How to become a mechanical engineer
Official title: Mechanical engineers
Also called: Tool engineer, Piping engineer, Nuclear engineer, Pattern engineer, Robotics engineer, Acoustics engineer, Acoustical engineer, Automotive engineer, Cryogenics engineer, Mechanical engineer, Lubrication engineer, Mechatronic engineer
Mechanical engineers research, design and develop machinery and systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, power generation, transportation, processing and manufacturing. They also perform duties related to the evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems. They are employed by consulting firms, by power-generating utilities and in a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $89,057 a year The middle half earn $71,058 to $116,259.
- About 44,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 48,200 are projected by 2033. (+7.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a mechanical engineer?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
How much does a mechanical engineer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $89,057 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $71,058 to $116,259.
Is a mechanical engineer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2033, from about 44,900 to about 48,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a mechanical engineer?
Usually. 94% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03