Mechanical Engineering Salary: How Much Do Mechanical Engineers Earn?

What’s the similarity between a speeding car, a big jet plane and a cruise ship? They are all made by mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineering is often considered to be one of the most challenging and rewarding occupations. Ranging from managerial positions to basic repair outlets, the skills of a mechanical engineer is considered to be valuable in millions of industries. So have you ever wondered what the average mechanical engineering salary is?

The Average Mechanical Engineering Salary

Mechanical engineers are employed in a variety of industries and positions. Hence, it would be hard to generalize the average earnings. Some mechanical engineers are employed as managers in multinational industries, while others may have a career as businessmen dealing with auto parts. According to the US census report of 2012, a mechanical engineer earns $84,770 every year. Other studies indicate too that a mechanical engineer makes at least $70,000 annually.

Mechanical Engineering Salary by Industry

Mechanical engineers are employed in several industries and sectors. The reality is that the salaries of mechanical engineers differ from industry to industry. Here are some facts about the differences.

• The retail trade industry pays the highest mechanical engineer salary. Large and medium size retail establishments on average pay $100,000 annually to a mechanical engineer. The major jobs for mechanical engineers in the retail trade industry include warehouse operations, transportation maintenance and refrigeration maintenance and operations.
• The mining, entertainment and information sectors are the other attractive sectors for mechanical engineers. These 3 sectors on average pay mechanical engineers above $90,000 per year.
• The least paying industries for a mechanical engineer happen to be education and accommodation industries. On average, these industries pay mechanical engineers above $65,000.

Growing Pay

According to a survey done by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASMA) in 2012, the salary on average has grown by 4% compared to the figures in 2011. Lately, many mechanical engineers are also seen to be climbing up the career ladder in government offices and managerial positions.

The Importance of Education

Mechanical engineering salary seems to differ between those who have completed bachelor level studies and those who have completed master’s level studies. On average, the mechanical engineer with a degree earns 12% more than graduates. Meanwhile, the ones holding doctorates in mechanical engineering earn 35% more than graduates. So these facts suggest that the higher the educational attainment, the better is the pay for mechanical engineers.

Experience Matters

The experience of the mechanical engineer also determines the level of pay. The average mechanical engineering salary for those with less than a year of experience is about $55,000. Experienced mechanical engineers on average make more than $120,000. Some industries like auto, construction and retail services usually seek mechanical engineers with more experience. While the arts and entertainment industries seem to seek mechanical engineers with lesser experience.

Salary Difference by Gender

Mechanical engineering has traditionally attracted men many times more than women. But lately the gap seems to be slowly but steadily decreasing. The number of female students is on the rise. In the past, the differences between the male and female mechanical engineering salary used to be as much as 25%. However in 2012 the difference has decreased up to 20%.

Future Growth Industries

With the rapid increase in the global energy demand, the investments in petroleum, mining and electricity are growing worldwide. These sectors are considered to be the sectors that would be paying mechanical engineers more in the future. A survey by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) revealed that in 2012 employers hired fresh graduates nearly 10% more than the numbers they hired in 2011. So it can be fairly said that in the future, more mechanical engineers are going to be hired with more pay.

Overall, the average mechanical engineering salary has been steadily increasing. With the increasing investments in sectors that need the services of mechanical engineers the future outlook looks good.

Tags: Business, Employment, Engineering, Mechanical, Mechanical engineering

Category: Career