Long-Term Prospects

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Job Satisfaction

General quality of life statement

Engineering isn't something you study on a whim. Generally, if you're in these classes, it's because you either like it or are good at it—hopefully both. Either way, potential mechanical engineers should consider a few things before heading down this career path.

The first is the job satisfaction, which falls at 55%. That isn't terrible, but it falls short of those "Woohoo!" careers, like nursing.

Don't let that number discourage you too much, though; we've got a much better number headed your way: $80,000. That's the median salary for mechanical engineers, which puts you $25,000 richer than most college graduates.

That's a lot of chicken nuggets.

Sure, maybe chicken nuggets can't buy happiness, but you sure won't go hungry.

25th Percentile Salary

Median Salary

75th Percentile Salary

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