Top Paying Mechanical Engineering Jobs 2024

Mechanical engineers play a critical part in the manufacturing processes of numerous businesses. Mechanical engineers’ salary can vary greatly due to their diverse employment opportunities. In this post, we will discuss the six highest-paying positions available as a mechanical engineer, the highest-paying states for this profession, and how to enhance your mechanical engineering salary.

Increasing your salary as a mechanical engineer

• Find high-paying industries: Some of the highest-paying industries for mechanical engineers are pharmaceuticals, aeronautics and nanotechnology. These industries are usually competitive, so it’s important to have a compelling resume to impress hiring managers.
• Earn a higher degree: You can increase your salary potential by getting a master’s or doctoral degree. With a graduate degree, you can qualify faster for management or leadership positions in mechanical engineering.
• Obtain licenses and certifications: Consider earning your Professional Engineer license since many employers seek candidates with one. There are also many engineering certifications available that you can earn that show your proficiency in the field and dedication to your role.

Highest-paying states for mechanical engineers

There are numerous reasons why certain states may have higher pay than others. Some states have a greater standard of living than others, resulting in higher compensation in numerous industries. Some states are industrial hotspots where mechanical engineers are paid more competitively. Knowing which states pay the highest will help you determine whether you want to relocate. Below are the states with the highest average wages for mechanical engineers:

• Virginia: $91,167 per year
• Washington: $91,752 per year
• Louisiana: $92,865 per year
• Maryland: $93,625 per year
• Oklahoma: $93,736 per year
• Washington D.C.: $96,399 per year
• California: $100,722 per year
• Arizona: $107,618 per

Highest-paying mechanical engineer jobs

1. Automation engineer

• National average salary: $90,024 per year

Automation engineers create, build, and maintain self-operating machines and processes. They collaborate extensively with clients to better understand the process or job being automated. An automation engineer develops, tests, programs, and maintains the machine or system.

Automation engineers must be aware of current safety and health laws, such as sanitation and the proximity of automated equipment to people. These jobs frequently necessitate precise movements and careful timing. Automation engineers are frequently employed in the manufacturing and food processing industries, where robots are deployed on assembly lines to execute specific functions.

• Education requirements: These engineers usually have a master’s or bachelor’s degree and several years of experience.

2. Research and development engineer

• National average salary: $92,781 per year

Engineers that specialize in research and development create innovative manufacturing methods and products. They also upgrade existing systems to boost productivity, safety, and efficiency. They create idea designs, test prototypes, and assist bring novel procedures and products to market. To identify and solve problems, research and development engineers must be both imaginative and analytical. They work in a deadline-driven atmosphere and must be able to work independently and collaboratively.

• Education requirements: Depending on the field in which an R&D engineer works, they may need a bachelor’s or master’s degree. For aerospace research and developing engineering and other competitive fields, candidates should have a Ph.D.

3. Senior mechanical engineer

National average salary: $99,376 per year

Senior mechanical engineers collaborate with their teams to plan, design, and create products. They may work on mechanical parts, circuit boards, sensors, or electrical systems, depending on the design team. Senior mechanical engineers can also contribute to the design and implementation of the product’s manufacturing process and packaging. They must be able to develop products and solutions, then build and test them to ensure that they are safe and function as intended.

Additional responsibilities include preparing technical reviews and upgrading items after they are on the market. They may also lead a team and are expected to have a thorough understanding of the production process.

• Education requirements: Senior mechanical engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience. They also usually need a PE (Principals and Practice of Engineering) certification.

4. Senior design engineer

• National average salary: $100,882 per year

Senior design engineers specialize in developing new products. They typically lead a team from the project’s inception to production. Senior design engineers frequently serve as project managers, collaborating with customers to understand their objectives and needs, creating a timeline and budget, guiding the team through the design process, and working to improve processes for future projects. They must be able to identify and convey risk, comprehend high-level design processes, and oversee product testing.

Senior design engineers frequently serve as liaisons between the engineering team, the customer, and other project stakeholders. They must be organized, creative, and able to communicate complex ideas and processes to diverse audiences. Senior design engineers may collaborate extensively with vendors and manufacturers to negotiate prices and timeframes, enhance delivery procedures, and schedule orders.

• Education requirements: Senior design engineers should have at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of practical experience. Most candidates have a PE as well.

5. Powertrain engineer

• National average salary: $102,363 per year

Powertrain engineers are mechanical engineers employed in the automotive sector. They enhance the appearance and performance of engines, powertrains, electrical components, and software in modern automobiles. Powertrain engineers can work on motorcycles, cars, and commercial vehicles such as box trucks and semi-trucks. They collaborate closely with clients to help them achieve their goals and answer any queries they have.

Powertrain engineers plan project timetables and budgets, create and test prototypes, and analyze data and research materials. They are also responsible for ensuring that automobiles meet regulatory emission and safety standards.

• Education requirements: Powertrain engineers usually have a bachelor’s degree but a master’s degree could increase earning potential.

6. Instrumentation engineer

• National average salary: $107,881 per year

Instrumentation engineers focus on equipment that monitors and controls engineering systems. They design, develop, test, install, manage, and maintain equipment to ensure that other engineering systems function properly. They must grasp how several systems interact, how and where to assess permissible ranges, and stay current on evolving health and safety requirements.

Instrumental engineers frequently function as consultants, providing advise on systems, processes, and equipment. Instrumentation engineers frequently develop software programs, business proposals, and reports on their findings. They may be involved in procurement, operations, or process changes. Instrumentation engineers operate in a wide range of businesses, including nuclear and renewable energy, environmental organizations, and independent quality control commissions.

• Education requirements: Depending on the industry, an instrumentation engineer may need a bachelor’s or master’s degree to be a competitive candidate.

Mechanical engineer skills

• Creativity
• Design skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Math skills
• Mechanical knowledge
• Self-management skills
• Integrative negotiation
• Strategic planning
• Project management