General
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies.
Entry Level Salary
$59,652
Median Salary
$103,084
Unemployment Rate
1.8%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
33.0%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,123,360
Entry (Early)
$59,652
Median (Prime)
$103,084
High (Prime)
$112,550
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+78k
+430k
+506k
$25k / yr
-12k
+340k
+416k
$50k / yr
-102k
+250k
+326k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
34
25
24
$25k / yr
Never
29
28
$50k / yr
Never
33
31
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-11%
313%
383%
$50k / yr
-47%
115%
150%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate17.8%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Mechanical engineers
11.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$66,953
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$102,320
openings
18,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%
Engineers, All Other
5.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$65,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$98,000|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Industrial engineers, including health and safety
5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,053
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,952|$101,490
openings
26,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.6%
Management occupations
4.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$2,300
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,988|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,000|$49,670
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.2%
Aerospace engineers
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,310
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$134,830
openings
4,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Software developers
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,094
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$121,554|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Civil engineers
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$61,903
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$81,218|$99,590
openings
23,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
Top executives
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$137,536
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$211,594|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Architectural and engineering managers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$97,399
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$149,845|$167,740
openings
14,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.8%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| engineering-related fields. | Undergrad Certificate | 4 | $83,619 - $83,619 |
| engineering-related fields. | Associate's Degree | 7 | Data N/A |
| engineering-related fields. | Bachelor's Degree | 63 | $56,768 - $145,638 |
| engineering-related fields. | Master's Degree | 120 | $86,268 - $206,093 |
| engineering-related fields. | Doctoral Degree | 9 | $180,549 - $180,549 |
| engineering-related fields. | Graduate Certificate | 10 | $111,648 - $128,130 |
| mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians. | Undergrad Certificate | 71 | $34,511 - $82,512 |
| mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians. | Associate's Degree | 163 | $27,189 - $86,537 |
| mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians. | Bachelor's Degree | 85 | $52,781 - $126,209 |
| mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians. | Master's Degree | 5 | $99,729 - $129,403 |