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Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Decatur, IL

All JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Decatur, IL

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$17

$32

$53

How much do entry level mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical engineer in Decatur, IL is $32.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $36.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Designer?

AspectEntry Level Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly internship experienceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field, technical certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, testing, and project collaboration in engineering teamsCreating detailed drawings and models, often using CAD software, in design departments
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveDesign firms, manufacturing companies, product development
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mechanical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to design, analyze, and test mechanical systems, often working on projects from concept to prototype. Mechanical Designers primarily create detailed CAD drawings and models for manufacturing and assembly. While both roles require a mechanical engineering background, engineers typically engage in broader engineering tasks, whereas designers concentrate on detailed design work.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level mechanical engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level mechanical engineer, you will typically be involved in a variety of projects that support more senior engineers. Your tasks may include creating and revising CAD drawings, assisting with prototype development, conducting basic calculations and simulations, and performing hands-on testing in the lab or on the production floor. You'll also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and design. This exposure helps you build foundational technical skills while learning effective teamwork and communication in a professional engineering environment.

What are entry-level mechanical engineering jobs?

Entry-level mechanical engineering jobs typically include roles such as design engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality engineer, often requiring a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. These positions involve tasks like CAD modeling, testing, and assisting in product development, with common tools including AutoCAD and SolidWorks. They usually offer on-the-job training and may require some familiarity with industry standards and safety protocols.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Entry level mechanical engineering positions typically do not pay $500,000 annually. High-paying engineering roles such as senior engineering managers, director-level positions, or specialized consulting roles in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or technology can reach or exceed this salary level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes additional certifications or leadership responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project needs. These abilities are crucial for delivering accurate designs, meeting project deadlines, and integrating smoothly into engineering teams.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, leadership roles, or working in high-paying industries. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and certifications, and may involve managing large projects or teams.

What Does an Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Do?

An entry-level mechanical engineer works on product design for a given industry, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, manufacturing, or entertainment. Your job duties as an entry-level mechanical engineer depend on the size of your employer and the scope of the projects your team handles. At a large corporation, your job focuses on a specialized element of the product design. At a small company or startup, your responsibilities encompass all of the engineering elements of a project. Regardless of company size, you need communication and interpersonal skills as a mechanical engineer, because teamwork is essential to the job.

What does an entry level mechanical engineer do?

An entry level mechanical engineer assists in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical devices, such as engines, tools, and machines. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to learn industry practices and gain hands-on experience. Their tasks often include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, creating prototypes, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. Entry level engineers also help prepare technical reports and documentation while collaborating with other engineering teams.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Entry level mechanical engineering positions are open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 40 is possible. Success depends on relevant education, skills, and experience, such as proficiency with CAD software and understanding of engineering principles. Many engineers transition careers later in life and find opportunities in the field.
More about Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL? For Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Entry Level Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Engineer job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,981 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
Entry Level NDT Assistant

Entry Level NDT Assistant

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

Decatur, IL • On-site

$21.63 - $34.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 hours ago

Acuren rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Acuren is seeking an Entry Level NDT Assistant for operations in Decatur, IL. LOCAL APPLICANTS ONLY.

This will be a nested position and will be a fast track to NDT Level II. 

NDT Assistants will assist in performing calibrations, Nondestructive Tests, and evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and record results.


  • Set up and utilize Nondestructive Test equipment
  • Assist Radiographers in the calibration of NDT equipment
  • Assist Radiographers to conduct tests to ensure quality or detect discontinuities (defects) using NDT methods of inspection
  • Record results of inspections
  • Assist performing NDT procedures, carrying equipment and other operations
  • Perform other job related tasks as assigned by management

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college preferred
  • Technical background desired
  • Must be able to have experience, credentials and history to be certified as Trustworthy & Reliable to comply with federal and state regulations, as determined by a thorough background check
  • Motor Vehicle Driving record must meet company standards to drive company vehicles
  • MUST PASS DRUG/ALCOHOL AND BACKGROUND SCREENS PER CLIENT REQUIREMENTS.

  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Pay Transparency: As per applicable state law the job posting pay range is $21.63-34.13/hr depending on experience and applicable certifications.

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world’s largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees.  #LI-BE1

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