Which Country has Highest Demand for Mechanical Engineers
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Among the best countries for mechanical engineers in 2026 are Canada, New Zealand and others. They have been rated using criteria like industry clusters, salaries, licensing, and visas to clarify which country is best for mechanical engineering long term.
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Mechanical engineering is a cornerstone of industrial innovation, with professionals in this field playing a pivotal role in designing and developing machinery and systems across various sectors. The global job market for mechanical engineers is booming right now, with some countries like Canada and Germany, among others, offering way better salaries, work conditions, and career growth than others.
If you're wondering which country is best for mechanical engineering jobs in 2026, this guide breaks down the top seven destinations where mechanical engineers are in high demand. We'll cover everything from which country has highest demand for mechanical engineers to salaries and visa processes, so you can figure out where your engineering career can really take off.
Which are the Countries with the Highest Demand for Mechanical Engineers?
The best countries for mechanical engineers in 2026 are Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Germany, England, Japan, and China. These nations offer strong industrial bases, competitive compensation packages, and growing demand across sectors like automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
Here's a detailed comparison of opportunities across these countries:
|
Country |
Average Annual Salary |
Job Openings (2026) |
Top Hiring Industries |
Work Visa Type |
Professional License Required |
|
Canada |
CAD 120,350 (INR 76 lakhs) |
12,700+ |
Aerospace, Clean Energy, Manufacturing |
Express Entry, Provincial Nominee |
P.Eng (Provincial) |
|
New Zealand |
NZD 80,000 (INR 42 lakhs) |
1,200+ |
Construction, Manufacturing, Agriculture |
Skilled Migrant Visa |
IPENZ Membership |
|
Switzerland |
CHF 95,000 (INR 88 lakhs) |
3,400+ |
Pharmaceuticals, Precision Engineering, Automation |
EU/EFTA Permit, Work Permit B |
No mandatory license |
|
Germany |
EUR 65,000 (INR 59 lakhs) |
8,500+ |
Automotive, Renewable Energy, Robotics |
EU Blue Card, Work Permit |
Recognition of degree |
|
England |
GBP 40,766 (INR 44 lakhs) |
6,000+ |
Automotive, Energy, Manufacturing |
Skilled Worker Visa |
CEng (Chartered status) |
|
Japan |
JPY 3,180,000 (INR 20 lakhs) |
5,200+ |
Electronics, Automotive, Robotics |
Engineer/Specialist Visa |
No mandatory license |
|
China |
CNY 330,770 (INR 38 lakhs) |
15,000+ |
Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Tech Hardware |
Work Permit (Class A/B) |
No mandatory license |
1. Canada

Scope of Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Canada
Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries for mechanical engineers due to its booming clean energy sector, advanced aerospace industry, and immigrant-friendly policies. The country's aging infrastructure and growing focus on sustainable technologies create massive opportunities for mechanical engineering professionals.
The country has a high demand for them, which means there are plenty ofemployment opportunities in Canada. As per Job Banks Canada, between 2022 and 2031, Canada is projected to have 12,700 new job openings for mechanical engineers, while 15,900 new job seekers are expected to enter the job market. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the country is expected to see a growth of 9 percent by 2026.
China Market & Demand Data (2026)
|
Metric |
Details |
|
Projected Job Openings (2022-2031) |
12,700 new positions |
|
Expected Job Seekers |
15,900 candidates |
|
Job Growth Rate |
9% by 2026 (BLS) |
|
Demand Status |
High Demand - Favorable job market |
Salary Breakdown for Mechanical Engineers in Canada
|
Experience Level |
Annual Salary Range |
|
Entry Level (0-2 years) |
CAD 65,000 - 75,000 |
|
Mid-Level (3-7 years) |
CAD 85,000 - 110,000 |
|
Senior Level (8+ years) |
CAD 120,000 - 150,000 |
|
Average Salary |
CAD 120,350 |
Top Industries Hiring in Canada
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Aerospace & Defense: Bombardier, CAE Inc.
