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Are you the first one friends and family call when their car or furnace is making a funny noise? Are you more confident and comfortable in old jeans and a t-shirt than business casual clothes? Would you rather hang out in the driveway than on the couch? Then you might not be the kind of person who finds fulfillment or success from a traditional office job.
If you want to spend your life getting your hands dirty, feeling the rumble of machinery under your feet and solving problems out in the real world, a career in the mechanical sciences could be for you.
These days, a career in the field can mean so much more than the auto mechanic job you might be picturing – it can mean maintaining Formula One racers, electric cars, airplanes, solar and renewable energy sources, or being involved in building a new football dome. Even better, a mechanical science career usually doesn’t mean you’ll have to earn a four-year degree. A lot of times, your specialized training will come from short-term certification programs or on-the-job training.
And the field is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations to grow about 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, resulting in about 388,200 new jobs.
Is one of those newly-created jobs in mechanical sciences right for you? Here are a few things to consider:
Are you in good physical shape? You won’t always be getting dirt on your hands and oil under your nails if you work in the mechanical sciences, but it’s definitely not a desk job either. Sure, you’ll do some tasks like ordering parts, speaking with customers, filling out forms and invoicing suppliers, but the majority of a mechanic’s job is hands-on. You’ll need to be able to lift heavy objects, get down onto the ground, squeeze into tight spaces and generally be on your feet for hours at a time.
Are you claustrophobic or afraid of heights? If you struggle being stuck under the hood of a car, venturing out onto the wing of an airplane or scaling a massive wind turbine, some of the mechanical science careers listed below might not be the best choice for you.
Would you mind working nights and weekends? As a mechanical professional, there will be a lot of people counting on you to keep their systems and technologies running. That means you won’t always be able to walk away from work when the clock strikes five. On the other hand, if you’re employed by a company, it could mean some decent overtime payment.
Are you comfortable being with people and by yourself? Whether you’re driving around town to service various HVAC systems, welding in a factory or tinkering under the hood of a car, you’ll need to be okay spending time alone in this field. But you have to know how to communicate, too – you’ll end up working with people who don’t understand your work, can’t describe the problems they’re having in technical terms, and might be frustrated with machinery that isn’t working correctly.
How’s your temper? Speaking of frustration … when you’re working in the mechanical science field, you can’t deal with a tough problem by throwing tools, kicking tires, or getting short-tempered with a customer. You’ll need to let stress roll off your back, call in a coworker or supervisor to talk through new potential solutions, and try again. The satisfaction of eventually getting it right and hearing that engine purr back to life is one of the best part of the job for lots of mechanics, technicians and operators.
What Are Some of My Career Options in the Mechanical Sciences Field?
If you think a career in the mechanical sciences is right for you, there is no shortage of ways to get there – and no shortage of careers that might be a great fit. Career colleges and technical schools around the country offer degree- and non-degree-granting programs, on campus and online, that can get you on the path to an amazing career in the mechanical field.
Think the word “mechanical” means your only choice is a job under the hood of a car? Think again. Check out just some of your career options in the mechanical sciences field and what they would mean for your education, your salary potential, your job prospects and your everyday life:
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
Do I need to go back to school? Yes, you’ll need to go to Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school
How much money could I make? $61,260 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing about as fast as average from 2016-2026
Would I need to keep up with on-the-job training: Yes
Because airplanes are complex machines that are subject to intense, detailed federal regulations and maintenance schedules, there will always be a need for specialized aircraft and avionics mechanics and technicians. These mechanics and technicians maintain and repair aircraft, as well as perform regular inspections required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
As an aircraft mechanic or technician, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Do I need to go back to school? Yes, but you don’t need to get a degree
How much money could I make? $39,550 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing about as fast as average from 2016-2026
Would I need to keep up with on-the-job training: Probably, but it would be short-term
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that “automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called mechanics or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. Although service technicians work on traditional mechanical systems, such as engines, transmissions, and drivebelts, they must also be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems. Braking, transmission, and steering systems, for example, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components.”
