Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers design, plan, and oversee the creation and maintenance of machines, engines, and mechanical equipment. They work in manufacturing plants, power plants, HVAC companies, automotive facilities, and engineering firms, applying scientific principles to solve practical problems and ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mechanical engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A mechanical engineer might spend the morning reviewing equipment blueprints and specifications, then meet with technicians to discuss installation progress on a heating system. Afternoon work could include testing equipment performance, analyzing data to identify mechanical problems, or revising designs based on test results. Time is divided between computer work, site visits, meetings, and technical documentation.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy solving concrete, hands-on problems and understanding how things work mechanically. If you're curious about systems and materials, prefer working with facts and data over abstract concepts, and want to see your designs become real equipment, this work suits you well.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- MECHANICAL ENGINEER · Naval Sea Systems Command · Newport News, Virginia · $90838–$118092
- Mechanical Engineer · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Saint Louis, Missouri · $104502–$127443
- Mechanical Engineer · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Savannah, Georgia · $104502–$127443
- MECHANICAL ENGINEER · Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command · San Diego, California · $121585–$158062
- Mechanical Engineer · U.S. Coast Guard · Birmingham, Alabama · $90410–$117535
- Mechanical Engineer · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Rucker, Alabama · $106437–$138370
- MECHANICAL ENGINEER · Naval Supply Systems Command · Naval Support Activity, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania · $91320–$118718
- MECHANICAL ENGINEER · Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command · Groton Submarine Base, Connecticut · $120094–$156124
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $128,080 | $157,710 | $162,880 | 2,710 |
| District of Columbia | $107,300 | $133,300 | $166,360 | 510 |
| California | $102,360 | $130,900 | $166,580 | 30,530 |
| Delaware | $97,920 | $125,130 | $128,140 | 610 |
| Colorado | $95,710 | $124,430 | $149,790 | 7,190 |
| Alaska | $92,280 | $124,340 | $157,610 | 380 |
| Maryland | $98,300 | $122,870 | $156,560 | 6,550 |
| Louisiana | $81,790 | $119,540 | $147,560 | 1,890 |
| Massachusetts | $96,440 | $119,300 | $140,590 | 7,680 |
| Wyoming | $100,060 | $117,750 | $140,600 | 230 |
| Rhode Island | $99,350 | $116,230 | $154,690 | 1,560 |
| Texas | $91,420 | $112,410 | $145,090 | 22,080 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Fundamentals of Engineering - Mechanical (FE-M) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Residential and Commercial Mechanical Plans Examiner (MPE) — International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
- Fluid Power Engineer (CFPE) — International Fluid Power Society
- Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems — Festo
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Mechanical: HVAC and Refrigeration (PE-M:H&R) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Mechanical: Machine Design and Materials (PE-M:MD&M) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 17 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mechanical engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2141.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.