Mechanical Engineers
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
BLS SOC 17-2141 · O*NET-SOC 17-2141.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$104,110
Projected change, 2025–2035
11.2%
2025–2035 annual average openings
17,800
AI exposure
Very high
Editorial analysis
From drawing one design to evaluating hundreds
Mechanical engineering is moving toward a world where software can generate and compare many possible designs before a human chooses one. AI and generative-design tools can help optimize shapes, reduce material, explore component configurations, analyze test results, and speed the repetitive work around documentation and simulation.
The best-looking simulation still has to survive manufacturing
A design can perform beautifully on a screen and still be too expensive to manufacture, difficult to assemble, impossible to service, vulnerable to wear, or dependent on tolerances that cannot be maintained economically. Mechanical engineers bring knowledge of materials, processes, failure modes, suppliers, and the physical behavior of real products.
This suggests a shift from creating every geometry manually toward specifying goals, reviewing generated alternatives, testing prototypes, and making system-level trade-offs.
- Concept exploration becomes broader and faster.
- Simulation results may be interpreted with AI assistance.
- Predictive maintenance creates new opportunities around operating equipment.
- Hands-on testing and manufacturing knowledge remain valuable reality checks.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 298,500 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 332,000 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 33,500 jobs (11.2%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Very high. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Very high
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
- Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Development environment software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
- Instant messaging software
- Object or component oriented development software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.