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Mechanical engineer: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$104,110median pay per year, or $50.05 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $73,990lowest 10% earn less
  2. $84,13025th percentile
  3. $104,110median
  4. $132,59075th percentile
  5. $164,340top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[6]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

A mechanical engineer earned a median of $104,110 a year in May 2025, about twice the median for all US jobs[1][2]. You can usually start with a bachelor's degree, and BLS expects jobs to grow 11.2% over the next decade, faster than for all occupations[3][4][5].

Job growth, 2025–35
+11.2%[4]
Openings per year
17,800[7]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[3]

How much do mechanical engineers make?

The median wage for mechanical engineers was $104,110 a year, or $50.05 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of workers earned more than that and half earned less[1]. The average (mean) was higher, at $113,610 a year or $54.62 an hour[8]. For comparison, the median for all occupations in the US was $50,980[2].

Pay varies a lot from one engineer to the next. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $73,990 a year, and the top 10% earned more than $164,340[6]. A percentile is a boundary, not a starting salary[9].

Percentile Per year Per hour
10th[6][10] $73,990 $35.57
25th[6][10] $84,130 $40.45
50th (median)[1] $104,110 $50.05
75th[6][10] $132,590 $63.75
90th[6][10] $164,340 $79.01

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, and they do not count nonproduction bonuses or what employers pay for benefits like health insurance[11]. Self-employment is rare in this field anyway, at 0.5% of mechanical engineers in 2025[12].

Pay by state and city

New Mexico had the highest state median for mechanical engineers, at $157,710 a year[13]. Next came the District of Columbia at $133,300 and California at $130,900[13]. Delaware ($125,130) and Colorado ($124,430) rounded out the top five on the BLS list, which includes DC[13]. Arkansas had the lowest median among the states listed, at $80,180[13].

The most jobs are in different places. Michigan led with 34,630 jobs, followed by California with 30,530 and Texas with 22,080[14]. Ohio (14,390) and Pennsylvania (13,550) came next[14].

Looking at metro areas that have 100 or more jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $168,030, then San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $161,370 and Baton Rouge, LA at $135,530[15]. The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area had by far the most jobs, about 22,500, with a median of $109,470[16]. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (8,780 jobs) and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands (8,310 jobs) followed[16].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
New Mexico[13]$157,7102,710
District of Columbia$133,300510
California$130,90030,530
Delaware$125,130610
Colorado$124,4307,190
Alaska$124,340380
Maryland$122,8706,550
Louisiana$119,5401,890
Massachusetts$119,3007,680
Wyoming$117,750230
Rhode Island$116,2301,560
Texas$112,41022,080
New Jersey$112,3004,180
Washington$110,4308,240
Vermont$107,330530
Connecticut$105,0904,600
Michigan$104,89034,630
South Carolina$104,5805,780
Virginia$104,1807,470
New Hampshire$103,6602,760
Oregon$103,4702,920
Illinois$102,68011,790
Nevada$102,6801,410
Utah$102,5003,370
New York$102,4408,590
Maine$102,430890
Oklahoma$101,8502,270
Kentucky$101,0504,170
North Carolina$100,7209,560
Georgia$100,6205,290
Arizona$100,2705,050
Alabama$100,230n/a
Florida$99,98010,740
Indiana$99,5908,690
Tennessee$99,5503,930
Missouri$99,3304,870
Minnesota$99,1405,890
Ohio$99,10014,390
Hawaii$98,740530
Mississippi$98,0001,570
Pennsylvania$97,92013,550
Iowa$97,7003,470
West Virginia$97,390760
Wisconsin$95,8707,470
Montana$94,190500
Idaho$93,1901,070
South Dakota$88,380560
Nebraska$88,060950
North Dakota$86,330790
Kansas$86,2604,630
Arkansas$80,1801,410

How to become a mechanical engineer

BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the usual entry point, with no related work experience or on-the-job training needed[3].

1) Earn a bachelor's degree[3]. The usual majors are mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology[17]. Engineering programs mix math, life and physical sciences, engineering and design[18]. Technology programs are more hands-on and less theory-heavy, and may lean on internships and co-ops[18]. 2) Choose an accredited program if you can[19]. Employers tend to prefer graduates of accredited programs, and that degree is usually needed for a professional engineer license later[19]. 3) Think about co-op or combined options[20]. Some schools run 5-year programs that award both a bachelor's and a master's, and some 5-year or 6-year co-op plans let you earn money and gain experience while you study[20]. 4) Start in an entry-level job[21]. You do not need a license for entry-level mechanical engineering work[21].

The PE license. A Professional Engineering (PE) license is optional at first, but it opens the door to more leadership and independence[21]. A PE can supervise other engineers, approve projects and offer services straight to the public[21]. Mechanical engineers who sell their services publicly must be licensed in every state and DC[17]. State licensing generally asks for:

After passing the FE exam, people often go by the title engineer in training (EIT) or engineer intern (EI)[24]. Several states require continuing education to renew a license each year[27]. Professional groups also offer certifications in specific areas of the field[28].

