mechanical engineer

According to Payscale, the average salary of a mechanical engineer is ₹387,159 per year. This average is towards the lower end of the pay scale for mechanical engineers. At entry level, mechanical engineers earn around ₹172,000 per year. The highest-earning mechanical engineers can earn as much as ₹10,00,000 annually.

factors that affect mechanical engineer's pay

Mechanical engineering is a highly sought-after profession across a variety of industries, which makes it an attractive career. However, several factors can affect your pay.

One of the most significant of those factors is your education and experience. Mechanical engineers with higher levels of education, such as a postgraduate degree, often earn higher salaries. If you have more years of experience in the role, you may be offered higher pay for your valuable expertise.

The industry and company you work for can also significantly impact your pay. For example, mechanical engineers in the automotive and aerospace industries tend to earn more than those in construction or manufacturing. Larger, more established companies often offer higher salaries than smaller start-ups.

If you have specialised skills or certifications, you can offer more value to your employer and thus earn a higher salary than those without those skills.

Mechanical engineering is a vast field that encompasses a wide range of specialisations and sub-disciplines. Because of this, there are many different types of mechanical engineers, each with unique skills and expertise requirements. Here are some of the most common types of mechanical engineers:

• automotive engineer: automotive engineers are responsible for designing and developing automobiles and their components. You work to improve the performance, efficiency, and safety of cars, lorries, and other vehicles.
• aerospace engineer: as an aerospace engineer, you work on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. You use your advanced knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and materials to create safe and efficient vehicles for air and space travel.
• manufacturing engineer: in this role, you are responsible for designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes and the systems used in those processes. You work to optimise production efficiency and quality while also minimising costs.
• hvac engineer: HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. In this role, you are responsible for designing and maintaining HVAC systems in buildings and other structures. You work to ensure that indoor air quality is high and that temperature and humidity levels are comfortable.
• mechatronics engineer: mechatronics engineers work at the intersection of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. You design and develop advanced systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer components, such as robotics, automation systems and computer-controlled vehicle components.
• robotics engineer: in this role, you work on the design, development, and testing of robots and robotic systems that perform a wide range of tasks.

The specific duties of a mechanical engineer include the following:

Some of the academic qualifications for mechanical engineers include:

• 12 standard: to become a mechanical engineer, you will at least need a bachelor's degree, which in turn means you need to have completed your school education to 12 standard in a science stream.
• bachelor's degree: as a minimum requirement, a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from a recognised university is necessary. This typically takes four years to complete and provides a foundation in mechanical engineering principles, mathematics, and physics.
• master's or doctoral degree: while not always required, a master's degree in mechanical engineering can provide a competitive advantage in the job market. A master's degree usually takes two more years to complete and provides advanced knowledge in mechanical engineering principles and research methodology. The same applies to a PhD, which adds another three to five years of education.
• certifications: in addition to academic qualifications, several certifications can enhance your employability. These will typically be much more specialised than a degree and take less time to complete.

mechanical engineer skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a mechanical engineer include:

• technical skills: mechanical engineers have strong technical skills in mathematics, physics, and materials science. You use these skills to design and develop mechanical systems, machines, and devices.
• computer skills: you are also proficient in computer-aided design (CAD) software, which you use to create detailed designs and specifications for mechanical components.
• problem-solving: you are responsible for troubleshooting and resolving issues with mechanical systems. You use problem-solving skills to diagnose and solve problems promptly and efficiently.
• communication: you communicate effectively with other professionals, such as electrical engineers, software engineers, and project managers. You can explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders.

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a mechanical engineer.