What Can You Do with a Mechanical Engineering Degree?

There is a lot you can do with a mechanical engineering degree. As a mechanical engineering graduate, you’ll qualify for jobs in aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, construction, nuclear energy, and manufacturing. Employers across sectors need people with practical skills in developing, installing, operating, and maintaining mechanisms. 

A mechanical engineering degree combines different fields such as mathematics, science, technology, and business. So whether you pursue an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you’ll have endless job opportunities. Read on to find out the best jobs for mechanical engineering majors.

What Is a Mechanical Engineering Major?

A mechanical engineering major is a broad subject examining the production of moving parts. Mechanical engineering courses combine math, science, and technology with specializations in manufacturing, energy, and computers. Depending on your passion, you can venture into energy, security, robotics, transport, or even space exploration. 

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical Engineering  Education Options 

If you are wondering how to become a mechanical engineer, there are plenty of ways to learn mechanical engineering. Professionals in the field often have a bachelor’s degree. However, you can land a job in the field with an associate degree. If you want to advance in your career to senior levels, you should consider a master’s degree. 

Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree 

A mechanical engineering associate degree will give you the entry-level education requirement for many junior roles. An associate degree is a two-year program offered by community colleges and universities. They are a fantastic option if you want to join the workforce quickly. You can also transfer to a bachelor’s degree program if you choose to continue studying.

Best Associate Degree Programs in Mechanical Engineering 

• Mechanical Design Technology Associate Degree – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
• Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology – Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
• Advanced Manufacturing Technology – Wisconsin Technical College System
• Associate of Arts in Mechanical, Industrial & Aerospace Engineering – South Seattle College
• Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Technology – Washington County Community College

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree will help you land well-paying jobs in the industry. In four years, you will acquire basic and advanced skills to take on varied job roles in the field. The best bachelor’s degrees will provide you with practical experience that will help you stand out to potential employers.

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Mechanical Engineering 

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Cornell University 
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – University of Michigan 
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Stanford University 
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – University of California – Berkeley 
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – University of Texas

Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree 

Advanced degrees can make it easier to get hired for senior-level positions. Completing a master’s degree at graduate school will serve as a great addition to your resume. Most master’s degree programs also require students to do a project or complete a thesis that you can add to your portfolio. 

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Mechanical Engineering 

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – University of Illinois
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Purdue University 
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – California Institute of Technology
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Georgia Institute of Technology
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mechanical Engineering Career Overview: Is a Mechanical Engineering Career Worth It?

Mechanical Engineering Job Outlook

Mechanical engineering has a steady outlook. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineer jobs will increase by seven percent between 2020 and 2030. This means around 20,900 new jobs will be generated over the next several years. 

Mechanical Engineering Salaries

Professionals in this field earn above-average salaries. According to BLS, they earn a median salary of $90,160, with the top 10 percent earning a median salary of $141,060. 

Best Jobs for Mechanical Engineering Majors: What Can You Do with a Mechanical Engineering Degree?

You can open up a lot of opportunities with a mechanical engineering degree. Choosing this major equips you with the necessary math and analytical skills to become anything from a mechanical engineering technician to an aerospace engineer.

Below we’ve listed the best jobs in the field depending on your degree level. We’ve included information on the job outlook and expected annual salary. 

Best Jobs for Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree Majors

Job Title	Recommended School	Top 10% Salary
Sales Engineer	Colorado Mesa University	$184,190
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician	South Seattle College	$103,450
Mechanical Engineering Technician	Youngstown State University	$91,320
CAD Operator	Miami University	$87,970
Engineering Lab Assistant	Northcentral Technical College	$83,700

Sales Engineer 

• Average Salary: $108,830
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

Sales engineers are professionals who have the technical know-how of a company’s wide range of products and services. Some of these professionals work for companies that directly manufacture and design products. They work collaboratively with other engineers and sales teams to design equipment or systems that address client needs. 

To land a sales engineer job, you must have at least an associate degree. Most sales engineers have a two-year degree in engineering or a similar field like computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or computer hardware engineering. 