As a mechanic, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm
Electricians
Do I need to go back to school? No, your high school diploma or GED is fine
How much money could I make? $54,110 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing about as fast as average from 2016-2026
Would I need to keep up with on-the-job training: Most electricians need to complete an apprenticeship
Most all homes, businesses and factories run on electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems to control their lighting, temperature, appliances and equipment. Electricians install, maintain and repair these systems to keep people’s lives and jobs easier, more comfortable and safe.
As an electrician, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Electricians, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Do I need to go back to school? Yes, but you don’t need to get a degree
How much money could I make? $47,080 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing much faster than average from 2016-2026
Would I need to keep up with on-the-job training: Yes, there’s usually long-term on-the-job training
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) mechanics and installers work on the systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings like homes and businesses. Their work is important not only for comfort level, but because a climate-controlled environment, refrigeration systems make it possible to store and transport food, medicine, and other perishable items. Some technicians may undergo additional training (formal or on-the-job) to specialize in specific HVCAR systems or products like commercial refrigeration, solar panels or radiant heating.
As an HVAC mechanic or installer, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers and Millwrights
Do I need to go back to school? No, your high school diploma or GED is fine
How much money could I make? $50,440 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing about as fast as average from 2016-2026
Would I need to keep up with on-the-job training: Yes, there’s usually moderate to long-term on-the-job training
According to the BLS, “Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.”
As a millwright or in a similar role, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm
Material Moving Machine Operators
Do I need to go back to school? No, your high school diploma or GED is fine
How much money could I make? $34,830 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing about as fast as average from 2016-2026
Would I need to keep up with on-the-job training: Maybe. It depends on the type of machine you would operate.
All machine operators are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicle or equipment when moving materials from place to place. Variations within the profession include conveyer operators and tenders, crane and tower operators, dredge operators, excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, hoist and winch operators, industrial truck and tractor operators and underground mining loading machine operators.
As a machine operator, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Material Moving Machine Operators, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/material-moving-machine-operators.htm
Small Engine Mechanics
Do I need to go back to school? No, your high school diploma or GED is fine
How much money could I make? $35,990 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing about as fast as average from 2016-2026
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Small engine mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes or similar motorized vehicles. Some may specialize in particular makes and models of bikes or modify and design motorcycles for racing and enthusiasts.
As a small engine mechanic, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Motorcycle Mechanics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493052.htm
Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters
Do I need to go back to school? No, your high school diploma or GED is fine
How much money could I make? $52,590 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing much faster than average from 2016-2026
On-the-job training: Formal apprenticeship
According to the BLS, “the movement of liquids and gases through pipes is critical to modern life. In homes, water is needed for both drinking and sanitation. In factories, chemicals are moved to aid in product manufacturing. In power plants, steam is moved to drive turbines that generate electricity. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair these pipe systems.”
As a plumber, pipefitter or steamfitter, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
Wind Turbine Technicians
Do I need to go back to school? Yes, you’ll need some college courses
How much money could I make? $53,880 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing much faster than average from 2016-2026
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
As green energy initiatives continue to grow, giant mechanical devices will crop up in landscapes across the country. These devices, called wind turbines, convert wind energy into electricity. Three major components make up the wind turbine – a tower, three blades and a nacelle, which contains the equipment that generates electricity. Wind turbine technicians, or windtechs, install, maintain and repair all three of these components.
As a wind turbine technician, I would spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Wind Turbine Technicians, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm
Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers
Do I need to go back to school? No, your high school diploma or GED is fine
How much money could I make? $40,240 was the average salary in 2017
What’s the demand like for this job? Growing at an average pace from 2016-2026
On-the-job training: Moderate on-the-job training
The BLS says “Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts. Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities.”
As a welder, I might spend my days doing things like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm
Still not sure if a career in the mechanical field is right for you? Maybe you should think about Information Technology. Learn more about it in the next edition of Career College Central.
Sidebar
Did you know? The number of jobs for wind turbine technicians is expected to almost double (grow by 96%) between 2016 and 2026.
Did you know? There are other mechanical science career options not listed here. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also includes:
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