Career Outlook
Growth Expected Through 2018 for Mechanical Engineering
Employment growth in mechanical engineering disciplines is expected to be as high as 13 percent through 2018, according to the US Department of Labor’s O*Net Online. The table below reveals projected employment and salary data by discipline.
| Mechanical Engineering | |
|---|---|
| Median wages (2010) | $37.58 hourly, $78,160 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 239,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 3% to 6% |
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 75,700 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services |
| Manufacturing Engineering | |
| Median wages (2010) | $43.40 hourly, $90,270 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 183,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 7% to 13% |
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 50,200 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services |
| Materials Engineering | |
| Median wages (2010) | $39.96 hourly, $83,120 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 24,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 7% to 13% |
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 8,100 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services |
| Aerospace Engineering | |
| Median wages (2010) | $46.86 hourly, $97,480 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 72,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 7% to 13% |
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 22,300 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services |