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician

• Average Salary: $68,570
• Job Outlook: 9 percent

In this exciting field, you’ll get to work on spacecraft. Your priority will be monitoring and testing parts of the spacecraft for safety and security. You assist in the development, installation, testing, and maintenance of spacecraft vehicles and equipment. 

This role requires a stark combination of math, mechanical, and communication skills. You’ll be working on highly technical equipment and working closely with team members to ensure tests and installations run smoothly.

Mechanical Engineering Technician 

• Average Salary: $58,230
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

Mechanical engineering technicians are in charge of designing, manufacturing, testing, installing, and maintaining machinery or equipment. They rely on computer-aided software to design and construct equipment and models. Often, these professionals work in laboratories, workshops, or factories. 

Hiring managers require applicants to have at least an associate degree from a mechanical engineering program. To advance your career prospects, you should get certified. If you want to validate your skills in instrumentation, you should consider sitting for exams by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. 

CAD Operator 

• Average Salary: $57,960
• Job Outlook: – 2 percent

Companies rely on CAD operators to create blueprints for construction or manufacturing. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of computer-aided software that they use to come up with the designs. They work in conjunction with different engineers, architects, and stakeholders to meet all needs and regulations.

The minimum job requirement for CAD operators is an associate degree. In addition, you must know about engineering and construction. However, if you want to increase your employment prospects, you should consider getting certified by the American Design Drafting Association. 

Engineering Lab Assistant 

• Average Salary: $54,180
• Job Outlook: 11 percent

The work of an engineering lab assistant varies from one industry to the next. However, their general purpose is to assist in research and development projects. A high school diploma may suffice to land you a job in this capacity, though an associate degree is typically preferred. 

Best Jobs for Mechanical Engineering  Bachelor’s Degree Majors

Job Title	Recommended School	Top 10% Salary
Nuclear Engineer	University of Michigan	$185,550
Aerospace Engineer	Purdue University	$171,220
Marine Engineer	Florida Institute of Technology	$148,580
Geotechnical Engineer	University of California – Berkeley	$110,000
Automotive Engineer	Pittsburgh State University	$80,000

Nuclear Engineer 

• Average Salary: $116,140
• Job Outlook: – 8 percent

Nuclear engineers design, build, and run nuclear power plants. They collaborate with other engineering teams to solve technical problems. Often, nuclear engineers check on energy transmission and storage systems. They also rely on data to ensure the proper functioning of equipment. If you want to become a nuclear engineer, expect to work in an office or power plant.

To qualify for a nuclear engineering job, you will need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a similar field. Nuclear engineers can have degrees in fields like chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, electrical engineering, hydraulic engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, and physics.

Aerospace Engineer 

• Average Salary: $118,610
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, testing, repairing, and improving aircraft or spacecraft. Through their knowledge in math and science, they can easily anticipate potential issues with the components, facilities, and manufacturing processes and develop innovative solutions to technical problems. 

They often work closely with the production and research departments to ensure projects comply with the regulations, timelines, and budgets. To land a position as an aerospace engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a similar field.

Marine Engineer 

• Average Salary: $95,440
• Job Outlook: 4 percent

A marine engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining sea equipment. They maintain propulsion mechanics, fuel systems, water distillation, and power generation systems. You will often find these professionals working on ships and oil rigs. 

Their day-to-day role revolves around diagnosing technical problems, conducting tests, and writing technical reports. To land a job as a marine engineer, you will require a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or equivalent. Make sure you select a program accredited by ABET to receive the proper education.

Geotechnical Engineer 

• Average Salary: $87,897
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

Geotechnical engineers rely on their scientific knowledge to maintain the environment during a major project, including buildings, bridges, or even towers. By investigating and analyzing the earth, they determine the stability of the constructs. You’ll find these professionals working in construction companies, real estate, or petroleum companies. 

You must have a bachelor’s degree to land a job as a geotechnical engineer. Hiring managers require a four-year degree in geotechnical, structural engineering, environmental, or equivalent. It is essential that you enroll in a program that is ABET-accredited.  

