Shigoto Zukan
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How to become mechanical engineerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$104,110
25th–75th pct. $84,130–$132,590
Top pay (est.)
$213,600
Top 10% $164,340
Pay in 5 years
$120,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$139,900est.
$120,300–$162,400
Outlook score
62/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
62%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+11.2%
18K openings / yr

How to become mechanical engineers

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Mechanical Engineers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.8
Mathematics
4.5
Complex Problem Solving
4.5
Science
4.5
Operations Analysis
4.4
Active Learning
4.2
Judgment and Decision Making
4.1
Critical Thinking
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Design
6.0
Engineering and Technology
5.7
Mechanical
5.2
Mathematics
4.8
Physics
4.6
Computers and Electronics
4.5
Production and Processing
4.5
Public Safety and Security
4.1

What the work involves

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionMathematical ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
52%
Associate's degree
29%
Post-secondary certificate
9%
Some college
8%
High school diploma
1%

Training before entry

6–12 months
26%
2–4 years
17%
None / short demo
14%
3–6 months
10%
Up to 1 month
10%
1–3 months
9%
4–10 years
9%
1–2 years
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
24%
6–8 years
21%
2–4 years
19%
8–10 years
17%
None
9%
4–6 years
6%
Over 10 years
2%
6–12 months
1%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as mechanical engineers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.