Looking to study mechanical engineering? Here’s a breakdown of the career options available to you, and what you can expect in terms of salary and job satisfaction

Are you considering a career in mechanical engineering? If so, then you may be wondering what the future career scope for mechanical engineering is like. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a breakdown of the different career options available to you as a mechanical engineer, as well as information on salaries and job satisfaction. With this information, you can make an informed decision about your future career in mechanical engineering.

Employment outlook
Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and most versatile engineering disciplines, and it continues to be an attractive career choice for many. Mechanical engineers are in high demand across a variety of industries, from automotive to aerospace and beyond.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of mechanical engineers is expected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the development of new technologies, including robotics and renewable energy systems, as well as the growing need for more efficient products and services.
Overall, mechanical engineers should have no problem finding employment. They can expect to work in a variety of industries and job settings, including research laboratories, manufacturing plants, and corporate offices. With the right experience and qualifications, they can also move into higher-level positions such as engineering project managers and directors.

Salary
When it comes to salary, the potential for mechanical engineers is pretty promising. The median salary for mechanical engineers in the United States was reported to be $87,370 in 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure can vary based on experience, education level and specialty, but mechanical engineers tend to make more than other engineering disciplines. The highest 10 percent of earners made more than $142,530 in 2019, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,790. Salaries can also vary significantly based on industry. Those working in the professional, scientific, and technical services field tend to have the highest salaries with an average of $98,850 per year. Those employed in the manufacturing sector tend to make slightly less with an average of $86,310 annually. Job satisfaction for mechanical engineers is generally high due to the challenging yet rewarding nature of the work.

Job satisfaction
Mechanical engineering is a highly rewarding profession with many opportunities to develop and grow both personally and professionally. Those who study and work in this field often report feeling both a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in their work.
On average, mechanical engineers rate their job satisfaction at 7.5 out of 10, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is largely due to the diversity of roles available in the field, as well as the opportunity for self-development and career advancement.
Mechanical engineers can find satisfaction in working on challenging problems and creating solutions that have a positive impact on society. As technology advances, there are always new challenges to face and solve in the field, providing plenty of opportunities for creative problem solving.
Many mechanical engineers also find satisfaction in teaching and mentoring younger generations of engineers. This can be done through teaching college classes, leading workshops, or serving as a mentor at a local high school or community college. Not only is this a great way to share your knowledge and experience, but it is also incredibly rewarding to help shape the future generation of engineers.
Finally, mechanical engineers can find satisfaction in knowing that they are contributing to important industries and making the world a better place. From improving healthcare technology to developing safer transportation systems, mechanical engineers are behind some of the biggest and most important projects of our time.

Career options
Mechanical engineers are employed in a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to robotics and manufacturing. Common job roles include mechanical design engineer, production engineer, project engineer, quality assurance engineer and product development engineer.
Mechanical engineers also have the opportunity to move into management roles such as engineering manager or operations manager. Alternatively, they can work in research and development roles such as R&D engineer or research scientist.
With experience, mechanical engineers can specialize in specific areas such as aeronautical engineering or materials science. They can also become accredited by professional bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), which offers qualifications in engineering management and other specializations.
Finally, mechanical engineers have the potential to break into the commercial side of engineering, working in sales and marketing, consultancy or business development. This type of work often involves working with clients and developing relationships, so a strong customer service attitude is essential.
Overall, mechanical engineering offers an exciting range of career opportunities and experiences. Whether you choose to pursue a traditional engineering role or explore more niche areas such as research and development, there is plenty of scope for progression and personal growth.