Mechanical statergy

What you can expect to make
		Hourly wages ($29.83) are above the national average ($18.07). These earnings are close to the average for occupations in the natural and applied sciences and related occupations and close to the average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.

Close to the average
The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%). This rate is close to the average for professionnal occupations.

% of part-time work is about the same as average
		There were 36,100 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 60% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers is 3% compared to the 2004 average (19%) and has risen significantly since 1997.

Average
The percentage of self-employed workers is 12% compared to the 2004 average of 15% and has risen since 1997.

		The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.

Below average
The percentage of women (6%) is below the 2004 average of 48% and has risen since 1997.