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Job outlook for staff mechanical engineers in the United States
Staff mechanical engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected staff mechanical engineer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for staff mechanical engineers are projected over the next decade.
Staff mechanical engineer salaries have increased 7% for staff mechanical engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 48,464 staff mechanical engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 158,987 active staff mechanical engineer job openings in the US.
The average staff mechanical engineer salary is $108,997.
Are staff mechanical engineer jobs in demand?
Staff mechanical engineer job and salary trends over time
Staff mechanical engineer jobs over time
Staff mechanical engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 48,464 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 51,202 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 53,472 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 52,854 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 50,737 | 0.02% |
Average staff mechanical engineer salary over time
Staff mechanical engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $108,997 | $52.40 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $106,906 | $51.40 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $105,624 | $50.78 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $103,823 | $49.91 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $101,780 | $48.93 | +0.7% |
Staff mechanical engineer jobs by state
Most common states for staff mechanical engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 530 | 76% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,386 | 35% |
| 3 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,542 | 28% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,001 | 27% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,223 | 26% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 343 | 26% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 250 | 26% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 163 | 26% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,022 | 25% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 708 | 23% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,310 | 22% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,241 | 22% |
| 13 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,492 | 21% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 737 | 21% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 218 | 21% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,566 | 19% |
| 17 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 912 | 19% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 105 | 18% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,203 | 17% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 998 | 17% |
Most common cities for staff mechanical engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peachtree City | 2 | 6% | $89,804 |
| 2 | Cranberry | 1 | 4% | $92,075 |
| 3 | Goleta | 1 | 3% | $135,967 |
| 4 | Lowell | 2 | 2% | $114,235 |
| 5 | Melbourne | 2 | 2% | $81,184 |
| 6 | Aliso Viejo | 1 | 2% | $127,375 |
| 7 | Brea | 1 | 2% | $129,160 |
| 8 | East Hartford | 1 | 2% | $93,565 |
| 9 | Hilo | 1 | 2% | $77,592 |
| 10 | Syracuse | 2 | 1% | $90,582 |
| 11 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $85,254 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $89,970 |
| 13 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $95,363 |
| 14 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $104,274 |
| 15 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $112,514 |
| 16 | Gilbert | 1 | 0% | $112,020 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $88,969 |
Staff Mechanical Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of staff mechanical engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Wilkes University
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Bellingham Technical College
University of South Alabama
Oregon State University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Maryland - College Park
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Tzuyang Yu Ph.D.: Employee must add value to the company by improving efficiency, reducing cost, and ensuring safety. Being able to bring value to the company leads to a salary raise and a promotion.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: Hit the ground running. If you are asked to put in 40 hours work 50 hours. Prove yourself and always take on new challenges since that is how you grow.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: All engineering and technical skills will be in need. People who are capable to use technology will be in high demand. Project management skills. Ability to use various software and be able to do some coding. Understanding of AI and how it applies to the specific work that you do.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julie Brandis: The nation needs engineers across many disciplines. There isn’t one skill that is needed. Honesty and integrity (do what’s right, be honest and be dependable) Leadership - ability to meet deadlines, resolve conflict, balance competing demands, communicate in groups and influence peers, manage budgets
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Davide Masato: The high demand for plastics engineers facilitates maximizing starting salaries. Graduates with co-op experience enjoy a competitive edge. To grow both as engineers and team members, young professionals should actively seek professional development opportunities. Continuous learning and seeking advancement within the organization or externally are key. Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, even remotely, enhances qualifications and marketability.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Misorski FASM: While it is tough to predict the future with any accuracy, the best skill-set(s) for succeeding revolve around continuing education and learning what is possible with future materials or future manufacturing methods. Just remember, what you may learn at a conference or meeting may not be immediately relevant to your job, but down the road it could provide valuable solutions or insights into new problems that require “fixing”. In addition to continuing education in your field of interest, improving communication skills, both oral and written are important. Having the solution to a problem is useless unless the ideas can be communicated effectively and clearly to the audience that needs to hear the message. Remember, many in the audience are probably not materials engineers or any type of engineer potentially, so communicate at the appropriate level.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Jiayue Shen: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in Mechanical Engineering Technology, contemplate acquiring certifications like the FE or PE license, or additional training in high-demand specialized areas such as semiconductors. Moreover, gaining practical experience through academic clubs, undergraduate research, internships, or co-op programs can increase your appeal to employers, potentially resulting in higher salary offers.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jiayue Shen: It's essential to stay curious and eager to learn, as the field is continually evolving. Keeping abreast of the latest technologies and trends through seeking out learning opportunities and maintaining a curiosity about new developments is crucial. Additionally, building a robust professional network and seeking mentorship can offer valuable insights and guidance. Embracing interdisciplinary projects is also key, as the field is expanding beyond purely mechanical aspects. Being dynamic and proactive in interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds will be beneficial, as collaboration across disciplines is increasingly important in this field.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: To maximize salary potential, I recommend growing your professional network and being flexible within your career. Attending professional gatherings and rubbing shoulders goes a very long way. It’s amazing how you can casually bump into some well-respected team leader that’s trying to fill an opening or glean information about a new project that needs fresh talent. Network with people in diverse fields and roles. You never know who knows who. Making a positive impression and having someone recognize your name down the line can go a very long way!
