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Mechanical engineer: the path

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. Description from O*NET

Also called: Application Engineer, Design Engineer, Equipment Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Designer

Typical pay$104,110Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+11.2% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 4 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering4 years, from a program accredited by ABET, the engineering accreditation board
  2. Step 2Internship or co-opPaid work terms during college
  3. Step 3Entry-level job

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Colleges for this path

Related majors: Engineering Mechanics · Mechanical Engineering · Electromechanical Engineering

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398 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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