Mechanical Engineer: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Mechanical Engineers earn a national median of $102,320/yr with 9.1% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Engineering and Technology, Design, Mathematics.
Median Salary
$102,320
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
9.1%
Faster than average
Employed Nationally
286,760
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Mechanical Engineer
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Mechanical Engineer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Mechanical Engineer performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Mechanical Engineer roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 9.1% for Mechanical Engineer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's faster than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 286,760
- Projected Growth
- 9.1%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Top Employers
Companies actively hiring for Mechanical Engineer roles, ranked by disclosure volume. Salaries reflect base pay from employer disclosure records.
Base salary only — excludes equity and bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Mechanical Engineer do?
- Mechanical Engineers apply expertise in Engineering and Technology, Design, Mathematics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making.
- How much does a Mechanical Engineer make?
- The national median salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $102,320 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Mechanical Engineer a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Mechanical Engineer roles is projected to grow 9.1% over the 2024–2034 decade — faster than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 286,760 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Mechanical Engineer?
- The typical entry-level education for a Mechanical Engineer is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Mechanical Engineers need?
- The most important skills for Mechanical Engineer roles based on verified occupational data: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Mathematics, Complex Problem Solving, Writing, Speaking, Science, Systems Analysis. Key tools and technologies include: Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.