Mechanical Engineers

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.

$102,320

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+9% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Mechanical engineers transform ideas into physical products by designing machines, tools, and systems that power modern life. They might spend their morning using computer-aided design software to create 3D models of engine components, then collaborate with manufacturing teams in the afternoon to ensure those parts can actually be built. Their work spans everything from tiny medical devices to massive industrial equipment, HVAC systems, and automotive engines. Many mechanical engineers test prototypes, analyzing how materials respond to stress, heat, or motion, then refine their designs based on real-world performance data.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Mechanical Engineering(doctoral)Stanford University, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Santa Clara University, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Stanford University, CA

Mechanical Engineering(doctoral)Purdue University-Main Campus, IN

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Mechanical Engineering(masters)University of California-San Diego, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)University of New Mexico-Main Campus, NM

Mechanical Engineering(masters)University of California-Los Angeles, CA

Mechanical Engineering(professional)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)University of Southern California, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Purdue University-Main Campus, IN

Mechanical Engineering(masters)University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Oakland University, MI

Mechanical Engineering(masters)University of Michigan-Dearborn, MI

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Missouri University of Science and Technology, MO

Mechanical Engineering(masters)California State University-Northridge, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)San Diego State University, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)San Jose State University, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)University of California-Irvine, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)University of California-Merced, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Naval Postgraduate School, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Loyola Marymount University, CA

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