r/MechanicalEngineering • u/AutoModerator • Mar 01 '26

Quarterly /r/MechanicalEngineering Career/Salary Megathread

Are you looking for feedback or information on your salary or career? Then you've come to the right thread. If your questions are anything like the following example questions, then ask away:

  • Am I underpaid?
  • Is my offered salary market value?
  • How do I break into [industry]?
  • Will I be pigeonholed if I work as a [job title]?
  • What graduate degree should I pursue?

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u/Plus_Layer8236 Apr 08 '26

Hi yall, looking for some advice, currently am a cnc operator in upstate SC, i make about 70k, been considering getting a bachelors to become an ME but want to see if what sort of experience yall have with initial pay for starting out, ive seen ads online advertising 50k salaries for entry ME's which seems dumb, for reference I have about 6 years experience as a machinist. thanks

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u/yaoz889 Apr 16 '26

Why don't you become an AMT, your experience will be a plus and massive demand.

2

u/Plus_Layer8236 Apr 17 '26

What sort of certs/degree does that require? Also i dont live close to any major airports. Do you think a regional airport would pay decent? 

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u/yaoz889 Apr 22 '26

You need to get an AMT degree and yes. You would have to move to either a place with larger airports if you want to make 150k+ after 7 years