How Do I Become a Mechanical Engineer?

Analyzing problems, developing and testing prototypes, and using computer-aided design are at the heart of a mechanical engineer’s responsibilities. These skilled professionals know the ins-and-outs of different machinery such as refrigeration equipment, air-conditioning systems, internal combustion engines, and gas turbines. They also are involved in the design of elevators, escalators, and virtually all types of machinery.

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is typically required to work in the field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2026). Still, related subfields of engineering (e.g., aerospace engineering) have overlapping competencies and training. Other subfields of note are alternative energy and remanufacturing—the process of rebuilding products after they have worn out.

A graduate of a mechanical engineering school can also seek a Professional Engineering (PE) license after they have gained at least four years of experience in the field and passed two comprehensive examinations. The PE credential allows engineers to do consulting work or be employed in some governmental positions. In addition, a mechanical engineer can seek additional education through a master’s or doctoral-level program, which can lead to even greater opportunities in leadership and salary prospects.

This guide provides the step-by-step details of obtaining a mechanical engineering education and pursuing a career. It was formulated using information from the BLS and various professional associations detailing this career field’s typical education, licensing, pay, and job growth.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Four Years)

Mechanical engineers generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology, according to the BLS. In addition, students are advised to seek out programs accredited by entities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), including the gold standard in engineering: the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Featured Mechanical Engineering Programs
ECPI University	Mechanical Engineering Technology (Associate's)	Visit Site
ECPI University	Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
ECPI University	Mechatronics (Associate's)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Mechanical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
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Mechanical engineering undergraduate programs are available at multiple degree levels and require different time commitments. For example, some programs allow students to earn an associate degree while working toward a bachelor’s degree. There are varying formats for these degree programs, as well. These include traditional campus-based pathways and programs that combine online and brick-and-mortar coursework. Additionally, there are fully online bachelor’s programs in mechanical engineering.

Admissions Requirements – Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Programs

Requirements for bachelor’s programs in mechanical engineering differ from school to school. A student’s high school grade point average (GPA) can be a crucial qualifier, but so can a student’s score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). In addition, a high school transcript can help paint a picture of a student’s past interests and successes and may indicate their potential for future success. Some admissions materials that may be required for mechanical engineering schools include:

Completed application and fee
Official high school transcripts with a competitive GPA in math and science courses (e.g., calculus, physics, geometry, chemistry)
SAT or American College Testing (ACT) scores
Letters of recommendation
An interview
An essay (500-600 words)

Typical Courses – Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Programs

Students in a bachelor’s program often complete many core science and math classes before taking upper-level mechanical engineering coursework in areas including:

Computer-Aided Drafting
Dynamics
Heat Transfer
Applied Fluid Mechanics
Statics
Thermodynamics
Behavior of Materials

Featured Bachelor’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online mechanical engineering bachelor of science in engineering (BSE) program, preparing students for careers in heating and cooling systems, robotics, automotive research, and more. Students will learn how to manufacture, operate, and design components, systems, and devices.

Comprising 120 credits, the program includes courses such as system dynamics and control; engineering profession; applied experimental statistics; advanced mathematical methods for engineers; structural mechanics; computer-aided engineering; heat transfer; mechanical design principles; and mechanical engineering design.

Graduates of this program will be ready to take roles such as automotive engineers, biomedical engineers, energy engineers, engineering managers, mechanical engineers, and supply chain engineers.

Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

ECPI University

The bachelor of science in mechanical engineering technology (MET) at ECPI University is offered on-campus or fully online. The program focuses on skills that include mechanical design, materials science, and computer-aided engineering. Students learn to design, build, and maintain systems and machines with moving parts.

The coursework is made up of 124 credit hours, divided into 70 hours of core courses, 37 hours of arts and science courses, 10 hours of self-integration, and 7 hours of electives. A sampling of the curriculum includes topics such as applied project management, digital systems, industrial applications, robotics and smart manufacturing, applied machine tools, CNC machines operations, and instrumentation and industrial controls.