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Clean Energy & Nuclear: Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Bruce Power
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Engineering Consulting: AECOM, Jacobs, WSP
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Transportation: Alstom, Nova Bus
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Manufacturing: Magna International, Linamar
Licensing & Professional Requirements
To work as a mechanical engineer in Canada, you need:
-
P.Eng (Professional Engineer) license from provincial engineering associations
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Degree evaluation through WES or IQAS
-
3-4 years of relevant work experience
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Professional Practice Examination (PPE)
Visa Pathways for Canada
|
Visa Program |
Processing Time |
Requirements |
|
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) |
6-8 months |
CRS score 470+, IELTS 7+, degree equivalency |
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
12-18 months |
Job offer, provincial nomination |
|
Global Talent Stream |
2-4 weeks |
Job offer from designated employer |
How to Get Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Canada
To find a Mechanical Engineering job in Canada, you'll need to start by searching online. There are many websites that list jobs and internship opportunities. You can also contact local universities or companies that specialize in mechanical engineering to see if they have any open positions.
Read this article and learn about the Mechanical Engineering jobs in Canada.
2. New Zealand

Scope of Mechanical Engineering Jobs in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a unique combination of quality lifestyle, growing manufacturing sector, and straightforward immigration policies, making it one of the best countries for mechanical engineers who value work-life balance alongside career growth.
In New Zealand, mechanical engineering positions are expected to grow at a rate of 0.2% over the next five years as per Randstad New Zealand. While the growth rate is slow, there will still be ongoing demand for engineers in industries such as manufacturing and construction.
New Zealand’s Job Market & Demand Forecast (2026)
|
Metric |
Details |
|
Annual Job Growth Rate |
0.2% (steady demand) |
|
Active Job Listings |
1,200+ positions |
|
Demand Sectors |
Manufacturing, Construction, Agriculture Tech |
|
Job Market Status |
Stable with ongoing opportunities |
Salary Structure in New Zealand
|
Career Stage |
Annual Salary (NZD) |
|
Graduate Engineer |
NZD 55,000 - 65,000 |
|
Experienced Engineer |
NZD 70,000 - 90,000 |
|
Senior/Lead Engineer |
NZD 95,000 - 120,000 |
|
Median Salary |
NZD 80,000 |
Key Employers in New Zealand
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Engineering Consultancy: AECOM, Beca, Aurecon
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Manufacturing: Fisher & Paykel Appliances, TOMRA
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Energy: Contact Energy, Genesis Energy
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Construction: Fletcher Building
Professional Registration Requirements
-
NZQA Professional Engineer (Mechanical) Examination - Mandatory
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Degree assessment by Engineering New Zealand (IPENZ)
-
Membership in Engineering New Zealand recommended
Immigration Pathways
|
Visa Type |
Duration |
Key Requirements |
|
Skilled Migrant Resident Visa |
Permanent |
Points-based (160+), degree + experience |
|
Work to Residence Visa |
30 months → PR |
Job offer in skill shortage area |
|
Straight to Residence Visa |
Permanent |
Exceptional talent or significant investment |
How to Get Mechanical Engineering Jobs in New Zealand
If you want to get a job as a mechanical engineer in New Zealand, you will first need to possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university. After that, you will need to pass the NZQA Professional Engineer (Mechanical) Examination.
These are just some of the requirements for getting a job as a mechanical engineer in New Zealand. There are many other factors that you will need to consider before starting your career, such as your experience and skills.
3. Switzerland

Scope of Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Switzerland
Switzerland offers the highest compensation packages globally, making it arguably the best country for mechanical engineering professionals seeking premium earnings and exposure to cutting-edge industries. Most of them work in a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and health care. Currently, there are over 3,400 mechanical engineering jobs listed in Switzerland, on the Englishjobsearch website.
Mechanical engineers in Switzerland are highly sought after because of their skills in mechanical design and problem-solving. They use their expertise to create machines that are efficient and reliable. Their work often involves understanding how various parts interact with each other and how the whole system works, which helps them to identify problems early on and come up with solutions that prevent them from arising in the first place.
