If you become a hard-working mechanical engineer with a practical mind, you'll never be unemployed. Seriously, the possibilities are endless. Mechanical engineers are needed in every field from making door hinges to the mars rover.
engineering is never a bubble
engineering is also not a fixed job you might end up working for anyone cause of the skills that you acquire so its a good degree
Mechanical engineers work on mechanical devices including tools, engines and equipment. Because of their broad approach to engineering, they can find employment in several manufacturing industries, including aerospace, power production and robotics. They typically work in professional office settings but may visit production facilities or machine sites. Compensation varies by employer and location.
Salaries
The nation’s 238,260 mechanical engineers averaged $40.17 per hour or $83,550 per year as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than 424.68 per hour or $51,340 per year, while the best-paid 10 percent made more than $57.67 per hour or $119,950 per year. To receive these salaries, these professionals need a minimum bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, which typically includes courses in physical and life science, math and engineering. Internships or co-ops expose students to practical experience in industry. Master’s degrees are needed for those wanting managerial posts in the field.
Employers
The biggest employers of mechanical engineers in 2011 were architectural and engineering services, which offered more than 20 percent of the total positions and paid a mean $43.03 per hour or $$89,500 per year. Next was the federal government with 5 percent of the jobs and averages at $44.32 per hour or $92,190 per year. With almost the same percentage of employment, aerospace products and parts manufacturers offered a mean $42.97 per hour or $89,390 per year. The highest-paying employers were lessors of real estate at a mean $57.39 per hour or $119,380 per year. Oil and gas extraction was next for pay, averaging $52.17 per hour or $108,520 per year.
Locations
The state with the highest employment for mechanical engineers in 2011 was Michigan, with 13 percent of the jobs at mean wages of $41.63 per hour or $86,590 per year. California was next with 9 percent of the positions. It also offered the second highest-paying jobs at a mean $44.83 per hour or $93,250 per year. The state with the best-paying employers was Alaska, with average salaries at $49.45 per hour or $102,860 per year. For cities, Warren, Michigan, topped the list for employment with 7 percent of the positions and averages at $43.72 per hour or $90,940 per year. Idaho Falls, Idaho, was the city with the highest averages at $61.97 per hour or $128,890 per year.
Benefits
Because of their professional status, mechanical engineers typically receive the same benefits as other professionals at their employers. These include medical, dental and vision insurance; vacations; paid sick leave and holidays; and retirement benefits. Certain employers also offer profit sharing, disability insurance, education assistance and flexible work hours.
Im getting a degree in mechanical engineering and everyone keeps telling me different things like its in a bubble, dont do it, and some like my uncle telling me to go for it, very successful career. Im going for my BME maybe a MME afterward.
