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.
Also called: Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer), Application Engineer, Automation Engineer, Body Engineer, Brake Engineer, Car Designer
Median pay
$104,110
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$73,990 – $164,340
People employed
296,810
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Mechanical Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What mechanical engineers do
- 01Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- 02Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- 03Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
- 04Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- 05Design integrated mechanical or alternative systems, such as mechanical cooling systems with natural ventilation systems, to improve energy efficiency.
- 06Calculate energy losses for buildings, using equipment such as computers, combustion analyzers, or pressure gauges.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Science
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from mechanical engineers
- Materials Scientists77% · +13%
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians71% · −28%
- Water Resource Specialists70% · group pay
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists70% · group pay
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers69% · group pay
Change into mechanical engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Materials Scientists83% · $117,790
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians79% · $66,120
- Mechanical Drafters79% · $71,550
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters77% · $76,870
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians75% · $64,950
Majors that lead here
- Engineering Mechanics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electromechanical Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.