Switzerland’s Demand Analysis for 2026
|
Indicator |
Data |
|
Current Job Openings |
3,400+ positions |
|
Key Demand Drivers |
Automation, Precision Manufacturing, MedTech |
|
Industry Concentration |
Pharmaceuticals, Machinery, Energy |
Swiss Salary Comparison
|
Position Level |
Annual Salary (CHF) |
|
Junior Engineer |
CHF 75,000 - 85,000 |
|
Mid-Career Professional |
CHF 90,000 - 110,000 |
|
Senior/Specialist |
CHF 115,000 - 140,000 |
|
Average Salary |
CHF 95,000 |
Major Employers in Switzerland
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Pharmaceuticals: Roche, Novartis
-
Industrial Equipment: ABB, Sulzer, Bühler
-
Machinery: Schindler, Liebherr
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Energy & Transport: Alstom, Philip Morris International
Work Authorization & Licensing
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No mandatory professional license required
-
University degree recognition essential
-
EU/EFTA citizens: Easier access
-
Non-EU citizens: Requires job offer and work permit quota
Visa Options for Switzerland
|
Permit Type |
Eligibility |
Duration |
|
EU/EFTA Permit L |
Short-term work (EU citizens) |
Up to 1 year |
|
Work Permit B |
Job offer from Swiss employer |
1 year (renewable) |
|
Work Permit C |
Long-term residence |
After 5-10 years |
How to Get Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Switzerland
One is typically required to have a university degree in engineering, but there are also opportunities for those with an undergraduate or graduate degree in other fields. The country also offers a generous system of paid holidays and paternity leave, which are attractive to many potential employees. In addition, the Swiss government offers tax breaks and other incentives to companies that hire mechanical engineers.
4. Germany

Scope of Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Germany
Germany is also considered to be the best country for mechanical engineering jobs by some experts for the career opportunities in Germany. This high demand can be attributed to a number of factors, including the country'sstrong economy and its increasing industrialization.
Germany is also home to a number of prestigious engineering universities, such as ETH Zurich and RWTH Aachen, which are known for their excellence in mechanical engineering. As a result, many talented mechanical engineers graduate from German universities every year and are ready to take on the world's highest demand for mechanical engineering jobs.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, then Germany is definitely a place to consider. The country has all the resources you need to start your career and thrive in the industry.
Job Market Outlook for Germany (2026)
|
Metric |
Value |
|
Annual Job Openings |
8,500+ |
|
Growth Sectors |
Automotive, Renewable Energy, Automation |
|
Industry Strength |
World's 4th largest economy, manufacturing hub |
Salary Ranges in Germany
|
Experience Bracket |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Entry-Level (0-3 years) |
EUR 45,000 - 52,000 |
|
Mid-Level (4-8 years) |
EUR 58,000 - 75,000 |
|
Senior-Level (9+ years) |
EUR 78,000 - 95,000 |
|
Average Salary |
EUR 65,000 |
Top Companies Hiring Mechanical Engineers
-
Automotive: Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch
-
Industrial Machinery: Siemens AG, Krones AG, GEA Group
-
Energy: Enercon GmbH, E.ON, RWE
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Engineering Services: AECOM, Jacobs, Arup
Professional Requirements in Germany
-
Degree recognition through anabin database
-
No mandatory licensing for most positions
-
VDI (Association of German Engineers) membership beneficial
-
German language proficiency (B1-B2 level) often preferred
Work Visa Routes in Germany
|
Visa Type |
Processing Time |
Requirements |
|
EU Blue Card |
4-8 weeks |
University degree + salary EUR 43,800+ |
|
Skilled Immigration Act Visa |
8-12 weeks |
Recognized degree + job offer |
|
Job Seeker Visa |
6 months |
Explore opportunities, no job required initially |
How to get Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Germany
Germany is one of the most popular countries for mechanical engineers due to a large number of companies & high salaries. Plus, the country has a good infrastructure, so you can easily find jobs. There are many companies that are looking for people to work in their companies, and the salaries provided are also very good.
If you want to get a job in Germany as a mechanical engineer, you will need to have a degree in mechanical engineering. If you do not have a degree in mechanical engineering, you will need to have experience working as a mechanical engineer and have passed the relevant exams.
Explore the mechanical engineer salary in Germany with this guide.
