Mechanical Engineers conduct research, design and develop prototypes, and test their devices.
They use creativity and good listening skills to solve problems. Engineers have high aptitudes for mathematics, sciences, and mechanicals. Engineers work at least full-time with 33 percent exceeding the standard 40-hour work week.
Why should I study mechanical engineering?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the field of mechanical engineering will grow 9 percent between the years 2016 and 2026. This statistic fits within average growth rates. Anticipate higher rates at engineering firms and in automotive design for hybrids, electric cars, and driverless vehicles.
Look for emerging careers in robotics, alternative fuels, and nanotechnology. The latter field includes medical device engineering and designing the latest computer components. One key to job stability is keeping abreast of the latest software for designing and running simulations. Industry experts advise students to learn 3-D printing.
How much can I earn by studying mechanical engineering?
The BLS tracks salaries in all career fields. For the year 2016, the median wage for all Mechanical Engineers was $84,190. Reported earnings ranged from $54,420 to $131,350.
Salaries also vary by industry. Engineers in research and development bring in a median of $96,360. Electronics manufacturing yields $89,330.
Architectural engineers report $87,670. The vehicle manufacturing industry pays a median of $84,940. Finally, machinery manufacturers pay $75,480.
Information from the BLS tells us which states hire more Mechanical Engineers (MEs). At the top of the list is Michigan with 42,080 MEs (mean salary $88,700). Next, California has 24,830 MEs ($102,650). Texas ranks third with 19,690 MEs ($103,060). Ohio has 14,920 ($78,770), and Illinois comes in fifth with 14,500 ($92,290).
Alaska pays the highest salaries to Mechanical Engineers with an annual mean wage of $138,370 for 530 jobs. The District of Columbia pays $108,340 (780 MEs). New Mexico's MEs make $108,140 (1,200 MEs). Louisiana's 1,990 MEs report earnings of $104,020. Texas makes the list in fifth place with $103,060 (19,690 MEs).
Where can I find a job with a mechanical engineering degree?
Any industry that develops working parts needs engineers. A few well-known companies hiring Mechanical Engineers:
General Electric
Boeing
Lockheed Martin
Northrop Grumman
General Motors
Chrysler
Medtronic
Industries with high numbers of Mechanical Engineers include aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, electronics, and energy. MEs have skills for many careers including project management, software development, cybersecurity, healthcare, and intellectual property rights.
What are the requirements for a mechanical engineering degree?
All Mechanical Engineers start with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field. Engineering majors take a heavy load of coursework in mathematics, science, design, and engineering. Seek out programs accredited by ABET.
A Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering provides upward mobility into Team Leader and Project Manager roles. Some Master's programs focus on advanced engineering methods. Others take an interdisciplinary approach with other sciences or business classes.
All states require engineers who work with the public to hold a license. To become a licensed Professional Engineer, obtain a degree from an ABET-accredited program. Next, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exams.
Each state has its own requirements for work experience. Expect to need four years of engineering employment. States may require engineers to pass continuing education classes for license renewals. Licenses usually work across state lines if both states have similar licensing requirements. Professional societies provide certificates, classes, volunteer opportunities, and conferences.
What are the best colleges for an Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering?
CollegeChoice.net studied each college and university. We considered the net price of a Master's degree, graduation rates, and the school's reputation in producing great engineers. Many of the best schools require graduate students to submit a high GPA, solid GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.
Important factors in deciding on a great Mechanical Engineering program include research expenditures, faculty qualifications, and the variety of offered courses. Online courses should be taught by the same faculty as on-campus classes. A low student-to-faculty ratio, livestreaming video, and online labs indicate successful degree programs. Those interested in online education should check out College Choice's Best Online Colleges and Universities.
Finally, we consulted experts at U.S. News, the National Center for Education Statistics and its IPEDS database, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and ranking websites like OnlineCollege.org. Each institute, college, and university provided invaluable access to their schools of engineering and programs for graduate students.
And now, we present the 25 best Online Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering for 2018.
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
