Mechanical engineering is a branch of science that combines the disciplines of physics, engineering, mathematics, and material sciences to design, create, manage, and maintain mechanical systems. Simply, it can be considered a discipline that is related to designing, creating, operating, and maintaining machinery. Mechanical engineers work in almost every industry that uses any type of machine. Mechanical Engineering offers many high-paying jobs after graduation.

Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic field of study and that is why mechanical engineers can get jobs in multiple industries, and fields. From aviation to material engineering, mechanical engineers are required everywhere as they are more aware of the things related to the production and usage of machinery than everyone else. So, if you become a mechanical engineer, you can get a job in any of the industries of your choice. Below is a list of some of the highest-paying jobs that you can get after a mechanical engineering degree.

Top 15 Career Choices After a Mechanical Engineering Degree:

Here are the top 15 best and highest paying career choices after a Mechanical Engineering degree.

• Mechanical Engineer
• Material Engineer
• Mathematician
• Aerospace Engineer
• Automotive Engineer
• CAD Technician
• Control and Instrumentation Engineer
• Mechatronics Engineer
• Maintenance Engineer
• Nuclear Engineer
• M.E. Researcher
• University Professor
• Engineering Project Manager
• Marine Machinery Engineer
• Mining Technology Engineer

Below is the detail about each of these career choices in Mechanical Engineering.

1. Mechanical Engineer:

After completing your education in the mechanical engineering field, you can get the job of a mechanical engineer. Most of these jobs only require a bachelor’s degree and offer some of the highest salaries. Mechanical Engineers are hired by public and private firms for mechanical engineering-related projects. For example, if a company decides to develop a new machine, it would hire mechanical engineers and would provide them with specific details. After that, mechanical engineers would design, test, and create strategies to produce that machine on a large scale or on the scale that is demanded by the company. Many of the mechanical engineers are hired by the automotive industry, aviation, and aerospace agencies where they work on multiple things including engines, and other important parts.

Many jobs in this profession also require higher education, so having a master’s or a doctorate would increase your employability. Apart from that, highly qualified staff is paid better as compared to less qualified staff and they also have better working conditions. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a mechanical engineer is about $90,160 per year or $43 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $141,060 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 299,200 and it has a growth rate of 7% which is average fast. According to this data, this profession will create 20,900 more jobs.

2. Material Engineer:

You can also become a material engineer after completing your education in the mechanical engineering field. Most of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and pay very well. The job of a material engineer is to research and study materials at the atomic level. This helps in the process of the creation of new materials that are used for multiple purposes. The material engineers use many different techniques for this purpose and mostly use computers to study the structures of atoms and bonds inside a molecule. This enhanced knowledge of different materials in the creation of new materials that are used for solving multiple problems in engineering. For example, if a company needs a strong and flexible material that does not exist naturally, material engineers utilize the knowledge of material engineering and create such a material that is stronger and more flexible.

These types of jobs also require higher qualifications in most cases, but you can easily get a job after a bachelor’s degree as well. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a material engineer is about $95,640 per year or $45 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $154,340 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 25,100 and it has a growth rate of 8% which is average fast. According to this data, this profession will create 2,100 more jobs. There are only a few jobs in this field, which means there will be a lot of competition for each of these positions.

3. Mathematician:

During your course of study of mechanical engineering, you will also learn about the application of mathematics in the engineering profession. So, you will have to study mathematics extensively. That knowledge of mathematics can help you become a mathematician after completing your studies and will allow you to continue your further education, research, or job in the field of mathematics. This is a very interesting field for those who are interested in understanding the complexity of mathematical problems and want to try to solve them. Mathematics is employed by agencies, and companies that are working on engineering, and mathematics-related work.

You might have to get a doctorate in engineering or mathematics to become a mathematician as most of the time people with the most experience or with the highest qualifications are hired for this type of job. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a mathematician is about $93,290 per year or $44 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $140,000 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 44,800 and it has a growth rate of 33% which is faster than most. According to this data, this profession will create 15,000 more jobs. As you can see there will be only fifteen thousand new jobs in this profession, which means there will be some competition as well. 