5. England

Scope of Mechanical Engineering Jobs in England
Mechanical engineering jobs in England offer a range of opportunities across various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and energy. With a steady demand for skilled engineers, the field presents promising career prospects in the coming years. There are over 6,000 jobs listed on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed.
The Mechanical Engineering Industry Board also reported that the average salary for mechanical engineers in England is £40,766, which means that one can earn a good income if they have the right skills and experience.
The opportunities one can get in England are endless, and there are many companies across the country that are looking for talented engineers to work on their projects. If you are interested in working as a mechanical engineer in England, then you should definitely check out the opportunities available online or through your local job center.
Job Availability & Demand in England for 2026
|
Parameter |
Data |
|
Active Job Listings |
6,000+ on LinkedIn & Indeed |
|
Primary Sectors |
Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy, Aerospace |
|
Regional Hubs |
London, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield |
Mechanical Engineer Salaries in England
|
Career Phase |
Annual Salary (GBP) |
|
Graduate/Junior |
GBP 28,000 - 35,000 |
|
Experienced Professional |
GBP 38,000 - 48,000 |
|
Senior/Chartered Engineer |
GBP 50,000 - 70,000 |
|
Median Salary |
GBP 40,766 |
Leading Employers in England
-
Engineering Consultancy: AECOM, Arup, Atkins
-
Energy: BP, Shell, EDF Energy
-
Automotive: Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bosch
-
Aerospace: BAE Systems, Airbus UK
Professional Accreditation
-
CEng (Chartered Engineer) status through IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers)
-
IEng (Incorporated Engineer) for technician-level roles
-
Professional registration enhances career prospects significantly
UK Work Visa Information
|
Visa Category |
Validity |
Criteria |
|
Skilled Worker Visa |
Up to 5 years |
Job offer, CoS, salary GBP 26,200+, English B1 |
|
Global Talent Visa |
5 years |
Exceptional talent in engineering/tech |
|
Graduate Visa |
2-3 years |
UK university graduates only |
How to Get Mechanical Engineering Jobs in England
To find a mechanical engineering job in England, you'll first need to identify the city or region where you want to live. Mechanical engineering jobs in England are usually in large companies or government departments. However, there are also many small businesses that need mechanical engineers. The main types of jobs that a mechanical engineer can do are design and manufacture of engines, machines, and equipment; development and design of new products; and maintenance and repair of equipment.
6. Japan

Scope of Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Japan
Japan's leadership in robotics, electronics, and automotive technology positions it as one of the best countries for mechanical engineers interested in cutting-edge innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto play a key role in engineering job opportunities, hosting the headquarters of major companies such as Mitsubishi, Honda, and Nintendo. This concentration of businesses boosts job prospects for mechanical engineers, especially for those who are bilingual or possess specialized expertise.
There is a high demand for this profession in Japan due to the country’s abundance of industrial projects. This growth is likely attributable to the fact that many Japanese companies are expanding their operations overseas in order to take advantage of growing markets such as China and South Korea.
Japan’s Demand Trends for 2026
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Job Market Growth |
Expanding due to automation push |
|
Annual Openings |
5,200+ positions |
|
Hot Industries |
Robotics, Automotive, Electronics, Precision Machinery |
|
Geographic Centers |
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya |
Compensation in Japan
|
Experience Level |
Annual Salary (JPY) |
|
Entry-Level |
JPY 2,400,000 - 2,800,000 |
|
Mid-Career |
JPY 3,000,000 - 4,200,000 |
|
Senior/Expert |
JPY 4,500,000 - 6,000,000 |
|
Median Salary |
JPY 3,180,000 |
Major Japanese Employers
-
Automotive: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda
-
Electronics: Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic, Fujitsu
-
Heavy Industries: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy
-
Robotics: Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric
Professional Requirements
-
No mandatory professional license
-
Japanese language proficiency (N2-N3 level) highly valued
-
Familiarity with Japanese engineering standards beneficial
Work Visa for Japan
|
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Requirements |
|
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities Visa |
Employment |
University degree, job contract, Japanese/English proficiency |
|
Highly Skilled Professional Visa |
Points-based (70+) |
Advanced degree, salary, Japanese ability (bonus points) |
|
Startup Visa |
Entrepreneurship |
Business plan in tech/innovation sector |
How to Get Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Japan
If you are interested in working as a mechanical engineer in Japan, you may want to consider studying at a Japanese university. While there are various schools around the world that offer degree programs in mechanical engineering, many Japanese universities are considered to be among the best in the world when it comes to providing quality education in this field.
