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Mechanical Engineer Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for a mechanical engineer in the United States?
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. Salary data above is the median annual wage.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
π 291,900; estimated number of mechanical engineering jobs. It is estimated that 32,100 new jobs will be added by 2033.
βοΈ The projected job outlook is expected to grow at 11% which is much faster than the growth of the average career.
Work Environment
πΌ Most mechanical engineers generally work in offices, but some visit worksites.
π’ 20% of mechanical engineers work in architectural, engineering, and related services.
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
How Does a Mechanical Engineer Salary Stack Up?
The average mechanical engineer earns $99,510 annually. Both patent agents and patent attorneys earn significantly more than mechanical engineers.
A mechanical engineer who takes the patent bar exam and transitions into a career in patent law will earn more. If you already have at least a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, then all you may need is to pass the patent bar exam to start your career in patent law.
Top Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Industry
Industry | Average Salary |
---|---|
Libraries and Other Information Services | $201,570 |
Couriers and Express Delivery Services | $162,720 |
Oil and Gas Extraction | $161,340 |
Natural Gas Distribution | $144,730 |
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | $143,230 |
Salary by Mechanical Engineer Industry
In the U.S., the average mechanical engineering salaryΒ is $99,510.
Mechanical engineers in libraries and other information services earn the highest average salary, at $201,570. Those working in couriers and express delivery services and oil and gas extraction receive average salaries of $162,720 and $161,340, respectively. In the natural gas distribution and pipeline transportation of crude oil, mechanical engineers earn average salaries of $144,730 and $143,230.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of a mechanical engineer:
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment β Creating documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to guide others on the fabrication, construction, assembly, modification, maintenance, or use of devices, parts, equipment, or structures.
- Working with Computers β Utilizing computers and computer systems, including both hardware and software, to program, write software, configure functions, enter data, or process information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems β Assessing information and evaluating outcomes to select the optimal solution and resolve issues.
- Thinking Creatively β Innovating, designing, or developing new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic inputs.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as a mechanical engineer:
- Active Listening β Fully concentrating on what others are saying, grasping their points, asking relevant questions, and refraining from interrupting inappropriately.
- Critical Thinking β Applying logic and reasoning to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension β Interpreting written sentences and paragraphs in job-related documents.
- Complex Problem Solving β Recognizing intricate problems and analyzing related information to formulate and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision Making β Weigh potential actions’ costs and benefits to select the most suitable option.
Knowledge required to work as a mechanical engineer:
- Design β Understanding design techniques, tools, and principles essential for creating precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Engineering and Technology β Familiarity with the practical application of engineering science and technology, including principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment in designing and producing various goods and services.
- Production and Processing β Insight into raw materials, production methods, quality control, costs, and techniques for optimizing the effective manufacture and distribution of products.
- Mechanical β Knowledge of machines and tools, encompassing their design, functionality, repair, and maintenance.
- English Language β Proficiency in the structure and content of the English language, including word meanings and spellings, composition rules, and grammar.
Top Mechanical Engineer Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
Mechanical engineers in San Jose, CA, earn the highest average salary at $155,300. San Francisco, CA, follows with an average salary of $143,090. In Albuquerque, NM, Santa Barbara, CA, and Baton Rouge, LA, mechanical engineers receive average salaries of $133,950, $133,910, and $132,810, respectively.
Mechanical engineers in New Mexico earn the highest average salary among the states listed, at $129,110. The District of Columbia and California follow with average salaries of $126,960 and $126,600, respectively. In Massachusetts and Louisiana, mechanical engineers receive average salaries of $115,540 and $115,460.
Take a look at the average mechanical engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
City | Average Salary |
---|---|
San Jose, CA | $155,300 |
San Francisco, CA | $143,090 |
Albuquerque, NM | $133,950 |
Santa Barbara, CA | $133,910 |
Baton Rouge, LA | $132,810 |
Look at the average mechanical engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
State | Average Salary |
---|---|
New Mexico | $129,110 |
District of Columbia | $126,960 |
California | $126,600 |
Massachusetts | $115,540 |
Louisiana | $115,460 |
Related Careers
Patent Agent
Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.
Average of $130,168/year
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.
Average of $185,351/year
Materials Scientist
Materials scientists research and study composite materials.
Average of $106,160/year