How Engineers Are Thriving Today
How Engineers Are Thriving Today
Mechanical engineers continue to adapt and thrive in today’s industry, ranking it among the highest paying STEM jobs.
Date updated: Oct. 31, 2024
Events in recent years from the COVID-19 pandemic to subsequent supply chain shortages to the lighting speed evolution of AI and the challenges of climate change have presented plenty of opportunities for engineers to show their resiliency and inventiveness.
And today that evolution continues as emerging technologies swifty evolve and the industry is predicted to see double digit growth in the decade ahead. Here is a look at what the mechanical engineering landscape looks like for today's engineers.
Engineering majors rank only behind computer and information sciences majors in terms of projected starting salaries, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, with an average starting salary of $71,088 in 2021.
Mechanical engineering salaries across the U.S., 2019. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Data USA
At an average starting salary of $76,736 in 2024, engineering majors——followed by computer science and math and science majors—topped the most recent list of projected starting salaries by occupation, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Throughout their careers, mechanical engineers continue to be one of the best-paying professions in the United States. The median salary was $95,510 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with 291,900 working mechanical engineers across the country.
BLS also predicts greater major job growth for mechanical engineers. The mechanical engineering profession is expected to grow by 11 percent through 2033, much faster than the expected 4% growth for all occupations.
Listen to ASME TechCast: How Soft Skills Help Engineers Succeed in Careers
Mechanical engineering is dominated by men. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022, the most recent figures, 90.3 percent of all mechanical engineers were male. The average age of most male mechanical engineers is 41.4 and 36.4 for female mechanical engineers. White (non-Hispanic) is the most common race or ethnicity among mechanical engineers at 74.8 percent in 2022.
U.S. STEM Workforce by occupational group and education level (2019). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS), 2019
Breaking down where mechanical engineers work, in 2022, the Census Bureau reported that the motor vehicles and vehicle equipment manufacturing sector had the largest share at 28.2 percent. The next largest industries are machinery manufacturing with 12.9 percent, and architectural, engineering, and related services with 9.78 percent.
Recommended for You: 10 Questions Engineers Are Asked on a Job Interview
Mechanical engineers work everywhere. They are involved not just in research and design but also in human resources, marketing, administration, education, and many more unique job roles. It is this diversity and flexibility that deemed mechanical engineering one of the best jobs in the U.S.
Growth Rate of Employed Adults, U.S. by workforce and degree level (2010–19). Source: Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS), data as of 25 October 2020. Science and Engineering Indicators
According to U.S. News and World Report, mechanical engineering is the best engineering job today, as well as the 11th best STEM job and the 23rd best job overall. Mechanical engineers are highly satisfied with their career’s upward mobility and report average stress levels.
Importance of Critical Mechanical Engineering Skills: 2015. Source: Data USA, O*Net Online by PUMS Occupation
As engineering continues to evolve, mechanical engineers will adapt and adopt new skills. The O*Net Online skills database from the U.S. Department of Labor highlights that mathematics, science, reading comprehension, and problem-solving are the top skills required to perform the job. New tech skills are also emerging, which reflect our digital world. Knowledge of analytical software like Matlab and Nastran; CAD design programs like Solidworks; and database management software are all computer-based skills mechanical engineers may want to familiarize themselves with.
Editor’s Pick: Four Essentials on Working for Yourself
The current outlook for mechanical engineers is good, and they continue to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
Carlos M. González is special projects manager.
Events in recent years from the COVID-19 pandemic to subsequent supply chain shortages to the lighting speed evolution of AI and the challenges of climate change have presented plenty of opportunities for engineers to show their resiliency and inventiveness.
And today that evolution continues as emerging technologies swifty evolve and the industry is predicted to see double digit growth in the decade ahead. Here is a look at what the mechanical engineering landscape looks like for today's engineers.
Engineer Salary and Job Market
Engineering majors rank only behind computer and information sciences majors in terms of projected starting salaries, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, with an average starting salary of $71,088 in 2021.
Mechanical engineering salaries across the U.S., 2019. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Data USA
At an average starting salary of $76,736 in 2024, engineering majors——followed by computer science and math and science majors—topped the most recent list of projected starting salaries by occupation, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Throughout their careers, mechanical engineers continue to be one of the best-paying professions in the United States. The median salary was $95,510 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with 291,900 working mechanical engineers across the country.
BLS also predicts greater major job growth for mechanical engineers. The mechanical engineering profession is expected to grow by 11 percent through 2033, much faster than the expected 4% growth for all occupations.
Listen to ASME TechCast: How Soft Skills Help Engineers Succeed in Careers
The Profile Breakdown
Mechanical engineering is dominated by men. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022, the most recent figures, 90.3 percent of all mechanical engineers were male. The average age of most male mechanical engineers is 41.4 and 36.4 for female mechanical engineers. White (non-Hispanic) is the most common race or ethnicity among mechanical engineers at 74.8 percent in 2022.
U.S. STEM Workforce by occupational group and education level (2019). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS), 2019
Breaking down where mechanical engineers work, in 2022, the Census Bureau reported that the motor vehicles and vehicle equipment manufacturing sector had the largest share at 28.2 percent. The next largest industries are machinery manufacturing with 12.9 percent, and architectural, engineering, and related services with 9.78 percent.
Recommended for You: 10 Questions Engineers Are Asked on a Job Interview
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The Quality of the Profession
Mechanical engineers work everywhere. They are involved not just in research and design but also in human resources, marketing, administration, education, and many more unique job roles. It is this diversity and flexibility that deemed mechanical engineering one of the best jobs in the U.S.
Growth Rate of Employed Adults, U.S. by workforce and degree level (2010–19). Source: Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS), data as of 25 October 2020. Science and Engineering Indicators
According to U.S. News and World Report, mechanical engineering is the best engineering job today, as well as the 11th best STEM job and the 23rd best job overall. Mechanical engineers are highly satisfied with their career’s upward mobility and report average stress levels.
Importance of Critical Mechanical Engineering Skills: 2015. Source: Data USA, O*Net Online by PUMS Occupation
As engineering continues to evolve, mechanical engineers will adapt and adopt new skills. The O*Net Online skills database from the U.S. Department of Labor highlights that mathematics, science, reading comprehension, and problem-solving are the top skills required to perform the job. New tech skills are also emerging, which reflect our digital world. Knowledge of analytical software like Matlab and Nastran; CAD design programs like Solidworks; and database management software are all computer-based skills mechanical engineers may want to familiarize themselves with.
Editor’s Pick: Four Essentials on Working for Yourself
The current outlook for mechanical engineers is good, and they continue to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
Carlos M. González is special projects manager.
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