Career Overview

Mechanical engineers research, create, manufacture, and test mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering involves one of the broadest engineering spectrums there is. Mechanical engineers work on power-producing machines, power-using machines and design tools that make these machines run. Mechanical engineers work in a huge array in industries, because their engineering skills are needed by so many different types of industries.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

Higher end positions and management positions generally require a graduate degree and supervisory experience. Some large companies also require a graduate degree just to get hired.

Top Schools for Mechanical Engineers:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stanford University
University of California – Berkeley
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Purdue University

Career Trends

Average Salary for Mechanical Engineers in 2008: $58,766
Jobs in 2008 for Mechanical Engineers: 238,700
Projected jobs for Mechanical Engineers through 2018: 253,100

Related Jobs:

Aerospace Engineers
Agricultural Engineers
Biomedical Engineers
Chemical Engineers
Civil Engineers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, except Computer
Environmental Engineers
Health and Safety Engineers, except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Industrial Engineers
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Materials Engineers

Article Reference: Bureau of Labor Statistics