The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $102,320 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034 — reflecting strong demand across industries.
Increasingly, mechanical engineers are expected to work alongside artificial intelligence and data-driven tools in areas like simulation, predictive maintenance and smart system design. You'll want a program that gives you the foundation and skills you need for both today's engineering work and the technology shaping the field tomorrow.
What it takes to start as a mechanical engineer
If you are considering becoming a mechanical engineer, your path usually starts with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in mechanical engineering. Earning this degree will build your foundational knowledge and train you to develop applicable skills in the field.
You'll learn about physics, mathematics and core engineering principles, then apply those skills to everyday systems, including EV powertrains, HVAC systems, robotics, renewable energy infrastructure and more. Then the best mechanical engineering programs also connect theory to practice, giving you ample opportunities for hands-on experience in designing, prototyping and testing real solutions.
At ASU, for example, online student complete two semesters of a capstone project in which you will work through a real world engineering challenge from concept to a finished product. That kind of experience prepares you to graduate as a more competitive candidate, ready to step into a professional engineering role from day one.
Does ABET accreditation matter for mechanical engineers?
ABET accreditation is a signal to employers that your degree program provided you with the education they're looking for in recent graduates. Employers work directly with ABET to ensure accredited programs meet high standards for how they prepare tomorrow's workforce.
ASU's online bachelor’s in mechanical engineering is the only online ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program in the country — making it a uniquely powerful credential for anyone pursuing engineering fully online.
Mechanical engineering skills employers want
In a mechanical engineering degree, you’ll build the technical and applied skills that engineering employers need, such as getting comfortable with tools like MATLAB, SolidWorks and ANSYS for simulation and modeling, along with computer-aided design for product and system development. You will also gain experience with finite element analysis, mechatronics and control systems, rapid prototyping workflows and data analysis for engineering decision-making.
Beyond the tools, employers also value how you think and communicate. Being able to present technical information clearly, collaborate across teams and apply testing and validation processes are all part of what makes a mechanical engineer effective on the job. Increasingly, engineers are also expected to understand how AI and data-driven approaches are being used in areas like simulation, predictive maintenance and smart system design — so a program like ASU’s that gives exposure to those ideas early can give you a real edge in the job market.
Careers mechanical engineers can pursue
Once you’ve earned your mechanical engineering degree, there’s a broad range of careers and industries you can pursue to use your expertise. Some career paths include, but are not limited to:
Aerospace engineer: Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems. A mechanical engineering degree provides the core foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis that aerospace work demands.
- $134,830
- Projected +6% job growth
Petroleum engineer: Design methods and equipment to extract oil and gas from the earth. Mechanical engineering principles in fluid dynamics, materials, and machinery translate directly into drilling system design and production optimization.
- $141,280
- Projected +1% job growth
Materials engineer: Develop and evaluate metals, polymers, composites, and other materials used in manufactured products. Mechanical engineers are well-positioned here through coursework in material properties, stress analysis, and manufacturing processes.
- $108,310
- Projected +6% job growth
Mechanical engineer: Design, analyze, and test mechanical systems ranging from engines to medical devices. The most direct path for a mechanical engineering degree, covering everything from HVAC systems to robotics and manufacturing equipment.
- $102,320
- Projected +9% job growth
Industrial engineer: Optimize complex systems and processes to eliminate waste and improve efficiency in manufacturing and operations. Mechanical engineers move into this role by applying their systems thinking and process knowledge to workflow and production design.
- $101,140
- Projected +11% job growth
Robotics engineer: Design, develop and test robotic systems or automated processes used in manufacturing, healthcare, defense and other industries. Mechanical engineers are well-suited for this path through their training in mechatronics, control systems and systems integration.
- $117,000
- Projected +2% job growth
Why ASU Online?
If you want a flexible way to get started without putting your plans on hold, ASU offers an online mechanical engineering bachelor's degree designed to help you move toward your goals in a format that fits your life. Start your path to a field that allows you to solve problems, design solutions and build a future that shapes the world around you.