What Mechanical Engineers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Mechanical Engineers this way: "Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports"; "Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information"; "Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications"; "Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs"; "Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Mechanical Engineers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 298,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 332,000 in 2035, an increase of 33,500 jobs (+11.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 17,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $104,110, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Mechanical Engineers earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $108,093 in Michigan to $136,455 in California, a gap of $28,362 (1.26 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $104,110 and 0 average at or below it.
Michigan employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 33,630, which is 40.0% of the 84,050 counted across them. California follows with 29,260.
Highest-paying states
California ($136,455), Texas ($113,271) and Michigan ($108,093) lead the ranking, while Michigan ($108,093) and Texas ($113,271) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Mechanical Engineers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Harris County, TX (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX) at $74,410. The smallest margin is $49,783 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 15.7% and 32.7% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Mechanical Engineers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (17-2000) include Computer Hardware Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Industrial Engineers and Civil Engineers.
Frequently asked questions about Mechanical Engineers
What is the national median wage for Mechanical Engineers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $104,110. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $108,093 to $136,455.
Which state pays Mechanical Engineers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $136,455. Texas is next at $113,271.
What is the job outlook for Mechanical Engineers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 11.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 17,800 openings a year.
What education do Mechanical Engineers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Mechanical Engineers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Harris County, TX leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $74,410 on a median wage of $125,350.