4. Aerospace Engineer:

You can also become an aerospace engineer after completing your mechanical engineering degree. Aerospace engineers are responsible for working on space technology and aviation technology. Mechanical engineers are employed by aerospace and aviation companies to work on their engines and other machinery that is used in spacecraft, rockets, and airplanes. Mostly, mechanical engineers are the head of the development of new materials, or new rockets, engines, and other components that will be used in space missions. But space and aviation companies only hire expert engineers in their relevant fields. So, if you are looking forward to joining the aerospace engineering industry, you must have some experience or excellent academic performance in college.

You can also get a job in the aerospace industry after a bachelor’s degree but your salary would be less as compared to those who have a master’s degree or a doctorate. Also, you will be working under their supervision. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an aerospace engineer is about $118,610 per year or $57 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $171,220 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 61,400 and it has a growth rate of 8% which is average fast. According to this data, this profession will create 5,100 more jobs. As you can see, there are only a few thousand jobs in this field, which means there will be a lot of competition for each of these jobs.

5. Automotive Engineer:

You can also become an engineer in the automotive industry after completing your education in the field of mechanical engineering. Automotive industries are mostly run by mechanical engineers as they are responsible for creating engines, and working on multiple components of motor vehicles. They create new designs for vehicles, sensors that are used in vehicles, and work on different ways to streamline and optimize the production process and manufacturing process of these vehicles.

You can get a job after a bachelor’s degree but if you have a master’s degree or a doctorate, it can increase the chances of your employment, and will also impact your salary and other job benefits. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an automotive engineer is about $90,160 per year or $43 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $141,060 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 299,200 and it has a growth rate of 7% which is average fast. According to this data, there are a lot of jobs available in this field, but still, there will be a lot of competition, and having a good academic record can help you easily get a job.

6. CAD Technician:

After completing your education in the field of mechanical engineering, you can also become a CAD technician. This is a skill-based job that requires knowledge of CAD. CAD is known as a Computer-Aided Design tool, it is software that is used in the process of development of engineering. For example, mechanical engineers use these tools to create designs for their projects. CAD is one of the most used software in engineering and that is why every engineer has to learn CAD. So, after completing your education, you can start working as a freelance CAD technician, or join an engineering firm and offer your services as a CAD technician.

This is a job for those who have an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering and can use CAD properly. They would work under the supervision of engineers who would provide them with sample drawings and they would convert these drawings into technical drafts or designs. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a CAD technician is about $57,960 per year or $28 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $87,970 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 191,800 and it has a growth rate of -2% which indicates fewer jobs in the future.

7. Control and Instrumentation Engineer:

You can also become a control and instrumentation engineer after completing your mechanical engineering degree. The job of a Control and Instrumentation Engineer is to work with electrical and electronics engineering to develop advanced control mechanisms and instruments that can be used for controlling the machinery. You can take the example of drones, and how they are controlled using remotes. There are also unmanned aerial vehicles that are used by militaries for surveillance. Mechanical engineers work on these devices along with the electronics and electrical engineers to create technologically advanced control mechanisms.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s degree but having an advanced degree in the field would benefit your career. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a Control and Instrumentation Engineer is about $103,390 per year or $49 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $150,000 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 313,200 and it has a growth rate of 7% which is average fast. According to this data, this profession will create 20,400 more jobs in the next ten years, which means there will be a lot of competition for each of these jobs.

8. Mechatronics Engineer:

You can also become a Mechatronics engineer or electro-mechanic engineer after this degree. This is a job that requires knowledge of both electrical and mechanical engineering. There are specialized degrees for this profession, but you can get this job after a degree in mechanical engineering as you study the subject of Mechatronics in detail during your course of study at university or college. Companies hire Mechatronics engineers for multiple jobs. For example, they work on projects that require knowledge of multiple subjects including hardware, software, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

You may have to go through additional on-the-job training. This job also requires higher qualifications and some experience in the field. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a Mechatronics engineer is about $59,800 per year or $28 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $95,340 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 13,160 and it has a growth rate of 10% which is average fast. This data shows that it is also one of the highly competitive fields.