Graduates are qualified for a variety of professional certifications. Their increased knowledge of technical and analytical skills, proficiency in using modern tools specific to engineering technology, and abilities in conducting, analyzing, and interpreting experiments prepares them for many engineering positions.

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Expected Time to Completion: 2.5 years

Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Two Years)

A master’s degree is not necessary to enter the mechanical engineering field. Still, as mentioned above, it can lead to more significant opportunities concerning breakthrough innovations, coveted research grants, or leadership positions.

In fact, CareerOneStop (2026)—a site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor—reported that 22 percent of people working as mechanical engineers had a master’s degree, compared to 57 percent with a bachelor’s.

In their search for programs, students may find differing program pathways. A master’s degree, for example, typically takes at least two years of post-bachelor’s work to complete. Still, there are also combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, which may take five years of full-time, accelerated study. Additionally, other dual degree programs combine a master’s and an MBA. Finally, students can also consider online master’s degrees in mechanical engineering, particularly if they work full-time, live in rural areas, or have inflexible schedules.

Admissions Requirements – Mechanical Engineering Master’s Programs

As with bachelor’s degrees, enrollment requirements for master’s degrees in mechanical engineering vary, but generally, the admissions process for graduate-level education is more rigorous. Often students need to apply both to a university’s graduate school and the engineering department itself. Students also should consider the options available in these programs. For example, they may be able to choose between a non-thesis or thesis program. Some of the typical admissions requirements for master’s-level mechanical engineering schools include:

Completed application(s) and processing fee(s)
A statement of purpose
Official transcripts with proof of specific course prerequisites
Letters of recommendation
GRE scores; Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for ESL students
A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

Typical Courses – Mechanical Engineering Master’s Programs

Many master’s degree programs require core coursework in four-to-six areas to help students build advanced knowledge. Examples of these core classes include:

Material Issues in Mechanical Design
Metals and Alloys
Advanced Composite Materials
Materials Engineering

After completing the initial core coursework, students may specialize in their classes or select electives that allow them to customize their degrees. Just keep in mind that degree requirements vary from school to school, and while some schools require students to complete a certain number of math courses for their program, others may instead focus on greater breadth across the curriculum. Available Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) concentrations include:

Manufacturing and Materials Processing
Robotics and Controls
Solids/Mechanics of Materials
Thermofluids

Featured Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Pennsylvania State University

Penn State’s online master of science in mechanical engineering (MSME) program is identical to its resident program offering the same courses and is taught by the same graduate faculty members active in research. Upon graduation, graduates will receive a diploma identical to the one earned by the on-campus students. The program allows students to gain advanced knowledge for analysis, design, and research in mechanical engineering. They will study topics such as the foundations of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, automatic control systems, the principles of turbomachinery, engineering optimization, and solid mechanics.

Admission requirements for the program include a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent with a GPA of 3.0, official transcripts from each institution attended, three references, a current resume, a statement of purpose, and TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international applicants. GRE test scores are not required for admission.

Made up of 32 credits, the program includes courses such as principles of turbomachinery; foundations in sustainability systems; two-phase heat transfer; solid mechanics; linear system theory and control; mechanism design and analysis; and foundations of fluid mechanics.

Location: University Park, PA
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Step 3: Build Mechanical Engineering Experience (One to Four Years)

Experience is integral to becoming a mechanical engineer. Not only can it be a starting point to formulate new ideas or concepts, but it also can be central to building the skills needed to work on more complex projects. Additionally, as mentioned in the introduction, having at least four years of professional experience is imperative for obtaining professional engineer (PE) licensing.

Experience can unlock opportunities in other ways, too. For example, mechanical engineers who know how to use the most up-to-date software tools—including those in computational design and simulation—or learn about three-dimensional printing can find their skills in demand.

To learn more about common courses and specializations offered in mechanical engineering programs, please see our guide to What is Mechanical Engineering & What are Its Branches?

