Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. All states and the District of Columbia require mechanical engineers who sell services to the public to be licensed. PayThe median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $104,110 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 17,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $104,110 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 17,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 17,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.
Work Environment
Mechanical engineers generally work in offices. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. Mechanical engineers work mostly in engineering services, research and development, and manufacturing.
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. All states and the District of Columbia require mechanical engineers who sell services to the public to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $104,110 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 17,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Mechanical engineers generally work in offices. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. Mechanical engineers work mostly in engineering services, research and development, and manufacturing.
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. All states and the District of Columbia require mechanical engineers who sell services to the public to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $104,110 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 17,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mechanical engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about mechanical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.