9. Maintenance Engineer:

After completing your degree in mechanical engineering, you can become a maintenance engineer in multiple industries. The job of a maintenance engineer is to work on old machines and systems that are still running and make sure that these systems remain in operation. From airplanes, spacecraft, missiles, and rockets to giant machines and smaller mechanical systems, all require maintenance over the years.  Companies hire mechanical engineers for this purpose as they have the knowledge of these systems and know about fixing and maintenance of any issues with these machines.

This job also requires some training, or experience in the field. Having an advanced degree in mechanical engineering can also help you get this job. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a maintenance engineer is about $54,920 per year or $26 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $81,950 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 501,500 and it has a growth rate of 19% which is faster than average. According to this data, this profession will create 95,200 more jobs. There are a lot of jobs for the people with the right type of education and skills in this profession.

10. Nuclear Engineer:

You can also become a Nuclear Engineer after completing your degree in mechanical engineering. Nuclear reactors need teams of experts from every department of physics including mechanical engineers. This is because nuclear reactors are huge and they have multiple machines in them. Each of these machines and systems needs to work together in sync to make sure that a nuclear reactor works perfectly. The job of a mechanical engineer in the nuclear industry is to make sure that every machine is working at an optimal rate and there are no issues with any type of equipment. Also, they work on the maintenance of these reactors as well.

To get a job in the nuclear industry, you must have high-level security clearance and qualifications. It is a small field, but still, there are multiple opportunities and most of these jobs pay very well. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a mechanical engineer is about $116,140 per year or $55 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $167,000 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 17,200 and it has a growth rate of -8% that indicates fewer jobs in the future.

11. M.E. Researcher:

You can also acquire the position of mechanical engineering researcher at multiple mechanical engineering research institutes and private companies. The job of a mechanical engineering researcher is to conduct experiments, and design new machines that are better and more efficient. You can work in multiple industries as a researcher. For example, Ford automotive company hires many engineers every year to create new designs for their engines so that they can produce better and more powerful and efficient vehicles. Mechanical engineers work on products that can be manufactured and sold on a large scale, that is why a lot of companies focus on development projects of their own as well.

You can get the job of an intern or a junior researcher after your bachelor’s degree but to get the permanent position as a researcher you must have a master’s degree along with some experience. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a mechanical engineering researcher is about $104,260 per year or $50 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $150,060 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 10,200 and it has a growth rate of 10% which is average fast. That indicates there will be more jobs in the future.

12. University Professor:

You can also become a university professor and teach mechanical engineering in university after completing your education in mechanical engineering. But you can only do this after obtaining a doctorate in your respective field of study as most university positions require a doctorate holder. Apart from a doctorate, another requirement that you must meet is that you must have done significant research in your field. So, if you are a fresh graduate, you might not be able to get a university teaching position, but you can teach at colleges across the United States.

For this type of job, mostly teaching experience is not required, instead, experience in research and higher qualification are the only requirements. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a mechanical engineering teacher is about $103,600 per year or $50 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $179,540 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 46,300 and it has a growth rate of 13% which is average fast. According to this data, this profession will create 5,800 more jobs.

13. Engineering Project Manager:

After completing your degree, you can also become an engineering project manager. As an engineering project manager, you will be heading the team of engineers who are working on an engineering project. Mechanical engineers get a job of a mechanical engineering project manager in different industries such as aerospace, automotive, nuclear, and medical industries.

This type of job requires training in project development along with your engineering degree. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an engineering project manager is about $149,530 per year or $70 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $208,000 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 197,800 and it has a growth rate of 4% which is slow. According to this data, this profession will create 8,100 more jobs.

14. Marine Machinery Engineer:

Marine Technology and equipment are also designed, created, and tested by marine engineers along with mechanical engineers. So, anyone with a mechanical engineering degree can become a marine machinery engineer as well. Marine machinery not only includes giant ships but also smaller marine exploration vehicles. They also work for the navy and other government departments.

Some on-the-job training is also required for this job apart from qualification in engineering. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a marine machinery engineer is about $95,440 per year or $45 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $140,000 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 9,800 and it has a growth rate of 4% which is average fast. That means there will be only a few jobs with a lot of competition.