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Megumi Usui: Given the rapid advancement in AI technology, its potential integration into the drafting and design field remains uncertain in terms of timing and methodology. However, if and when AI becomes a significant component of this industry, it will be crucial to find ways to collaborate effectively with AI systems to leverage their capabilities for the betterment of society. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, this collaborative approach will be essential. In this evolving landscape, proficiency in CAD skills remains indispensable. It is important to emphasize that CAD expertise extends beyond mere modeling; professionals must also ensure that their designs are sustainable and adhere to the latest industry standards. This holistic approach is critical for addressing contemporary challenges and aligning with global sustainability goals. Moreover, the significance of complementary skills such as effective communication and time management cannot be overstated. These competencies are vital for the successful execution of projects and fostering productive collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. By integrating technical proficiency with these essential soft skills, professionals can excel in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment, positioning themselves to adapt to future technological advancement.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Marleen Troy Ph.D., P.E., BCEE: Plan to get your PE license. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and become proficient with a new skill or a new area of expertise. Continue to develop both your technical and leadership skills.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Marleen Troy Ph.D., P.E., BCEE: It is an exciting time to be an engineer – there are a lot of challenges as well as a lot of opportunities to make a difference. I would suggest thinking about where you want your career to be in five and ten years and determine what steps you need to get there. Join and become active in a professional society such as the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to develop your leadership skills. Plan out the steps you need to take to become a licensed professional engineer (PE). Also determine what you enjoy and how you can successfully balance your work / home-life schedule. Take advantage of every opportunity to try something new or develop a new skill, even if it is out of your comfort zone.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth Adams PhD, PE: My personal recommendation for maximizing your salary potential is to play the long game. Focus on learning and becoming an expert in your field – find the area you enjoy working in and get really good at it. Maybe it’s bridge construction, maybe it’s electrical infrastructure, maybe it’s project management. Internships and co-op experiences during your college years are invaluable as they are excellent resume boosters and networking opportunities, and they can help you differentiate between areas you are more and less interested in.
Kyle Miller
Welding Technologies instructor - Pipe TradesBellingham Technical College
Precision Metal Working
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Kyle Miller: The advice I feel the most compelled to offer, based on personal experience, is to embrace the first few years in the field as a nebulous growth period. There is often a rush for graduates to 'realize their identity' in the field, at the risk of narrowing their potential in the trades. The first year or two is a great time to shake every hand and make every acquaintance possible. A lot of those interactions can help guide a trades-person along a pathway they didn't realize was possible upon their first steps into the working world.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Daniel Armentrout: The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Devin Roach PhD: Maximizing your salary potential starts with setting yourself apart from other students by developing specialized, marketable skills. To achieve this, students should aim to acquire targeted experiences, such as learning full stack programming, participating in internships that hone specific skills, or dedicating their time to a focused extracurricular activity.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Devin Roach PhD: Apart from a strong knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, students should focus on developing proficiency in emerging technologies such as machine learning (ML) applied to mechanical systems. Additionally, skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software will continue to be essential, especially as these tools evolve to incorporate advanced features like generative design and optimization algorithms. Moreover, expertise in sustainable design principles and renewable energy systems will likely become increasingly important as industries prioritize environmental sustainability. Finally, strong communication and collaboration skills will remain crucial, especially as mechanical engineers work in interdisciplinary teams and interact with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Devin Roach PhD: I would advise all graduates starting their careers in Mechanical Engineering to prioritize continuous learning and skill development. Stay updated on the latest advancements in the field such as emerging technologies, updated design standards, or innovative manufacturing processes. Additionally, seek out opportunities for hands-on experience to enhance your practical skills and industry knowledge. Networking with professionals in your field and joining professional organizations like ASME can also provide valuable connections and resources for career growth. Finally, don't underestimate the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as they are often just as crucial as technical expertise in succeeding in the workplace.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: Maximizing salary potential may depend on what type of job or field the new graduate enters. Studies have shown that certifications and advanced degrees can lead to higher earning potential. Depending on the job and field an advanced degree in engineering, business, or project management may be required in order to advance. New ME graduates working in certain mechanical design and HVAC fields may need to get a Professional Engineering license in order to maximize their earning potential.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: Mechanical Engineering jobs vary depending on the industry or even subfield within a specific industry. Things that are important to all fields and jobs would be time management and communications skills. Improving these things can be helpful in all aspects of work and life in general. New graduates should learn how to make themselves useful for the specific job they are in. This may require learning more Computer Aided Design and Analysis tools, or project management tools, or specific lab or manufacturing tools or programs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and will most likely find its way into all work fields (engineering and others). New graduates should look for innovative ways to apply AI to their new jobs, even if it is not being used when they first start.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: A Mechanical Engineering (ME) degree prepares students for a wide variety of careers. New ME graduates working for companies with large engineering teams will probably work in one area such as design, analysis, project management, manufacturing, testing, or customer/field support. ME graduates working for smaller companies or startups will be expected to work in more of these areas since the engineering team will be smaller. It is important for new graduates to get some experience so that they can figure out what type of job they like. If they find that they do not like the type of work they are doing in their first job, then they should look for a different type of job. They should also realize that their initial degree exposed them to a wide variety of general math, science, and engineering topics. They learned how to gather information and use resources available to solve problems. But there is much more to learn. Each job will require unique skills and more learning.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Mechanical Engineer?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Many of the skills that you developed during the course of your Bachelors degree are fundamental, such as self learning, teamwork, engineering approach to practical problems. These you will continue to develop further as you progress in your career. Looking to the future, learn coding and engineering softwares, e.g. ANSYS, pay attention to machine learning and additive manufacturing.
What Staff Mechanical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Mechanical engineering education gives you a broad foundation from which to make an impact in the most diverse set of practical fields, ranging from quantum computing to biomedical engineering to designing spacecraft, and everything in between. Be inquisitive and creative. Every practical problem that you encounter in your field has an engineering solution linked to what you have learned in class and is waiting to be discovered by you.
What will help Staff Mechanical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Learn new skills from professional and technical courses. Obtain a Master's degree at some point.