Mechanical Engineeringat University of Florida
Graduates earn $76,228/yr in their first year — about 8.0% above the national Mechanical Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $838K; scenarios range from $715K to $880K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Florida
Your strong outcomes from UF’s Mechanical Engineering program reflect its exceptional reputation and deep industry ties, particularly within Florida’s robust aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Graduates are highly sought after for roles requiring sophisticated design, analysis, and project management skills by major employers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Siemens, who actively recruit from Gainesville.
While the data indicates a "Very High" AI risk, this typically signifies a transformation, not elimination, of roles. You’ll be expected to leverage AI and automation tools for complex simulations, optimization, and predictive maintenance. To thrive, focus on developing strong computational skills, data analytics, and hands-on experience with emerging technologies like robotics or advanced materials, ensuring you’re leading the adoption of AI in engineering, not just reacting to it.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Florida's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Mechanical Engineering
How University of Florida stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Florida
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Florida, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Mechanical Engineering at University of Florida
How does University of Florida's Mechanical Engineering program score?
A score of 76/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Florida's Mechanical Engineering graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Florida rank so high for Mechanical Engineering?
The #10 ranking out of 320 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.