undergraduate
Mechanical engineering
Best schools with mechanical engineering
What is a mechanical engineering major?
Mechanical engineering students apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems used for specific uses, including machine tools, jigs and other manufacturing equipment, stationary power units and appliances, engines, self-propelled vehicles, housings and containers, hydraulic and electric systems for controlling movement, and the integration of computers and remote control with operating systems.
How much do mechanical engineering majors make?
median average salary
$100,000/yr
The national average salary for mechanical engineering graduates in the United States is $100,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $200,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $39,900 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, mechanical engineering graduates typically make between $70,000 and $143,800 per year.
How popular is mechanical engineering as a major?
Each year, around 35,100 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 330 students obtain an associate degree in mechanical engineering. In 2021, 36,809 students received a bachelor's degree and 325 students received an associate degree. This is 3% fewer mechanical engineering majors than there were in 2020. Mechanical engineering is one of the most popular majors within engineering.