15. Mining Technology Engineer:

You can also become a mining technology engineer after completing your education in the field of mechanical engineering. Currently, the mining industry is going through multiple technological changes as new technology and machines are being used for the purpose of efficient mining and refining. As a mining technology engineer, you will be responsible for either creating machines, designing and producing them or running them, or making sure that machines are being maintained properly.

This is a job that you can get after a bachelor’s degree and with some experience. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a mechanical engineer is about $93,800 per year or $45 per hour. Meanwhile, the highest ten percent earners can make more than $150,060 per year. The total number of jobs as of 2020 in this profession was about 6,300 and it has a growth rate of 4% which is average fast. That means there will be only a few new jobs in the future in this field. 

Benefits and Salaries for Mechanical Engineering-Related Jobs:

Job Position	Requirements	Number of Jobs	Job outlook	Median Income
Mechanical Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	299,200	7%	$90,160
Material Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	25,100	8%	$95,640
Mathematician	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	44,800	33%	$93,290
Aerospace Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	61,400	8%	$118,610
Automotive Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	299,200	7%	$90,160
CAD Technician	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	191,800	-2%	$57,960
Control and Instrumentation Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	313,200	7%	$103,390
Mechatronics Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	13,160	10%	$59,800
Maintenance Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	501,500	19%	$54,920
Nuclear Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	17,200	-8	$116,140
M.E. Researcher	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	10,200	10%	$104,260
University Professor	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	43,600	13%	$103,600
Engineering Project Manager	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	197,800	4%	$149,530
Marine Machinery Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	9,800	4%	$95,440
Mining Technology Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	6,300	4%	$93,800

Note 🙁 Bachelors for the job and Masters for further promotion) data source BLS.

Types of Mechanical Engineering Degrees:

Here is the list of the top three degrees that you can do with a Mechanical Engineering major.

1.   Associate’s Degree:

It is a short professional degree in mechanical engineering that you can do from various technical, community, and state colleges. An associate’s degree is known as a short course as it lasts only two or three years and provides technical skills of that specific trade. After this degree, you can get many high-paying jobs as a technical worker in multiple industries. It can cost between $10,000 to $20,000.

2.   Bachelor’s Degree:

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is a proper engineering degree that you can get from colleges and universities across the United States. This degree prepares you for the role of an engineer instead of a technician like the associate’s degree. It takes four years to complete and can cost between $100,000 to $200,000. You not only learn about mechanical engineering but also all other relevant subjects and trades.

3.   Master’s Degree:

This is a research-level degree for those who are interested in further exploring the mechanical engineering field. It can take two years to complete and costs between $40,000 to $100,000. In this degree, you will learn about researching your trade and will also learn about different advanced topics in mechanical engineering.

4.   Ph.D. or Doctorate:

The Doctorate is the highest level of education in mechanical engineering. It is a research-based degree for those who are looking forward to making a career as a professor or want to be a part of the research and development projects. It can take between 4 to 8 years to complete and can cost up to $200,000. It focuses on developing skills that are important for research in the field.

Skills You Will Learn From Mechanical Engineering Degree:

• Mechanical skills
• Communication skills
• Innovation and rational thinking
• Computer science and software skills

Conclusion:

Mechanical engineering is a highly rewarding career choice for those who are good at mathematics and science subjects. Mechanical engineering is a very competitive field and is for those who can score higher in a competitive environment. To get admission in this field, you will have to go through multiple tests and you must have a good GPA in your previous exams. There are many universities for this purpose such as MIT, Caltech, and Stanford, but getting admission into any of these is very difficult as they only take the best of the best students. Although it is very difficult to get admission and you will have to work extremely hard, if you choose mechanical engineering as a career, you will be making some of the best career choices as it will pay you very well.

FAQs:

Question: What do mechanical engineers do?

Answer: Mechanical engineers work on machines of every type, from a turbine that generates power to motor vehicles. Mechanical engineers design, create, manufacture, maintain, and operate these machines that we use every day, or are a part of our lives.

Question: What is the median salary of mechanical engineers?

Answer: According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a mechanical engineer is about $90,160.

Question: Is mechanical engineering hard?

Answer: Yes, mechanical engineering is a science major that requires studying longer and working harder to master. That is why it is known as one of the hard majors for college.