How to become a Mechanical Engineer
Because of this occupation involves a lot of numbers and detail, you must pursue a bachelors degree in either mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology to qualify. Some colleges and universities even require a 5- or 6-year program be completed before graduation. Employers hire candidates whose programs are accredited by the ABET—a non-profit organization that accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology—so make sure your potential program is certified before you begin.
From there, you may be eligible for an entry-level position upon graduation. However, if you are looking to excel beyond entry-level, you will need to earn additional licensing—passing scores from the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) and Professional Engineer exam (PE) —to qualify for more advance positions. Lastly, just like any other field, mechanical engineering relies heavily on experience, so internships, training programs and years of work in this field will help you excel in your career.
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Typical qualifications for a Mechanical Engineer
Skills employers are looking for
About Mechanical engineering
Experience overseeing the design, production, and operation of mechanical systems and machinery in a variety of industries and disciplines.
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About CAD
CAD (computer-aided design) software used for creating, modifying, analyzing, or optimizing digital renderings of a design.
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About Schematics
Skill or experience reading and interpreting diagrams such as technical drawings or blueprints.
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About Mechanical design
Knowledge of or experience designing mechanical components and systems.
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About Mechanical knowledge
Knowledge of or experience working with mechanical systems, tools, or machines.
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Mechanical Engineer jobs in United States
Career progression for Mechanical Engineer
Education levels for Mechanical Engineers
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 4.0% |
| Master's degree | 3.0% |
| Associate's degree | 2.0% |
| High school diploma or GED | 1.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.0% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $57,800 |
| 4 - 8 | $68,100 |
| 8 - 12 | $77,200 |
| 12 - 16 | $85,700 |
| 16 - 20 | $90,100 |
| 20 - 24 | $94,900 |
Common questions about career advices for a Mechanical Engineer
What knowledge should a mechanical engineer have?
Every mechanical engineer should have knowledge of metal strength, fatigue strength, brittleness, homogeneity, and embrittlement.
Is it a good choice if I choose HVAC as a career in mechanical engineering?
It is a good choice to specialize in HVAC as a mechanical engineer as jobs in this field is evolving and growing very quickly. The future job outlook for a career in HVAC is very encouraging.
What is the job outlook for mechanical engineers?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for mechanical engineers is expected to grow by 4% through 2028.
