What is Mechanical Engineering?

By: Kylie Cameron

Many people are interested in engineering, but never know what kind of engineering is right for them. Let’s discover Mechanical Engineering!

Mechanical Engineering Overview

People working as Mechanical Engineers use their problem solving skills to design, develop, and test various mechanical devices. Out of all of the fields of engineering, Mechanical is the broadest: so people with this degree aren’t as confined as other engineers, and have more of a choice when seeking a job. Mechanical Engineers typically work in an office space, and may go to job sights when needed (if needed). The average salary for anyone holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering and working in the field was $90,160 in 2020. The best paid 25% made $114,380, and the lowest paid 25% made $71,880.

Mechanical Engineering Education

Mechanical Engineers MUST have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, but some jobs may require a Masters Degree. According to USNews, some of the best colleges for an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering are:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
3. Stanford University
4. University of California, Berkeley
5. California Institute of Technology
6. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
7. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
8. Purdue University
9. Carnegie Mellon University
10. Cornell University

Jobs in Mechanical Engineering

It would be quite impossible to list out ALL of the jobs a Mechanical Engineer can have, but some of the most common jobs are in:

1. Computer technology
2. Construction
3. Defense
4. Electronics
5. Materials and metals
6. Pharmaceuticals
7. Research and development
8. Robotics
9. Aerospace
10. Automotive
11. Biomedical
12. Construction
13. Manufacturing
14. Management

Mechanical Engineering Outlook

The outlook for Mechanical Engineering is pretty good, as it is projected that from 2020 to 2030, jobs are expected to grow 6% — 7%!

Sources

1. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-mechanical
2. https://www.me.iastate.edu/what-does-a-mechanical-engineer-do/
3. https://www.gcu.edu/blog/engineering-technology/what-does-mechanical-engineer-do
4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm#tab-2
5. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-mechanical-engineering-degree
6. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
7. https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/mechanical-engineer/salary