USA Career Guide : Mechanical Engineers

Education and Training Requirements of Mechanical Engineer

To work as Mechanical engineer in USA one needs at least bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering accredited by ABET. Good work avenues open for those who have a Mechanical engineering qualification along with Professional Engineer license and work experience. Mechanical Engineering is offered as 4 year college course in USA to award a bachelor’s degree. Those who have 4 years in Mechanical engineering can also apply for graduate program in Mechanical engineering leading to award of masters and research degrees. Candidates interested in joining college course in Mechanical engineering should take high school courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.

Related Instructional Programs/Degrees for Mechanical Engineers in USA

• Mechanical Engineering, BSME
• Mechanical Engineering, BS
• Mechanical Engineering, BSE
• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.E.
• Mechanical Engineering, MS
• Mechanical Engineering, BE
• Mechanical Engineering, BSMEE
• Mechanical Engineering, BME
• Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, BSE
• Mechanical Engineering, BS/BA
• Electromechanical Engineering, BS

Industrial Overview

Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Mechanical engineers are the second-largest engineering occupation, holding about 243,200 jobs in 2010. Given below is percentage distribution of mechanical engineers working in different sectors in United States-

• Architectural, engineering, and related services - 21%
• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences - 6%
• Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing - 5%
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing - 5%
• Federal government, excluding postal service - 5%
  

Job Prospects of Mechanical Engineer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 9% rise in employment of mechanical engineers from year 2010 to 2020. Mechanical engineers gets employment in different sectors, however, main demand shall be from engineering industries, architectural firms, aviation and automobiles. The nanotechnology and solar energy sectors are also promising fields to work for mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers are needed in both government jobs and in private jobs. Like many other profession mechanical engineers may also see job decline due to certain factors, but, since mechanical engineering is established profession already, there shall always be demand from industry, however, number and figures may differ.

Pay of a Mechanical Engineer in the US

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage of mechanical engineers was $78,160 in May 2010. The median annual wages in selected industries employing mechanical engineers in May 2010 were as follows:

• Federal government, excluding postal service - $91,910
• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences - $88,190
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing - $83,870
• Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing - $83,310
• Architectural, engineering, and related services - $82,210