Automotive Engineer 

• Average Salary: $84,115
• Job Outlook: 7 percent

Automotive engineers, also known as automobile engineers, design new cars and maintain existing vehicles. They achieve this by creating and testing vehicle parts and technologies. Hiring companies require them to research and develop new and efficient vehicles. 

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or automotive engineering will suffice to land a position as an automotive engineer. Hiring companies also require applicants to attend programs that are ABET-accredited. 

Best Jobs for Mechanical Engineering  Master’s Degree Majors

Job Title	Recommended School	Top 10% Salary
Senior Electrical Engineer	Stanford University	$159,520
Biomedical Engineer	John Hopkins University	$149,440
Senior Mechanical Engineer	Western Illinois University	$129,000
Senior Project Engineer	New York University	$122,000
Manufacturing Engineer	Brigham Young University	$95,000

Senior Electrical Engineer

• Average Salary: $103,390
• Job Outlook: 7 percent 

Senior electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, upgrading, and monitoring electrical machinery and equipment. They supervise other professionals and mentor apprentices in the workplace. Senior electrical engineers liaise with various stakeholders and other engineering teams to complete projects. 

To land a job as a senior electrical engineer, you typically need a master’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent. Some hiring companies accept people with bachelor’s degrees and ten years of experience, but if you want to improve your employment prospects, you should acquire a graduate degree. 

Biomedical Engineers 

• Average Salary: $92,620
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

Entry-level biomedical engineers typically possess a four-year degree in engineering or equivalent, as well as a master’s degree in biomedicine. A master’s degree program takes about two to three years to complete. So in total it takes around six years to start your career as a biomedical engineer.

Biomedical engineers conduct a vital role in improving and standardizing medical devices and equipment. They are also responsible for researching, testing, and managing biomedical information. Their background in engineering contributes to the product development and design of biomedical devices. 

Senior Mechanical Engineer 

• Average Salary: $102,604
• Job Outlook: 7 percent

Senior mechanical engineers manufacture machinery and mechanical systems. They ensure that mechanical devices and systems adhere to the safety regulations and remain compliant. Their day-to-day work consists of conducting tests and checking systems to check they are efficient and stable. 

To land a job as a senior mechanical engineer, you should consider acquiring a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent. This will familiarize you with the basic and advanced concepts to tackle multiple problems you might face in the field. It will also equip you with the proper leadership and critical thinking skills to run an engineering team. 

Senior Project Engineer 

• Average Salary: $98,579
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

Senior project engineers are leaders in charge of designing products in construction and industrial engineering. They monitor the teams’ work to ensure the projects align with the expected standards and needs of the client. These professionals are skilled in project management, time management, and leadership. 

To land this job position, you must be familiar with AutoCAD. You should also have a four-year degree from an accredited institution. In addition, hiring companies only employ applicants with additional education – a master’s degree, which assures them of standard practice. 

Manufacturing Engineer 

• Average Salary: $76,427
• Job Outlook: 14 percent

Manufacturing engineers design various equipment, processes, and systems for factories or production sites. Additionally, they’re also in charge of purchasing, installing, and maintaining all the equipment. Due to their knowledge in math and science, they can easily ensure efficiency and proper testing for machine and computer systems.

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Mechanical Engineering 

1. Join an accredited program. If you want to make your job search easier, enroll in a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET is a non-profit organization that ensures post-secondary education courses in engineering, computing, and natural sciences adhere to high education standards.
2. Get certified. There are plenty of organizations offering professional certification exams for mechanical engineers. Look for certifications from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), and Engineering Management Certification International (EMCI), to name a few. 
3. Join an association. One of the top associations for engineers is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This platform features conferences, technical courses, scholarships, and an extensive network of connections.

There are so many diverse career options for mechanical engineering graduates. With a high annual salary for most jobs in the field, it’s definitely a great choice of major in 2021. It’s easier than ever to pursue advanced degrees nowadays. If you want more flexibility over your degree, choose one of the best mechanical engineering degrees online.