NOC 21301: Mechanical engineers

The employment outlook will be Moderate for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 37%

Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 20%

Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 11%

Construction (NAICS 23): 8%

77% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

8% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 87% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 13% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 82% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 12% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers are primarily employed in consulting firms, government defence services, construction (HVAC: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and manufacturing facilities. The large Irving Shipbuilding project in Halifax is a current noteworthy source of employment. Halifax has the most job opportunities, while attracting Mechanical engineers to rural locations has been proving difficult. Those with a professional designation may have more success finding employment.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 39%

Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 8%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 6%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations

73% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 27% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

9% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 90% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 10% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a

bachelor's degree: 74% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 23% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Most mechanical engineers are employed with engineering firms, providing engineering, design and consulting services. Some are also employed in manufacturing and by other industrial operators. Candidates must be registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick, in order to practice as a mechanical engineer. However, employers will often hire graduates of mechanical engineering, or related engineering programs, who are working towards accreditation.

Increased attention on renewables and cleaner energy sources has created new opportunities for mechanical engineers, generating greater demand for expertise relating to wind, nuclear, solar and other emerging technologies. This is also the case with increasing adoption of automation and robotics technologies.

Digital literacy is an asset and knowledge of certain software packages and processes may improve an individual’s chances at obtaining employment, depending on the type of work. Valuable skills for mechanical engineers include computer-aided design (CAD), image editing, mapping, data visualization and database management. Some employers require certifications in order to demonstrate proficiency in certain areas. AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS are two of the most commonly required certifications among employers.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 750 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 32%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 22%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 10%

83% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 17% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 69% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 1,000 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 37%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 15%

Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 12%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 9%

79% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

6% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 90% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 10% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 74% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in Alberta:

Approximately 5,400 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 44%

Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 15%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 5%

Construction (NAICS 23): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 20% for all occupations

74% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

14% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 88% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 12% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 70% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 26% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment opportunities for engineers continue to be strong across multiple sectors (for example IT, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, utilities, construction).

The high level of technical knowledge required for this occupation makes recruitment difficult.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in British Columbia:

Approximately 5,350 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 38%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 8%

Computer, electronic and electrical product manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 8%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations

77% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

10% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 88% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 12% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 67% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 27% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in Quebec:

Approximately 10,750 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 28%

Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 15%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 9%

Construction (NAICS 23): 5%

78% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

6% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 90% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 10% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 65% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 25% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

The leading share employed in manufacturing, especially transportation equipment and machinery production

Professional, scientific and technical services industry, largely architectural, engineering and related services

Utilities, mostly electric power generation

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Shift towards more advanced processes in manufacturing, including new production lines and use of robotics

However, job prospects are expected to be moderated due to weak business conditions in the sector, particularly in automotive production

Investments in the province’s energy grid should create some job opportunities

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Generally, ‘engineering’ is a regulated occupation in Ontario. Individuals must be licensed by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) to practise ‘professional’ engineering in the province.

An unlicensed engineering graduate can carry out work in the occupation, however

a licensed engineer must take responsibility and sign off on the work

.

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

In general, Bridging Programs are available to assist internationally trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in the province.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in Ontario:

Approximately 20,150 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 31%

Motor vehicle, body, trailer and parts manufacturing (NAICS 3361-3363): 18%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 8%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 5%

78% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

9% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 89% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 11% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 61% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 34% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about mechanical engineers in Manitoba:

Approximately 1,100 people work in this occupation.

Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 39%

Computer, electronic and electrical product manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 12%

Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 6%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 6%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%

77% of mechanical engineers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

7% of mechanical engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 92% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 8% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 71% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 25% compared to 8% for all occupations

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.