The manufacturing industry in the United States is expected to reach $6 trillion by the end of 2022. This makes the US one of the most lucrative regions in the world for mechanical engineering graduates. There is a lot of demand for skilled mechanical engineers in the country. The amount of money one can earn as a mechanical engineer depends on various factors.
So, here we are with a comprehensive take on mechanical engineering salary in US, the different factors that affect it, and more.
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Mechanical Engineers in the US: Key Facts
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual mechanical engineering salary in the United States for 2020 was $90,160.
- Jobs for mechanical engineers in the US are projected to increase by 7% during 2020-2030, with an addition of 20,900 new jobs during this period.
- In 2020, 299,200 mechanical engineers were employed in the US across positions.
- The top 25% of mechanical engineers in the United States earned an average salary of $114,380 in 2020.
- Mechanical engineers with more than 10 years of experience can earn as high as $113,238.
Now that we have discussed some of the key facts and figures for mechanical engineers in the United States, let’s discuss some of the key positions you can apply for.
Key Positions for Mechanical Engineers in US
One of the most popular courses in mechanical engineering is Bachelor of Science or Master of Science (MS). After pursuing MS in mechanical engineering, you will be eligible for several key positions in the market such as mechanical engineer, project engineer, marine engineer, design engineer, and the likes.
Let’s discuss some of these positions.
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Mechanical Engineer
A candidate with a four-year bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is eligible for a mechanical engineer position. Such engineers use advanced design technologies like CAD for designing thermal and mechanical products.
Mechanical engineers are not restricted to specific types of products; they can design anything involving mechanisms. From elevators to HVACs and even medical equipment, there is no end to the type of products they can design.
The mechanical engineering salary in the US is $88,430 per year.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers use their extensive knowledge to build medical devices and equipment. Mechanical engineering graduates can create different medical equipment, from diagnostic tools to surgical instruments.
Responsibilities for biomedical engineers also involve researching healthcare-based equipment and developing new solutions. They can also help train healthcare professionals on how to use such equipment and how these machines work.
One of the key qualifications for a biomedical engineer is to have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering.
The average mechanical engineer salary for this position is $91,410 in the United States.
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Mechanical Engineering Manager
A mechanical engineer’s management positions differ from other executive jobs like HR or a CA. Mechanical engineers can assume different roles as managers like project managers, team leaders, lead engineers, and more.
However, one distinct factor that sets other mechanical engineering positions from this one is the qualifications that you need. You will need an MS in mechanical engineering and a few years of experience to qualify for such a position.
You must also have strong verbal communication skills and leadership qualities to manage different mechanical engineering projects.
The median salary for a mechanical engineer manager is $111,790 in the United States.
Research Engineer
The research engineer position is for mechanical engineers with a doctoral degree, which can take about four to seven years to complete. The mechanical engineer’s job for this position is to handle research projects.
For this, you need to have expertise in mechanical engineering principles, machinery, and other aspects. You will have to employ scientific knowledge and interpersonal skills to deliver value.
The average base salary for a research engineer is $82,780 in the United States.
Apart from these positions, there are several other positions for which you can gain eligibility with an excellent bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineerings, such as:
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Mining Engineer
- Fabrication Engineer
While knowing about the positions and eligibility requirements for mechanical engineers in the US is essential, you also need to factor in the employment opportunities based on different locations in the United States.
Top States in the US Paying the Highest Salaries
Location is essential for students who are not just looking to gain on the monetary front but also to achieve employment growth opportunities. For example, the Midwest-US market provides excellent opportunities for students with an MS in mechanical engineering.
The US states that offer most job opportunities for MS in mechanical engineering are:
- California
- Texas
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Washington
California is one of the highest-paying states for mechanical engineers. The mechanical engineering salary in the US on average is $90k, but in California, you can earn as high as $118,000.
Similarly, Washington is another location where the salary of a mechanical engineer can go as high as $121,000. Even as an entry-level engineer, you can draw $69,000 per year at Washington.
Apart from the scope of mechanical engineering jobs, different mechanical engineer salaries, and location-based impact, you also need to consider the company that offers the job.
An organisation’s culture, working environment, and other aspects can impact your career. So, here are some of the companies that hire mechanical engineers in the United States.
Top US Companies Paying High Mechanical Engineer Salaries
Several companies provide excellent work culture, annual salary increases, overtime payments, and more. Choosing one of them can enhance your career as these are some of the engineering giants of the world. Some of them with their average mechanical engineer salaries are given below —
- Apple: Up to $147k per year
- L&T Technology Services: Up to $84k per year
- Rivian Automotive: Up to $124k per year
- Cyient: Up to $71k per year
- Cummins: Up to $92k per year
Conclusion
The mechanical engineering salary in the US is much higher than the average income of other professions. There are many different types of mechanical engineering positions with varying jobs and responsibilities. This means that mechanical engineers can choose from many different opportunities, making finding a good job in this field very easy. However, if you are looking to make full of such opportunities you need to consider studying abroad.
It provides you with opportunities to learn from market peers and industry leaders acquainted with the local market. So, start planning for your career as a mechanical engineer in the US and make the most of a soaring market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a work permit for a mechanical engineering job in the US?
For international students who are postgraduates, an H1B visa is essential to work in the US. After the expiry of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which you need to have to work when you have an F1 visa, H1B becomes essential. The latter allows you to continue your job in the US. However, you can’t apply as an individual for H1B, and will have to find a company that can offer a job and visa status.
2. Which is the best city that provides the highest job opportunities for mechanical engineers in the US?
Detroit and Los Angeles are two cities that provide the highest job opportunities to mechanical engineering graduates in the US. However, if you are looking for the highest-paying cities, San Jose and San Francisco are way ahead of other cities in the US.
3. Do I need a license to work as a mechanical engineer?
You don’t need a license to be an entry-level mechanical engineer. However, you may need to have Professional Engineering (PE) licenses as you progress in the field. For the PE license exam, you will have to pass the fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exams. Post this, you will be considered an engineer in training (EIT) and be eligible to take the PE exam.
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