My Colorado Journey
Back to pathway map
ConstructionTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Mechanical Engineer

Performs engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversees installation, operation, maintenance and repair of such equipment as centralized heat, gas, water and steam systems.

Annual openings

532

Median wage

$124,430

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

Interactive walkthrough

Explore My Colorado Journey Careers

See where to compare pay, job demand, locations, skills, education, and training for a Colorado career.

Open in a new tab

Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

No previous work experience is required. However, jobs as a technician can help you gain experience for this job.

Some key responsibilities could include 1) Conducting research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of mechanical systems, 2) Developing structural design of products, and 3) Developing and testing models of alternate designs and processing methods.
Do you enjoy your time in your basement workshop? Are tools the best gift you could receive? As a mechanical engineer, you’ll work with machines a lot and will need a strong grasp of mathematical formulas and engineering principles.
This job is important for the growth of the renewables industry and is a “green job” when you work for an organization supporting that industry, or other green industries.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Engineering and Science
  • Engineering

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
  2. Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
  3. Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
  4. Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
  5. Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
  6. Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
Feedback