Is a master's in mechanical engineering worth it?
Table of Contents
- Is a master's in mechanical engineering worth it?
- Master's degree in mechanical engineering program overview
- Benefits of a master's degree in mechanical engineering
- Which mechanical engineering field has the highest salary?
- How much does a master's degree in mechanical engineering cost?
- Frequently asked questions about master's degees in mechanical engineering
If you want to advance your engineering career, a master's in mechanical engineering program could be your next step. It's a dynamic field with diverse job opportunities, as well as above-average salaries.
Is a master's in mechanical engineering worth it for you? 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 the 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 to 2033. This rate of growth is significantly faster than the average rate among all occupations.
As of 2023, about 291,900 people are employed as mechanical engineers. The BLS projects approximately 19,800 openings for mechanical engineers each year through 2033.
Demand is influenced by mechanical engineers transferring to other occupations or leaving the industry, as well as an increased need for workers alongside continued innovation in manufacturing processes.
Which mechanical engineering field has the highest salary?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for mechanical engineers in 2023 was $99,510. The highest-paying mechanical engineering jobs were in the following fields:
Mechanical engineering field | Median annual salary (2023) |
|---|---|
Scientific research and development services | $125,640 |
Computer and electronic product manufacturing | $104,070 |
Transportation equipment manufacturing | $99,930 |
Architectural, engineering, and related services | $99,290 |
How much does a master's degree in mechanical engineering cost?
A master's degree in engineering could cost between $20,170 and $53,466 without financial aid.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition paid for one year of full-time courses (nine hours or more per semester) for a master's degree in engineering in 2020 was $24,631. Part-time students (fewer than nine hours per semester) paid $8,963.90 on average.
Note that this data does not include required fees (e.g. registration fee, facilities fee), the cost of books and other course materials, or potential spending on housing or transportation.