This article discusses the average starting salary for a mechanical engineer in Texas. It should provide an overview of the most recent data on salaries and employment prospects for this career from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as other reliable sources such as PayScale.com and Payscale.com.
A mechanical engineer is a person who uses science to solve problems related to machinery. Mechanical engineering has been ranked #12 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of best fields of study in 2019, and starting salary for mechanical engineers in Texas is $63,500 per year according to Payscale (as of December 2019).
A mechanical engineer creates and designs equipment, machines, and systems that use energy to accomplish a goal. As a mechanical engineer in Texas, you’ll prepare design working drawings, tables, or calculations to be used by other engineers or technicians. You may also conduct site investigations; prepare equipment specifications; recommend changes to existing blueprints; consult with clients on equipment performance; plan testing procedures; and monitor test results.
Starting Salary For Mechanical Engineer In Texas Overview
Mechanical engineers are a pretty coveted bunch in Texas. They’re responsible for designing and improving machines, which includes everything from the most efficient way to produce the world’s most delicious cheese to the best way to make a robot that will destroy humanity.
Texas is a hub for mechanical engineering jobs—in fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 7,000 mechanical engineers employed in Texas alone. That number is only going to go up as companies continue to grow and expand their operations in the state.
But how much do mechanical engineers make? And what kind of salary can you expect if you want to pursue a career in this field?
Let’s take a look at some entry-level mechanical engineer salaries in Texas:
How To Become a Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia.
Education
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design courses. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. They may emphasize internships and co-ops to prepare students for work in industry.
Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education.
ABET accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.
Important Qualities
Creativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery. A creative mind is essential for this kind of work.
Listening skills. Mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists. They must listen to and analyze different approaches made by other experts to complete the task at hand.
Math skills. Mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Mechanical skills. Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems.
Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific discoveries and use them to design and build useful products
.Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as a mechanical engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.
Several states require engineers to take continuing education to renew their licenses every year. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the other state’s licensing requirements meet or exceed their own licensing requirements.
Several professional organizations offer a variety of certification programs for engineers to demonstrate competency in specific fields of mechanical engineering.
Advancement
A Ph.D. is essential for engineering faculty positions in higher education, as well as for some research and development programs. Mechanical engineers may earn graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology, broaden their education, and enhance their project management skills. Mechanical engineers may become administrators or managers after obtaining the requisite experience.
How much do mechanical engineers make in Texas?
A mechanical engineer has a mean annual salary of $88,430, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Texas is one of the states with the highest level of employment in this profession and has a mean annual salary of $102,980, around $49.51 per hour. Even though Texas pays more than the average, it is not one of the highest-paying states. These are New Mexico, the District of Columbia, Maryland, California, and Alaska, where annual salaries range from $103,360 to $114,420. For this occupation, employment is expected to grow by 4% over the next 9 years, according to the BLS. There is a greater possibility of employment in engineering service companies. It is also expected that car manufacturing companies hire mechanical engineers for their design. Those who take computer courses to use software will have a great employment opportunity since most companies are using computer design and simulation for their new projects.
