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Mechanical Engineering: Salary, Requirements & How to Become One
A data-driven guide to the Mechanical Engineering career path — what the role involves, how to get hired, and how much demand there is right now.
$74,510
median annual salary
$35.82
median hourly pay
36,190
employed nationally
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How much does a Mechanical Engineering make?
The median Mechanical Engineering salary is $74,510 per year (about $35.82/hour). Pay scales with experience, location, and employer — here is the full national distribution:
| Percentile | Annual salary | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry) | $48,400 | Bottom 10% — new entrants, lower-cost areas |
| Median (50th) | $74,510 | Typical Mechanical Engineering pay |
| 90th (top) | $106,050 | Top 10% — senior, high-cost metros |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025, occupation "Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians" (SOC 17-3027). Official U.S. government wage data.
How to become a Mechanical Engineering
- Build the core skills — through schooling, certification, or self-study relevant to Mechanical Engineering work.
- Gain hands-on experience via entry-level roles, internships, or apprenticeships.
- Prepare a targeted resume highlighting measurable results.
- Apply through major job boards and company career pages; filter for "Mechanical Engineering jobs near me".
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Mechanical Engineering careers — frequently asked questions
- How much does a Mechanical Engineering make?
- The median Mechanical Engineering salary is $74,510 per year (about $35.82/hour), per BLS OEWS, May 2025. The middle range runs from $48,400 (10th percentile) to $106,050 (90th percentile), varying by experience, location, and employer.
- How do I become a Mechanical Engineering?
- Most paths combine relevant education or certification with hands-on experience. Entry-level openings and apprenticeships are a common way in.
- Is Mechanical Engineering a good career in 2026?
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians employ roughly 36,190 people nationally (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and search demand runs near 50,000 queries per month — both signal steady hiring.