As one of the most popular branches of engineering, mechanical engineers fill up many positions in today’s workforce, and it remains a stable career path.
You could be dealing with engines, machinery, design tools, maintenance, operations, and installations. And, the skills learned in mechanical engineering are in high demand because of the continual growth of automated industries and technology as a whole.
But how much money do mechanical engineers make?
Well, it can depend on where you’re working in the US and what branch of mechanical engineering you choose to work in.
Furthermore, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook from 2019-2029 is set to grow by 4%.
How Much Money Do Mechanical Engineers Make?
With such a broad application of mechanical engineers in the workforce, it is hard to fit an exact salary for them.
However, the Occupational Outlook Handbook puts the medium pay of mechanical engineers in May 2019 at $88,430 per year or $42.51 per hour.
If we go by these figures, then the salary and hourly pay are much higher than the national average of $62,843 – according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Career Progression
It may be that many mechanical engineers are not achieving the average wage. That’s why it’s a good idea to be an engineer continuing education throughout your career.
By continuing your learning, you’ll stay up-to-date with new technology. And, you could open yourself up to new engineering possibilities.
Plus, since the job outlook is projected t grow by 4% in the coming years, it makes sense to seize any educational opportunities. This way, you can develop a distinct advantage over others that are competing for the top jobs.
Where Do Mechanical Engineers Earn More?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides us with the annual mean wage of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians by area in May 2019.
If you were a mechanical engineer in Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX in 2019, you could have been earning the highest mean wage that year at $95,820!
Other high wage-paying areas included Albuquerque, NM at $82,680 and New Orleans-Metairie, LA at $80,270.
Also, the state that paid out the highest mean wage in 2019 was New Mexico.
Career Paths in Mechanical Engineering
Since mechanical engineering is a broad term that encompasses many skills and proficiencies, wages can vary greatly.
The highest-paid mechanical engineers, for example, earned a median annual wage of $101,780, working in scientific research and development services.
Machinery manufacturing is the least well-paid median annual wage on the list at $80,720.
The Bottom Line
So how much money do mechanical engineers make?
It is common for mechanical engineers to earn much higher than the national average. This may be due to their adaptability into tech-orientated industries that are craving new engineers to build their innovative ideas and concepts.
Choosing to become a mechanical engineer or to continue training in the subject seems to be a wise career path. It can provide stability along with a plentiful annual income.
Thanks for reading, and good luck if you decide to become a mechanical engineer! Before you go, check out our blog for further interesting reads.