Salary Overview
Let's take a look at the various salaries a mechanical engineer with a master's degree can earn, based on job title, experience, skills, and more. We'll review some of the job duties these professionals have and some of the industries these professionals can work in.
Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design, development, and production of just about everything mechanical, from jet fighter planes and cars to air conditioners and toasters. In May 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median wage of $87,370 a year for mechanical engineers, but this figure wasn't specific to master's degree holders. The salary for those with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.) is dependent upon several factors, including job title, industry and years of experience. Additionally, salary can be affected by the certifications available for mechanical engineers.
Salaries by Job Title
In February 2020, PayScale.com reported salary data for graduates of M.S.M.E programs. The following are 10th-90th percentile salaries or median salaries for graduates by job title:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | $54,000-$99,000 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer | $77,436 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | $76,000-$131,000 |
| Project Engineer | $76,000 |
| Design Engineer | $76,000 |
Salaries by Years of Experience
Although the data wasn't specific to master's degree holders, PayScale.com reported median salaries for mechanical engineers by experience level in February 2020:
| Years of Experience | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-4 years | $67,676 |
| 5-9 years | $79,072 |
| 10-19 years | $89,950 |
| More than 20 years | $100,281 |
Salaries by Certification and Skill
In February 2020, PayScale.com reported that most mechanical engineers with the Certified Professional Engineer (PE) credential earned between $59,000 and $132,000 a year. Those who had AutoCAD skills made a median wage of $66,222, with the 10th-90th percentiles of workers making between $51,000 and $91,000.
Job Description
Mechanical engineers use physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, and materials science to research, design, develop, and manufacture tools, machines, engines, and various other mechanical devices. They may design manufacturing plants, industrial equipment, robotics, medical devices, artificial organs, heating and cooling systems, aircrafts, and even simple toasters. They may also be responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of such equipment, tools, and systems.
Mechanical engineers, by designing manufacturing equipment and tools, also influence the way many other products are designed and manufactured, such as doors, shoes, and cameras. They work in virtually any manufacturing industry, including aerospace, automotive, agriculture, chemical, power generation, medical, and environmental.
Mechanical engineers can expect to earn different salaries based on their education, experience, job title, special skills, and credentials. These professionals can also work in a variety of industries developing, researching, and designing devices.
