The following article explores the field of mechanical engineering in detail. We examine the scope of the profession, its duties and responsibilities, and the steps involved in starting a career as a mechanical engineer.
Further along, we also explore the average annual salary for mechanical engineers in the United States and the career projections to expect.
What is Mechanical Engineering?
As the name implies, mechanical engineers deal with mechanical systems and devices. They can fabricate, implement, and oversee the development of such devices.
They may even be called upon to design mechanical systems from scratch. Notably, a mechanical engineer’s expertise can span various systems, such as heavy machinery, light machinery, HVAC systems, and renewable energy systems.
On a typical day, the duties and responsibilities of a mechanical engineer may encompass the following:
- Analyze specific problems to see how mechanical systems and devices may be leveraged to provide a solution,
- Design or upgrade devices and systems to improve their scope or efficiency,
- Investigate system or device failure and provide a fix,
- Develop prototypes,
- Carry out tests and analyze results,
- Oversee the design and manufacturing of mechanical and thermal devices.
As for their work environment, mechanical engineers typically spend most of their time in offices. Of course, they will also have to visit job sites occasionally, particularly in situations where problems arise or pieces of equipment need their attention.
Most mechanical engineers work in architecture-related services, while some work in machinery manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, scientific research and development, and computer products manufacturing.
While a mechanical engineer can work part-time, most work full-time with more than 40 hours a week.
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
The following are the key steps involved in becoming a mechanical engineer:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Mechanical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology before starting their careers.
These programs typically include many mathematics and physical science subjects as well as core engineering and design topics.
While most colleges and universities offer five-year programs for aspiring mechanical engineers, some may last six years and include classroom and practical sessions.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits the country’s engineering and engineering technology programs.
Step 2: Cultivate Necessary Qualities
Mechanical engineers are expected to be technically sound. However, they are also expected to cultivate other important qualities such as creativity, critical thinking, and mathematical skills. A good problem-solving attitude when applying scientific discoveries to real-world scenarios will also be handy.
Step 3: Consider Licenses & Certification
Licensing is not mandatory for entry-level mechanical engineers. However, once they have established their careers, candidates should consider a Professional Engineering license to take advantage of career growth opportunities.
To become professionally licensed, mechanical engineers must have a degree from an accredited program and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. They must also have around four years of work experience and a passing score in the Professional Engineering exam.
Step 4: Career Advancement
Engineering is an ever-growing field with lots of opportunities for specialization and leadership roles. As an entry-level engineer, it is important to have a long-term outlook on how to take advantage of career growth opportunities.
One way to do this is by participating in continuing education programs, which may include earning a Master’s Degree or a Doctorate. Having more specialty training to keep up with advancements in a particular discipline is also advisable.
Lastly, candidates may also consider joining professional organizations. This is widely recognized as a great way to advance an engineering career, thanks in part to the resources that members of such organizations have access to and also because of the endless networking potential.
Mechanical Engineering Salaries & Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers in the United States earn an annual median wage of $96,310. However, the median wage is not necessarily the annual average.
It is simply the middle value, that is, the figure for which half of the mechanical engineers in the country earned more and the figure for which half earned less.
According to the same data, mechanical engineers in the United States who are among the highest 10% make an annual salary of around $151,260, while those who are among the lowest 10% take home an annual salary of around $61,990.
Sorted by specific industries and employment establishments, mechanical engineers who work in scientific research and development make the highest average annual salary, around $125,850. They are followed by mechanical engineers in computer product manufacturing, with an annual average salary of $101,100, and those in transportation equipment manufacturing, with an annual average salary of $98,360.
Mechanical engineers in architecture-related services and machinery manufacturing are also notable, with annual average salaries of $98,280 and $82,280, respectively.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for mechanical engineers will grow by 10% between 2022 and 2032, much higher than the average for other occupations.
Over the decade, it will see about 19,200 job openings for mechanical engineers every year. This is incredibly encouraging for aspiring mechanical engineers all over the country.
The reasons for the projection, as explained by the BLS, range from having to replace existing workers who are transferring to different occupations or different areas of specialization to replacing those who will be exiting the labor force by retiring completely.
Some parts will also result from the continuing rise of several industries and projects highly dependent on mechanical engineers for their day-to-day functionalities.
Manufacturing processes are expected to become more complex as more advanced automation machines are developed. This will require highly-trained mechanical engineers to plan and design the equipment and maintain, upgrade, and adjust it as needed.
