Benefits of getting a master’s in mechanical engineering: Is it worth it?
Learn what you can do with a master’s in mechanical engineering, including common job options, salaries for graduates, and education costs.
By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Last updated: August 1, 2025
From robotics and aerospace to energy systems and advanced manufacturing, mechanical engineering is a high-demand field. A master's degree can help current engineers advance into higher-paying, specialized roles or launch a new career with a competitive edge.
Find out more about the potential benefits, job outlook, tuition costs, salary ranges, and related careers in this guide.
Master's degree in mechanical engineering program overview
Online master's in mechanical engineering programs help learners translate coursework into on-the-job expertise. Through your studies, you can sharpen important analytical and problem-solving skills — and learn the latest innovations in the field too.
Some programs may require specialization in a particular engineering field, such as:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Aerospace engineering
- Biomechanics
- Computer engineering
- Energy systems
- Fluid and thermal mechanics
- Hypersonic technologies
- Ocean engineering
- Mechanics of materials and structures
- Micro/nanoscale engineering
- Robotics
- Sustainable project design
Most master's in mechanical engineering programs require at least 30 credit hours to graduate. Full-time students can achieve this in three semesters, but some students stretch credit hours over a longer period.
Coursework usually includes a math requirement, and credit hours may include research or thesis work as well as fieldwork hours. Most master's programs also require students to maintain a certain GPA for graduate-level courses.
If you do not hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, you can still pursue a master's in mechanical engineering. However, you may be required to complete foundational engineering courses before beginning the program.
Benefits of a master's degree in mechanical engineering
A master's degree in mechanical engineering can help you stand out as a job candidate and access higher-paying positions. Some advantages you can gain through a master's include:
- Knowledge of the latest industry innovations
- Advanced understanding of foundational skills
- Expertise in a specific engineering field, such as biomechanics or advanced manufacturing
- Growth of your industry network and improved job outlook
Are graduates of a master's in mechanical engineering program in demand?
Mechanical engineers are consistently in demand because of the widespread use of machines — such as engines, biomedical devices, air conditioning systems, and elevators — that they help build and maintain.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% job growth for mechanical engineers from 2023-33. This rate of growth is significantly faster than the average rate among all occupations.
As of 2023, about 291,900 people were employed as mechanical engineers in the U.S. The BLS projects approximately 19,800 job openings each year through 2033, driven by workers retiring or changing careers.
Continued innovation in the automation of manufacturing processes, artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable energy systems also contributes to the demand, making this one of the key pros of mechanical engineering as a long-term career.
Salary potential with a master's in mechanical engineering
While the BLS reports that in May 2024 the median salary for mechanical engineers was $102,320, earning a master's may lead to higher-paying roles, especially in specialized, in-demand industries.
Which mechanical engineering field has the highest salary?
According to May 2024 data from the BLS, mechanical engineers in certain industries earned significantly more than the national median wage, which was $49,500. Here's how the salaries compare in the top five industries for mechanical engineers:
| Industry | Median annual salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Scientific research and development services | $123,080 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | $107,890 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | $103,210 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | $102,990 |
| Machinery manufacturing | $96,690 |
How much does a mechanical engineering degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for a master's program in engineering in 2020 was $21,072 per year for on-campus students and $13,688 for fully online learners.
Note that this data does not include required fees (e.g., registration and facilities fees) or the cost of books and other course materials, housing, or transportation.
Most mechanical engineering master's programs require students to earn about 30 credit hours to graduate. Your total cost will vary based on multiple factors, including:
- Program format: Online programs tend to cost less than on-campus ones.
- Enrollment status: Whether you study on a full- or part-time basis may impact the cost of credits and your duration in the program.
- Institution type: Public universities usually cost less than private institutions.
- Tuition classification: In-state students often pay lower rates than out-of-state students.
- Required fees: Registration, technology, and lab fees may add up.
- Learning materials: Books, software, and supplies are often not included.
- Living expenses: On-campus students should budget for housing and transportation.