Step 4: Seek Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure in Mechanical Engineering (Timeline Varies)

For mechanical engineers, PE licensure can indicate a high level of competence to clients, supervisors, and colleagues, although this credential is not always necessary to work in the field. Graduates of mechanical engineering schools should check with their state licensing board for more details on regional requirements. It’s essential to add that only licensed PEs can work as consulting engineers or private practitioners, and the PE designation is also necessary for employment in many governmental positions where the safety and welfare of the public is concerned. Here is a general overview of how to obtain PE licensure:

Take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. Students close to completing their undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering can take this exam. Reference materials and exam preparation are available online. The FE is offered in the mechanical engineering field, as well as six other fields of engineering.
Gain experience. Four years of experience under a qualified supervisor is the minimum requirement.
Take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. This eight-hour exam is the last step to obtaining licensure. The PE is available in three mechanical engineering fields, including HVAC and refrigeration, machine design and materials, and thermal and fluid systems, as well as other engineering disciplines.

Pass rates for the PE vary by subject area. For example, in the mechanical engineering testing fields mentioned above, they range from 67 to 70 percent for first-time takers, according to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

Step 5: Seek Organizational Certification (timeline varies)

Numerous organizations are offering mechanical engineering certification. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), certification can be a way to validate skills, increase marketability, garner respect, and build confidence and credibility. It can be a step that interests some professionals in the field. Below is a list of organizations that offer mechanical engineering certification:

ASME
Associated Air Balance Council
Association for Facilities Engineering
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Green Building Certification Institute
National Fire Prevention Association

Step 6: Consider a PhD (Four to Five Years)

Engineers seeking more education can look into PhD programs in mechanical engineering. These degrees may be of interest to engineers who enjoy research, want to make significant advancements in the field, or desire to teach future generations of engineers. Before starting a doctoral-level program, students often need to find a PhD advisor to guide and support them throughout their program. A PhD is a rigorous degree, and the expectations should be clear to candidates beforehand. Some components of a PhD program can include a/an:

On-campus residency
Completion of a dissertation
Teaching of undergraduate students
Oral examination

Career Outlook & Salary for Mechanical Engineers

Prospective mechanical engineers may be interested to learn the average annual salaries in the field. According to the BLS (May 2025), the average annual salary for the 296,810 mechanical engineers across the U.S. is $113,610, significantly higher than the average mean wage for all occupations nationally ($69,770). Mechanical engineers working in architectural, engineering, and related services earned the highest salaries, followed by scientific research and development services.

In more precise terms, here’s a breakdown of the annual wage percentiles of mechanical engineers in the U.S.—the latest data available as of June 2026:

United States (296,810 mechanical engineers employed): $113,610 average annual salary

10th percentile: $73,990
25th percentile: $84,130
50th percentile (median): $104,110
75th percentile: $132,590
90th percentile: $164,340

Additionally, data from Payscale (June 2026), a site using self-reported salaries, indicates that mechanical engineers with packaging skills, engineering design, semiconductors, gas turbine, people management, and software test skills have the potential to make even more money.

Job Outlook for Mechanical Engineers

Job opportunities for mechanical engineers are expected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS (2025). This is three times as fast as the average growth projected across all occupations during that same decade (3 percent). However, it’s important to note that the growth rate can vary by sub-industry. For example, those working in nanotechnology, alternative energies, and remanufacturing may encounter more significant job opportunities.

Helpful Resources & Professional Organizations

Prospective mechanical engineers may want to consider membership in mechanical engineering associations. These groups may offer student memberships at a discount and provide opportunities in training and development, research, networking, and more. Here are the most prominent mechanical engineering professional associations and societies:

American Society for Engineering Education
American Society for Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
National Society of Professional Engineers
Society of Mechanical Engineers
The International Academy for Production Engineering

Online Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering coursework explores manufacturing systems analysis, manufacturing design, manufacturing systems and analysis, metals and alloys, data analysis, and biofluid mechanics, among other topics.