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Mechanical Engineers

Earnings

The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that engineers with a bachelor's degree earned average starting salaries of $76,736 in 2024. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that mechanical engineers had median annual salaries of $99,510 in May 2023. Salaries ranged from less than $64,560 to $157,470 or more. The DOL reports the following mean earnings for mechanical engineers by industry specialty: scientific research and development services, $126,220; federal government, $126,220; aerospace product and parts manufacturing, $117,170; architectural, engineering, and related services, $104,620; and machinery manufacturing, $93,900.

Like most professionals, mechanical engineers who work for a company or for a government agency usually receive a generous benefits package, including vacation days, sick leave, health and life insurance, and a savings and pension program. Self-employed mechanical engineers must provide their own benefits.

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