The median annual income reported in a recent survey of the compensation of mechanical engineers was $79,740, with the middle 50% falling between $62,000 and $100,000, according to Dr. Steven Langer, president of Abbott, Langer & Associates, Inc., Crete, IL. The composite highest-income practitioner in this field (salary plus cash bonus and/or cash profit sharing) is the Research Vice President/Director, with a median income of $141,000. On the other end of the income spectrum, Junior Engineers have a median annual income of $50,000.

The survey was sent to members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Usable responses were received from 8,764 individuals. The results are contained in an in-depth, 564-page survey report, "Compensation in Mechanical Engineering, 2002," sponsored by ASME. The report is available for $375 from Abbott, Langer & Associates, Dept. NR, 548 First St., Crete, IL 60417, www.abbott-langer.com.