What Can You Do with a Mechanical Engineering Degree?

Mechanical engineers are responsible for building the world around us. From nanotechnology to airplanes, and from cities to space stations, mechanical engineers are often behind the design and development of, well, everything.

Combining computing, math, and science, a mechanical engineering degree has a reputation for being one of the most challenging degrees on offer – and for good reason. The degree is, in essence, the study of machinery. You learn how to manufacture and maintain machinery that will advance – and enhance – life for people.

Should I become a mechanical engineering major?

Are you proficient in math, physics, and computing? Do you see at least one of these subjects in your future career? Do you want to make a significant difference to the world with your work? If so, a degree in mechanical engineering makes a lot of sense.

At least it does if you’re dedicated to the field. Mechanical engineering is a highly specialized subject, one that covers everything from thermodynamics to CAD design. As each mechanical engineering program is unique, you’ll also find a different selection of concentrations depending on the college. Some common concentrations are automation and robotics, nuclear energy, and automotive engineering.

For your effort, you develop numerous beneficial skills that employers are seeking, including:

• Engineering design
• Quality control
• Financial planning
• Consulting
• Problem-solving

What can I do with a mechanical engineering degree?

In terms of job prospects, the mechanical engineering field provides stable career opportunities with substantial salaries. Below are a few notable examples of jobs with a mechanical engineering degree.

Mechanical engineer

There’s only one place to start with your degree in mechanical engineer. A mechanical engineer is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing process for different devices. These professionals analyze issues to see how thermal and mechanical devices may offer a solution. They can use computer-aided analysis and design tools to design or redesign these mechanical/thermal devices (and subsystems). Additionally, they use test results to make any necessary changes to designs or systems.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that, in 2019, the average wage for a mechanical engineer was $88,430 per year. The job outlook for 2019-2029 for this role is expected to grow by 4%.

Industrial designer

An industrial designer is responsible for consulting with clients to understand design requirements, and this is then followed up by presenting designs and prototypes in the hope of gaining approval. These professionals research the functions of products, create renderings, and utilize computer software to create virtual designs.

An industrial designer received a median $68,890 salary in 2019. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, notes the job outlook is expecting a slight 4% decrease between 2019 and 2029.

Aerospace engineer

An aerospace engineer plays an important role in the design, creation, and testing of aircrafts and other aerospace products. As directors of these projects, these professionals assess the feasibility of proposals, ensure products match quality standards, and solve any issues with damaged or malfunctioning products.

Research notes the annual pay for aerospace engineers is $116,500 per year. The 2019-2029 job outlook for this profession is anticipated to grow by 3%.

Petroleum engineer

The extraction of oil and gas is far from an easy process. Yet the work done by petroleum engineers, who design equipment and methods to remove these oils and gasses from onshore and offshore reserves found deep underground, helps to make it easier.

They’re also generously compensated for their efforts. A petroleum engineer is one of the best examples of a mechanical engineering salary, with their average annual wage being $84,935.

How do I pick the right college for my degree?

As mentioned previously, the programs for mechanical engineering typically vary for each college. As a result, you have to look at the type of mechanical engineering careers you’d like to pursue, see which concentrations match up to these, and then draw up a shortlist of which colleges are best.

Yet, the education programs are not all you need to assess. There are many points to consider when picking your college, which can make the decision a difficult one. One of the biggest aspects is the college campus.

To research the quality of each campus, there’s one tool you need in your repertoire: CampusReel. Rather than relying on college-produced information that’s little more than an overview, we provide in-depth details about everything from dorms to dining options. Not only that, this content is supplied in video form and produced by the people who truly matter: students.

If you want to gain instant access to over 15,000 videos, sign up for a free CampusReel account today.