It’s difficult to determine the exact highest paid mechanical engineer because salaries can vary depending on various factors such as location, industry, years of experience, and education level. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $90,160.
Some mechanical engineers may earn significantly higher salaries depending on their specialized skills and experience. For example, those who work in the petroleum and coal products manufacturing industry or the aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in other industries.
Additionally, mechanical engineers who hold advanced degrees or certifications, such as a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a Professional Engineer (PE) license, may also earn higher salaries than those with only a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Highest Paying Mechanical Jobs
There are several high-paying mechanical engineering jobs that you can consider, depending on your interests and expertise. Here are some examples:
Aerospace Engineer: Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They work on a wide range of projects, from designing components to developing new materials and technologies. The median annual salary for aerospace engineers is around $118,000.
Petroleum Engineer: Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. They work on projects related to drilling, production, and reservoir management. The median annual salary for petroleum engineers is around $137,000.
Robotics Engineer: Robotics engineers design and develop robots for use in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and military. They work on projects related to the design, development, and programming of robots. The median annual salary for robotics engineers is around $85,000.
Nuclear Engineer: Nuclear engineers design and develop systems and processes for the use of nuclear energy and radiation in various applications, such as power generation, medicine, and research. The median annual salary for nuclear engineers is around $116,000.
Materials Engineer: Materials engineers develop and test new materials for use in a wide range of industries, from aerospace to electronics to healthcare. They work on projects related to the design, development, and testing of materials. The median annual salary for materials engineers is around $95,000.
These are just a few examples of high-paying mechanical engineering jobs. Other options include automotive engineer, HVAC engineer, and biomedical engineer. You can be the next highest paid mechanical engineer if you work in any of the sectors mentioned above.
Top Paying Mechanical Engineering Companies
Apple: Apple is a multinational technology company that designs and produces consumer electronics, software, and online services. The company has a reputation for offering competitive salaries and benefits to its employees, including mechanical engineers.
Google: Google is a technology company that specializes in internet-related services and products. Mechanical engineers at Google work on a variety of projects related to hardware design, robotics, and automation. Google is known for its employee-friendly culture and excellent benefits packages.
Boeing: Boeing is an aerospace company that designs, develops, and manufactures airplanes, rockets, and satellites. Mechanical engineers at Boeing work on a wide range of projects, including aircraft design, propulsion systems, and avionics.
Tesla: Tesla is an electric vehicle and clean energy company that is known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology. Mechanical engineers at Tesla work on a variety of projects related to vehicle design, manufacturing, and production.
ExxonMobil: ExxonMobil is a multinational oil and gas company that operates in more than 200 countries. Mechanical engineers at ExxonMobil work on projects related to exploration, production, and refining.
Other top-paying companies for mechanical engineers include General Electric, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, and Schlumberger. World’s highest paid mechanical engineers work in these companies. It’s important to keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, years of experience, and education level.