Is 35 Too Old To Become a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers are responsible for the many stages in the process of designing and constructing various kinds of mechanical devices.

It is a field with a high median pay and fast projected growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Mechanical engineers usually need to have a bachelor's degree, and students can also continue to the graduate level of study in the field.

Those hoping to study mechanical engineering should have strong math and problem-solving skills.

Despite being a field with many education opportunities and a strong job market, some might worry they are too old to study in and enter the field.

The answer is, of course not.

Is 35 Too Old to Become a Mechanical Engineer?

Age is not a factor when it comes to studying and working in mechanical engineering.

If you have a passion for it and are willing to work hard to complete a degree and enter the job market, you can become a mechanical engineer.

In this article, we will cover some good online schools for older students to study mechanical engineering, and potential entry-level positions in the field, as well as the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Online Mechanical Engineering Programs

For adult college students, online programs are a great option. The flexibility and convenience they allow is unmatched.

Students can work when and where they are able, accommodating their busy schedules of work, family, etc.

Here are some great online programs in mechanical engineering.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public institution that has been in operation for well over a century, having been founded in 1885.

The school now also offers high-quality education nationwide through ASU Online.

One of the school's online programs is a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering degree.

The program includes courses like:

• Structural Mechanics
• System Dynamics and Control
• Engineering Profession
• Principals of Mechanical Design
• Experimental Mechanical Engineering

Full-time tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students at ASU Online is $8,277 for an academic year.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University has over 200 academic programs, and it is one of the largest engineering schools in the United States, making it a great choice for an online mechanical engineering degree.

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree at Oregon State University, which can be completed entirely online, is a roughly 180-credit hour program.

Oregon State University also does not have higher tuition for out-of-state students. Tuition is $409 regardless of the state of residency.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is older than the state itself. The school has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering that can be completed both on-campus and online.

Students enrolled in this program can choose from one of four areas of concentration to customize their experience:

• Mechanical Design
• Thermal Sciences
• Manufacturing and Materials
• Aerospace

The online tuition rate at the University of North Dakota is the same for both residents and non-residents; it is $612 per credit hour.

Entry-Level Engineering Positions

Here are some entry-level positions in the field of engineering.

Engineering Assistant

This is a common entry-level position. As an engineering assistant, tasks will mostly consist of providing support to other members on various projects.

Common duties include administrative tasks, research, testing, assisting with design work, etc.

Quality Engineer

Certified quality engineers play a vital role in the manufacturing process.

These engineers are responsible for overseeing the production process and ensuring the quality of every stage, including the final product.

Certified quality engineers will also be responsible for correcting issues when they arise.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers are responsible for many stages of the manufacturing process, including research, design, development, testing, production, and more.

At an entry-level position, it may involve more supervision than higher-level positions, but ultimately, mechanical engineers have a lot of responsibility and must be able to manage of these important tasks.

FAQs About a Career as a Mechanical Engineer

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding pursuing a career as a mechanical engineer.

What is the Average Age of a Mechanical Engineer?

The average age for mechanical engineers is between 36 and 42, according to ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Is It Hard to Get a Job as a Mechanical Engineer?

Getting a job as a mechanical engineer can be challenging, as it typically requires the completion of a bachelor's degree to even be considered for a position.

However, the field has strong job growth as projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and many fields employ mechanical engineers.

There are also many things one can do to make themselves more marketable, such as internships, networking, completing additional certifications, and more.

What is the Long Term Outlook for Mechanical Engineers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the long-term outlook for mechanical engineers is strong.

It estimates a ten percent growth over the next decade, which is faster than the average.

It also estimates nearly 20,000 job openings in the field per year for the next decade.

Start Your Mechanical Engineering Degree Today

35 is not too old to become a mechanical engineer.

Age is not something that should hold prospective students back from pursuing a degree and career.

Start your degree in mechanical engineering today.