What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a mechanical engineer do?

Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines, machines and HVAC systems. The median pay is $104,110 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +11.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$104,110
$50.05/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+11.2%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
17,800
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
4 years
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
298,500
Employment, 2025

What mechanical engineers do

Mechanical engineers design how things move and work. They create products from medical devices to engines, design HVAC and energy systems, develop manufacturing processes, analyze stresses and heat, build and test prototypes, and improve designs. They work in manufacturing, energy, aerospace, automotive, robotics and consulting.

Mechanical engineers need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. A PE license helps in consulting and HVAC design. Employment is projected to grow faster than average.

Typical duties

Design mechanical systems and products
Create CAD models
Analyze stress, heat and fluids
Build and test prototypes
Develop manufacturing processes
Improve designs
Write specifications and reports

Work environment and schedule

Mechanical engineers work in offices, labs and plants.

Schedule: Most work full-time; project deadlines can bring long hours.

A day in the life

8:00 AMReview test data from a prototype.
9:30 AMModel a bracket in SolidWorks.
11:00 AMRun a stress analysis.
1:00 PMMeet manufacturing about design changes.

See a full day in the life of a mechanical engineer →

Mechanical Engineer salary

Half of mechanical engineers earned more than $104,110 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $73,990 for the lowest 10% to $164,340 for the top 10%.

$73,99010th$104,110Median$164,34090th

Full mechanical engineer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a mechanical engineer

Study math and physics
Earn an ABET degree
Do internships
Pass the FE exam
Advance

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a mechanical engineer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

CAD
FEA
Thermodynamics
Fluid mechanics
GD&T

People skills

Problem solving
Communication
Creativity
Teamwork

All mechanical engineer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
High pay
Many industries
Build real products

Cons

Deadlines
Complex problems
Some roles in plants
Continuous learning

Certifications and licenses

Engineer in Training (EIT): After the FE exam.
Professional Engineer (PE): State license.
Certified SolidWorks Professional: CAD credential.
Six Sigma Green Belt: Process improvement.

Career path

Engineer I: Design under guidance.
Mechanical Engineer: Own designs.
Senior Engineer: Lead projects.
Engineering Manager: Lead teams.

Learn the job before day one

Our Mechanical Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a basic FEA study and prepare for a design review, safety and how to land your first job.

View Mechanical Engineer training Is this career right for me?

Mechanical Engineering Technician

Build, test and improve machines and mechanical products with engineers.

$74,510
2 years

Industrial Designer

Design the products people use, from phones and chairs to cars and tools.

$83,910
4 years

Electrical Engineer

Design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life.

$120,630
4 years

HVAC Technician

Install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems.

$61,010
6–24 months

Compare: Mechanical Engineer vs. Mechanical Engineering Tech · Mechanical Engineer vs. Industrial Designer · Mechanical Engineer vs. Electrical Engineer · Mechanical Engineer vs. HVAC Technician

Mechanical Engineer FAQ

Do mechanical engineers need a license?

Not usually, but a PE helps in consulting and HVAC design.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

What industries hire them?

Manufacturing, energy, aerospace, automotive and more.

How much does a mechanical engineer make?

The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $104,110 ($50.05 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $73,990 and the highest 10% earned more than $164,340.

How long does it take to become a mechanical engineer?

Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is required.

Do you need a degree to be a mechanical engineer?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2141 (Mechanical engineers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Mechanical engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Mechanical Engineer