Furthermore, Japanese companies are often looking for candidates with a strong background in Japanese mechanics and engineering standards, so it will be important for you to have prior experience working within a Japanese context if you want to apply for a job as a mechanical engineer in Japan.
Read this article to know which country is best for MS in Mechanical Engineering.
7. China

Scope of Mechanical Engineering Jobs in China
China is also considered to be the best country for mechanical engineering jobs due to its population. According to the , the average salary of mechanical engineers is expected to grow 11% in the next 5 years.
The scope of mechanical engineering jobs in China ranges from design and manufacturing to maintenance and repair work. Additionally, most of them work in research and development labs. The demand is expected to grow, making China one of the best places to pursue a career in this field.
Market Demand Projection for China 2026
|
Indicator |
Statistics |
|
Expected Job Openings |
15,000+ annually |
|
Salary Growth Rate |
11% over next 5 years (Economic Research Institute) |
|
Demand Drivers |
Belt & Road Initiative, Smart Manufacturing 2025 |
Salary Information for China
|
Career Stage |
Annual Salary (CNY) |
|
Junior Engineer |
CNY 150,000 - 200,000 |
|
Mid-Level Professional |
CNY 250,000 - 400,000 |
|
Senior/Manager |
CNY 450,000 - 650,000 |
|
Average Salary |
CNY 330,770 |
Top Hiring Companies in China
-
Technology: Huawei, Xiaomi, Lenovo
-
Manufacturing: Stanley Black & Decker, Foxconn
-
Automotive: BYD, Geely, SAIC Motor
-
Multinationals: Intel, Cisco, Siemens China
Working Requirements
-
University degree (bachelor's minimum)
-
Bilingual capability (Chinese + English) strongly preferred
-
No mandatory professional license
-
2+ years experience often required for foreign candidates
China Work Permit System
|
Permit Class |
Eligibility |
Advantages |
|
Class A (Top Talent) |
Advanced degrees, high salary, special skills |
Fast processing, family visa, longer duration |
|
Class B (Professional) |
Bachelor's + 2 years experience, job offer |
Standard processing, renewable |
|
Class C (Temporary) |
Short-term projects, internships |
Limited duration, specific purpose only |
How to get Mechanical Engineering Jobs in China
If you're interested in working as a mechanical engineer in China, there are a few things you need to do first. First, you'll need to have a degree in engineering or a related field. Second, you'll need to have experience working with machines and equipment. Finally, you'll need to be bilingual – Chinese and English are both necessary languages when working in China.
If all of that sounds like too much work, there are other options available as well. Countries with high demand for this profession also tend to have low unemployment rates, so there is always room for talented engineers who want to work in China. You can search online for job postings or contact companies directly to inquire about employment opportunities.
Learn how to draft a perfect SOP for mechanical engineering with this article.
Demand Forecast: Best Countries for Mechanical Engineers Through 2030
Based on industry reports, economic projections, and infrastructure investment data, here's the demand outlook for mechanical engineers:
|
Country |
2026-2030 Growth Rate |
Key Growth Drivers |
|
Canada |
12-15% |
Clean energy transition, aging infrastructure renewal |
|
Germany |
8-10% |
Industry 4.0 automation, electric vehicle manufacturing |
|
China |
14-17% |
Belt & Road projects, domestic manufacturing upgrade |
|
Japan |
5-7% |
Robotics expansion, aging workforce replacement |
|
Switzerland |
6-8% |
Precision manufacturing, pharmaceutical equipment |
|
England |
7-9% |
Renewable energy projects, HS2 rail infrastructure |
|
New Zealand |
3-5% |
Construction boom, agricultural technology |
Emerging Trends Across Best Countries for Mechanical Engineers:
-
Renewable energy systems design
-
Electric vehicle development
-
Automation and robotics integration
-
Sustainable manufacturing processes
-
Smart infrastructure and IoT applications
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