevators for safety. There are even mechanical engineers who explore the limits of technology through the design of robotics and automated systems.

A large number of mechanical engineers work in architectural services, engineering services, or scientific research and development. Many jobs are also available working in the manufacturing sector, at colleges and universities, or for the federal government.

 

The Future of Mechanical Engineering

In many ways, mechanical engineers shape the future of industry. Because mechanical engineering is at the forefront of developing and improving products, machines and systems, there will always be a high demand for qualified workers in any sector that relies on the use of mechanical technology. Emerging fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology and alternative energy technology will also produce an increasing number of job opportunities.

 

Mechanical Engineering Schools & Degree Programs

Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering: Entry-level mechanical engineering jobs usually require a bachelor's degree. However, a 2-year associate's degree in mechanical engineering technology makes it possible to start work as a technician, assist licensed mechanical engineers in the field, or transfer to a 4-year program.

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering: Besides technical training in design, computer and simulation applications, and applied sciences, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mechanical engineering teaches you the problem-solving and analytical skills that are critical for practicing engineers. Many mechanical engineering students also select a specialty such as aerospace engineering or propulsion systems.  

Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Mechanical Engineering: A master's or doctoral degree enables you to further specialize in a particular area of mechanical engineering, whether you choose to work in the field as an engineer or pursue research. Graduate degree options for mechanical engineers include the Master of Science (MS), Professional Science Master (PSM), or PhD.

Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees:  More and more institutions are offering online bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering, as well as associate's degrees in mechanical engineering technology. There are even a few online PhD programs in mechanical engineering.
 

 

Mechanical Engineer Salary

The earnings outlook is good for mechanical engineers, for whom the average salary has been increasing over the past few years. The average starting salary for a mechanical engineer with a bachelor's degree is $58,766, while the median annual wage for the mechanical engineering field as a whole is $74,920. Oil and gas extraction is the top-paying industry, with an average annual salary of $93,980. Significantly higher salaries are usually available to those with graduate degrees or many years of experience in the field.