Mechanical Engineers (NOC 2132)

What They Do Mechanical engineers perform some or all of the following duties: Supervise technicians, technologists and other engineers and review and approve designs, calculations and cost estimates. Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of mechanisms, components and systems Plan and manage projects, and prepare material, cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications for machinery and systems Design power plants, machines, components, tools, fixtures and equipment Analyze dynamics and vibrations of mechanical systems and structures Supervise and inspect the installation, modification and commissioning of mechanical systems at construction sites or in industrial facilities Develop maintenance standards, schedules and programs and provide guidance to industrial maintenance crews Investigate mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance problems Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders for industrial construction or maintenance

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Mechanical engineers work for consulting firms, power-generating utilities, and a wide range of manufacturing, processing, and transportation industries. They may also be self-employed. The unionization rate (19%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations. The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Mechanical Engineers are found in Alberta and Ontario while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Related Occupation(s) Stationary Engineers and Power Station and System Operators (NOC 735) Other Engineers (NOC 214) Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineers (NOC 213)

Something to Think About To enhance your professional knowledge and broaden your opportunities, consider: Keeping constantly updated in your specialty Improving interpersonal skills Setting standards and guidelines for safety/operations Learning business management Finding out about international networks

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.

What You Need You usually need a university degree in mechanical engineering or in a related field of engineering. You may also need a master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering field. You need a licence from a provincial/territorial association of professional engineers to approve engineering drawings/reports and to practise as a professional engineer (P. Eng.). As an engineer, you are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and after passing a professional practice examination. With experience, you can move up the ranks to become a supervisor. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.

Required/Related    Educational Programs* This will let you explore the program(s) of study that lead to this (these) occupation(s). Mechanical Engineering Technologies (C315) Mechanical Engineering (M316) Mechanical Engineering (U316) Engineering - Other (U370) *  These educational programs are listed in the order in which they are most likely to supply graduates to this occupation.

Useful Experience/Skills Project management Team project work Proposal writing Making presentations Financial management Committee work on industry ethics		Useful High School Subjects Math Physics Chemistry English
Depending on your background, this Education, Training, and Experience info will help you to: Choose your high school courses Plan your post-secondary program Choose relevant volunteer work Decide what new skills to learn Read job ads, professional journals, and newspapers for what the industry needs and employers want. Talk to employers and employees to find out the exceptional skills and knowledge that will help you land a job.

Current Conditions Your work prospects are rated GOOD because: Employement grew at an above-average rate. Hourly wages ($29.83) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average. The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects Current   Good   2009   Good

Outlook to 2009 Your work prospects will continue to be GOOD because: The employment growth rate will likely be above average. The rise in the Canadian dollar and the increase in international competitiveness are pushing manufacturers to adopt new technologies. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings. This will not be significant enough to have an impact on the work prospects.

Preparing for the Competition

If you are beginning your career investigation, national outlooks will give you a good overview of trends. Ready to explore an occupation in more detail? Check provincial/territorial or local outlooks (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca).

What you can expect to make (Average Hourly Earnings ($/hour))
Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 $19.33 $11.74 25-54 $30.05 $19.76 55+ $31.58 $19.59 Overall Average for Ages (20+) This Occupation All Occupations $29.83 $18.07		Hourly wages ($29.83) are above the national average ($18.07). These earnings are close to the average for occupations in the natural and applied sciences and related occupations and close to the average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Your salary can be affected by your background, the company's size and benefits, and the region and setting (urban or rural). Check out salaries in your own region by seeking info from: Employees/unions/associations Employers/human resource people Training institutions and placement services Company websites Professional/trade journals

Close to the average
The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%). This rate is close to the average for professionnal occupations. A low unemployment rate often means less competition for the jobs available. But you still need to have the required training and experience. A high unemployment rate doesn't necessarily mean you'll have great difficulty getting hired. But it can mean a fluctuating demand for workers, and you may experience bouts of unemployment.		Year This Occupation All Occupations 1991 4% 10% 1992 5% 11% 1993 4% 11% 1994 6% 10% 1995 3% 10% 1996 4% 10% 1997 3% 9% 1998 2% 8% 1999 2% 8% 2000 3% 7% 2001 3% 7% 2002 2% 8% 2003 6% 8% 2004 4% 7%

% of part-time work is about the same as average
This Occupation All Occupations Full-time 97% 81% Part-time 3% 19%		There were 36,100 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 60% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers is 3% compared to the 2004 average (19%) and has risen significantly since 1997.
When full-time work is difficult to find, look at alternatives such as contract work, consulting, shared positions, and telework.

Average
The percentage of self-employed workers is 12% compared to the 2004 average of 15% and has risen since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Self-Employed 12% 15%
Does this occupation have an above-average rate of self-employment? Consider being your own boss if you can't find work with an employer.

Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 4% 10% 25-54 84% 72% 55+ 13% 12%		The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
Look at the youngest group. A low percentage means fewer openings for brand-new workers. A high percentage means more openings for brand-new workers. Look at the oldest age group. A high percentage means positions could open up from retirements. This could be significant for both mid-career changers and brand-new workers.

Below average
The percentage of women (6%) is below the 2004 average of 48% and has risen since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Percent Women 6% 48%

This page last modified on: 2007-03-31