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Mechanical Engineer

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Life As a Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer Definition 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.

Daily Life Of a Mechanical Engineer

  • Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
  • Estimate costs or submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects.
  • Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
  • Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
  • Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products.
  • Select or install combined heat units, power units, cogeneration equipment, or trigeneration equipment that reduces energy use or pollution.

Mechanical Engineer Skills

Mechanical Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Types of Mechanical Engineer

  • HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer)
  • Roller Coaster Engineer
  • Applications Engineer
  • HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer)
  • Weapons Designer

Is There Going to be Demand for Mechanical Engineers?

There were about 288,800 jobs for Mechanical Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,300 new jobs for Mechanical Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 21,200 job openings in this field each year.

Forecasted Number of Jobs for Mechanical Engineers in U.S.

The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Mechanical Engineer

The salary for Mechanical Engineers ranges between about $56,270 and $136,550 a year.

Salary Ranges for Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical Engineers who work in District of Columbia, New Mexico, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Mechanical Engineers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $90,030
Alaska $128,690
Arizona $98,390
Arkansas $71,730
California $107,370
Colorado $104,220
Connecticut $94,270
Delaware $106,220
District of Columbia $112,780
Florida $87,770
Georgia $84,870
Hawaii $81,730
Idaho $86,010
Illinois $92,030
Indiana $82,510
Iowa $80,530
Kansas $82,210
Kentucky $84,380
Louisiana $101,810
Maine $93,310
Maryland $109,960
Massachusetts $98,190
Michigan $91,100
Minnesota $87,030
Mississippi $85,570
Missouri $85,450
Montana $77,140
Nebraska $80,650
Nevada $88,950
New Hampshire $97,270
New Jersey $95,680
New Mexico $110,210
New York $91,820
North Carolina $87,470
North Dakota $75,770
Ohio $81,020
Oklahoma $88,190
Oregon $85,890
Pennsylvania $85,740
Rhode Island $94,520
South Carolina $93,730
South Dakota $76,220
Tennessee $87,990
Texas $105,570
Utah $88,150
Vermont $94,580
Virginia $100,540
Washington $96,860
West Virginia $84,070
Wisconsin $79,360
Wyoming $84,200

What Tools & Technology do Mechanical Engineers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mechanical Engineers:

Becoming a Mechanical Engineer

Learn what Mechanical Engineer education requirements there are.

Mechanical Engineer Degree Level

How many years of work experience do I need?

Mechanical Engineer Work Experience

Where do Mechanical Engineers Work?

Mechanical Engineer Sectors

The table below shows the approximate number of Mechanical Engineers employed by various industries.

Mechanical Engineer Industries

Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Mechanical Engineer may also be interested in:

References:

Image Credit: Michel Villeneuve via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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