How much money do mechanical engineers make?

Mechanical engineers working full-time made a median annual salary of $80,580 in 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This equals approximately $38.74 per hour.

Mechanical engineering can involve a wide variety of jobs and duties. People who are mechanical engineers may perform research related to mechanics. They may design, build or test various devices in the industrial field. Mechanical engineers create things that people use in everyday life, such as computers, medical devices, elevators and automotive parts.

Many jobs involving mechanical engineering require at least a bachelor's degree. Most mechanical engineers can expect to work no less than 40 hours per week.