Job prospects Mechanical Engineer in Ontario

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Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "mechanical engineer" in Ontario or Canada.

Job opportunities in Ontario

Note: These outlooks were updated on November 29^th, 2023. Learn more about our methodology.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be moderate for Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) in Ontario for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several 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.

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, increased use of robotics, and adoption of biomechanics, micro devices and nanotechnologies
• Need for consultancy services to support clients including in the mining sector, which is experiencing higher investments due to global demand for metallic minerals
• Upgrades to indoor air systems may support work for individuals in this profession, which includes heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

• In addition to formal education, employers may require several years of experience working in the profession in a particular industry, and project management skills
• Knowledge of 2D and 3D design software tools such as SOLIDWORKS or AutoCAD
• 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?

• Travel to various sites including remote locations may be required
• 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 16,850 people work in this occupation.
• Mechanical engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 32%
  • Motor vehicle, body, trailer and parts manufacturing (NAICS 3361-3363): 16%
  • Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 8%
  • Utilities (NAICS 22): 6%
• 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

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Ontario by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Labour market conditions over the next 10 years

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "mechanical engineer" Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) or Canada.

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