As a mechanical engineer, you design, develop and test mechanical systems and equipment, including the planning of components, machines and plant parts, as well as the analysis of existing systems to optimize their performance and efficiency.
The average annual salary for a mechanical engineer in Germany is between €55,000 and €64,910, while the entry salary is between €40,000 and €45,000. Experienced engineers with 5-10 years of experience can expect salaries of €60,000 to €70,000, while in top positions an annual salary of up to €80,000 or more is possible. In addition, a master's degree leads to a salary of 93% higher than a bachelor's degree, whereas salaries can vary depending on the location.
In order to work as a mechanical engineer, a degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering sciences is usually required. Many employers also require practical experience in the form of internships or apprenticeships. Additional qualifications, such as certificates in certain software applications or project management methods, can also be beneficial.
As a mechanical engineer, you have a variety of career opportunities. After a few years of work experience, you can move up to higher positions, such as team leader or project manager. You also have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas such as product development, research or quality management.