ONET rates the job as needing considerable preparation (Job Zone Four)[29]. In an ONET survey of 24 workers, 52% said the job needs a bachelor's degree and 29% said an associate's degree[30]. That is a small sample, and BLS still lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry requirement[3].

What mechanical engineers do

Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, engines, machines and other equipment with moving parts[31]. They also oversee how systems such as central heating, gas, water and steam are installed, run and repaired[31]. Common job titles include design engineer, product engineer and application engineer[32]. Typical tasks, based on O*NET[33]:

Where they work

Mechanical engineers usually work in offices[34]. Now and then a mechanical engineer goes to a site to deal with a problem or a machine in person[34]. The job is usually team-based, alongside other engineers, engineering technicians and other professionals[34].

The largest single employer group is architectural, engineering, and related services, which employed 20% of mechanical engineers in 2025[35]. Full-time schedules are the norm, and some engineers work over 40 hours a week[36].

Job outlook

BLS projects that mechanical engineering jobs will rise 11.2% between 2025 and 2035, which means roughly 298,500 jobs becoming 332,000[4]. That is well above the 3.5% growth projected for all occupations[5]. BLS links the demand to growing automation and new mechanical products and systems that engineers must design, test and maintain[37].

About 17,800 openings are expected each year on average[7]. Openings include jobs left by workers who retire or switch occupations, not only newly created jobs[7]. Each year about 1.7% of mechanical engineers leave the labor force and 2.9% move to another occupation[38].

The projection count includes self-employed workers[4]. The May 2025 wage survey counted about 296,810 wage and salary jobs, so the two totals differ a little[39].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job that pays about twice the national median and needs a bachelor's degree to start, with no required experience[1][2][3]. Projected growth of 11.2% is more than three times the rate for all occupations[4][5]. If you want to sign off on projects or sell services to the public, plan for extra exams and typically at least 4 years of experience to earn a PE license[17][21][23][25][26]. Where you live matters, since state medians run from $80,180 in Arkansas to $157,710 in New Mexico[13].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[40].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a mechanical engineer make an hour?
The median was $50.05 an hour in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $35.57 and the top 10% more than $79.01[10].
What degree do you need to be a mechanical engineer?
Typically a bachelor's degree[3]. The usual majors are mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology[17]. A degree from an accredited program is preferred by employers and usually needed for a PE license[19].
Do mechanical engineers need a license?
Not for entry-level jobs[21]. Those who sell services to the public must be licensed in all states and DC[17]. A PE license typically requires an accredited degree, the FE exam, at least 4 years of experience and the PE exam[22][23][25][26].
Are mechanical engineers in demand?
BLS projects 11.2% job growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, and about 17,800 openings a year[4][5][7].
What is the highest paying state for mechanical engineers?
New Mexico, with a median of $157,710 a year in May 2025, followed by the District of Columbia and California[13].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Mechanical Engineers in the US was $104,110 per year and $50.05 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Mechanical Engineers: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Mechanical Engineers is projected to grow 11.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 298,500 to 332,000 jobs (a change of +33,500). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  5. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Mechanical Engineers: 10th percentile $73,990, 25th percentile $84,130, 75th percentile $132,590, 90th percentile $164,340. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  7. BLS Employment Projections: about 17,800 openings for Mechanical Engineers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Mechanical Engineers was $113,610 per year and $54.62 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Mechanical Engineers: 10th percentile $35.57, 25th percentile $40.45, 75th percentile $63.75, 90th percentile $79.01. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS Employment Projections: 0.5% of Mechanical Engineers were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  13. Median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Mechanical Engineers jobs: Michigan 34,630; California 30,530; Texas 22,080; Ohio 14,390; Pennsylvania 13,550. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $168,030; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $161,370; Baton Rouge, LA $135,530; Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $132,920; Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $128,740; Peoria, IL $128,710; Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $128,180; Columbus, IN $127,700. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Mechanical Engineers jobs: Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 22,500 (median $109,470); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 8,780 (median $123,900); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 8,310 (median $125,350); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 6,960 (median $109,990); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 6,900 (median $102,070); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 6,890 (median $119,300). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. O*NET 17-2141.00: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET 17-2141.00 survey of workers (24 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 52%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 29%, Post-Secondary Certificate 9%, Some College Courses 8% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  31. O*NET description of Mechanical Engineers. O*NET OnLine
  32. O*NET 17-2141.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Application Engineer, Design Engineer, Equipment Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Product Engineer. O*NET OnLine
  33. O*NET task list for Mechanical Engineers. O*NET OnLine
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of mechanical engineers in 2025: Architectural, engineering, and related services 20%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Mechanical Engineers: Demand change - share increases as growing automation and innovation of mechanical and machinery products, equipment, and systems drive demand for mechanical engineers to design, develop, test, and maintain them. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Mechanical Engineers: 1.7% of workers leave the labor force each year and 2.9% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  39. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 296,810 people were employed as Mechanical Engineers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  40. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.