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.
Mechanical Engineers
SOC: 17-2141 O*NET: 17-2141.00
Median Salary
$102,320
per year
Job Growth
🚀 9.1%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
18.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Mechanical Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$68,740
10th percentile
Early Career
$81,800
25th percentile
Median
$102,320
50th percentile
Experienced
$130,290
75th percentile
Top Earners
$161,240
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$68,740
25th
$81,800
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$102,320
Mean: $110,080
75th
$130,290
90th
$161,240
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $92,500 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $81,800 and $130,290
- •Salary spread is 47.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 286,760 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:293,100
Top Industries
Manufacturing44.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services31.2%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services31.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+9.1%
Annual Openings:18,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)293,100
Current
2034 (Projected)319,600
+9.1%
+26,500
Employment Change
+9.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Mechanical Engineers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Michigan
31,830 jobs$102,7303.90x
California
27,090 jobs$126,3700.81x
Texas
18,790 jobs$108,2400.73x
Ohio
16,420 jobs$96,3301.60x
Pennsylvania
14,300 jobs$97,4501.28x
Illinois
9,920 jobs$99,7300.88x
Massachusetts
9,430 jobs$122,6701.39x
North Carolina
9,390 jobs$100,9901.03x
Washington
9,350 jobs$109,3701.42x
Florida
8,860 jobs$97,1900.49x
Indiana
8,650 jobs$99,2001.46x
New York
8,420 jobs$105,1300.47x
Wisconsin
8,060 jobs$94,8201.48x
Virginia
7,960 jobs$99,3501.05x
Colorado
6,850 jobs$108,0601.27x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Complex Problem Solving
80%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
74%
#6
Mathematics
66%
#7
Science
60%
#8
Operations Analysis
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Writing
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.0
80%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.7
74%
Mathematics
intermediate3.3
66%
Science
intermediate3.0
60%
Operations Analysis
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Operations Analysis
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Writing
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Aerospace Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Statisticians82%
5 shared skills
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers82%
5 shared skills
Hydrologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Mathematics
- →Operations Analysis
- →Science
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Mechanical Engineers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
The MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechChef
🔥 Hot TechPuppet
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechTeradata Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
The MathWorks MATLAB
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Chef
Puppet
Microsoft Dynamics
Teradata Database
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (6)Planning & Development (11)Communication & Coordination (1)Management & Supervision (2)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination76% perform84%
10
Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Mechanical Engineers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Mechanical Engineers professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value recognition
RRealistic
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Mechanical Engineers
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.46
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.39
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.31
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.30
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.27
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.25
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.5
Analytical Thinking
4.4
Cooperation
4.3
Attention to Detail
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Self-Control
4.1
Initiative
4.1
Persistence
4.0
Leadership
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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