10 answers
robert
Student
Rancho Cucamonga, California
1
Question
10 answers
Scott Vollmoeller
Mechanical Consulting Engineer
5
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Scott’s Answer
It depends on job type. As a consulting engineer, the hours per week will vary depending on deliverables. I would count on an average of 40/week, but sometimes 50 could be required to meet a deliverable deadline.
Ricardo Stephens II
Talent Acquisition
2
Answers
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
At my company, most engineers usually work a regular 40-hour week. Depending on the project, you might need to work extra hours. However, there are busy and quiet times. There is always flexibility though to have some work/life balance as long as your job is done. Generally, you can expect to work from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for most positions.
Josep Antonio Perez
Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer
19
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Josep Antonio ’s Answer
From 2021–2025, when I worked as an engineer, I typically worked a standard 40-hour week on a 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule. While engineering roles can offer some flexibility, you are still responsible for completing assigned work and may need to adjust your schedule or make up hours when needed. With the level of responsibility, the role also provided financial stability and a good quality of life.
In salaried positions, the emphasis is on completing projects rather than strictly tracking hours. During busy periods or approaching deadlines, I sometimes worked 45–50 hours per week. Overall, workload varies depending on project demands and deadlines.
In salaried positions, the emphasis is on completing projects rather than strictly tracking hours. During busy periods or approaching deadlines, I sometimes worked 45–50 hours per week. Overall, workload varies depending on project demands and deadlines.
karthik k
4
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
karthik’s Answer
Work hours can differ between companies. Generally, employees work 8 to 9 hours a day, totaling about 40 hours a week. Some companies offer flexible hours and allow employees to work from home, depending on the project they are involved in.
Franny Buzimkich
Executive Concierge
43
Answers
Wolcott, Connecticut
Updated
Franny’s Answer
Hi Robert,
The answer depends on what kind of engineer and where they work, but most engineers work around a standard full-time schedule.
Typical Hours
Most engineering jobs are based on a 40-hour work week (about 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday).
Real-World Range
In practice, many engineers work:
40-45 hours/week in stable office-based roles
45-55 hours/week during busy project phases or deadlines
50+ hours/week in some senior, management, construction, consulting, or high-growth environments
By Engineering Discipline
Engineering Field Typical HoursMechanical Engineering Often around 40 hours, with increases during major design or testing phases
Civil/Construction Engineering Can be less predictable due to job sites, deadlines, and inspections
Software Engineering Often flexible, but hours may increase around product launches
Manufacturing Engineering May involve shift-based schedules supporting plant operations
Compared to Other Careers You've Asked About
Approximate weekly hours:
Career Typical HoursMechanical Engineer ~40-45 hrs/week most of the time
Medical Technologist Often 40 hrs/week, may include nights/weekends depending on the lab
Investment Banking Analyst Frequently 70-100+ hrs/week
Physician (after training) Commonly 50-70+ hrs/week, varies by specialty
One Reason Many People Like Engineering
Engineering often provides a solid balance of:
Good salary
Interesting problem-solving work
Predictable schedules compared with careers like investment banking or medicine
For someone exploring mechanical engineering, medicine, biochemistry, and detective work, engineering is usually one of the better options if work-life balance is important to you while still earning a strong income.
If you were considering mechanical engineering specifically, I'd estimate most mechanical engineers spend the majority of their career somewhere around 40-45 hours per week, with occasional busy periods when projects are due.
The answer depends on what kind of engineer and where they work, but most engineers work around a standard full-time schedule.
Typical Hours
Most engineering jobs are based on a 40-hour work week (about 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday).
Real-World Range
In practice, many engineers work:
40-45 hours/week in stable office-based roles
45-55 hours/week during busy project phases or deadlines
50+ hours/week in some senior, management, construction, consulting, or high-growth environments
By Engineering Discipline
Engineering Field Typical HoursMechanical Engineering Often around 40 hours, with increases during major design or testing phases
Civil/Construction Engineering Can be less predictable due to job sites, deadlines, and inspections
Software Engineering Often flexible, but hours may increase around product launches
Manufacturing Engineering May involve shift-based schedules supporting plant operations
Compared to Other Careers You've Asked About
Approximate weekly hours:
Career Typical HoursMechanical Engineer ~40-45 hrs/week most of the time
Medical Technologist Often 40 hrs/week, may include nights/weekends depending on the lab
Investment Banking Analyst Frequently 70-100+ hrs/week
Physician (after training) Commonly 50-70+ hrs/week, varies by specialty
One Reason Many People Like Engineering
Engineering often provides a solid balance of:
Good salary
Interesting problem-solving work
Predictable schedules compared with careers like investment banking or medicine
For someone exploring mechanical engineering, medicine, biochemistry, and detective work, engineering is usually one of the better options if work-life balance is important to you while still earning a strong income.
If you were considering mechanical engineering specifically, I'd estimate most mechanical engineers spend the majority of their career somewhere around 40-45 hours per week, with occasional busy periods when projects are due.
Erick Rivera
Associate Electrical Engineer
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Erick’s Answer
Hi Robert,
Most engineers usually work from 9 AM to 5 PM, which is a 40-hour week. However, this can vary depending on the company, so it's a good idea to check this when applying for jobs. Some companies offer great perks like summer hours, where you can leave early on Fridays during the summer to enjoy a better work-life balance. Remember, there will be both slow and busy weeks, so try not to overwork yourself. It's important to discuss with your manager how to meet deadlines realistically and if needed share the workload with your coworkers. Also, project engineers sometimes travel to job sites, which might change your schedule a bit, so keep your team informed about any changes.
Most engineers usually work from 9 AM to 5 PM, which is a 40-hour week. However, this can vary depending on the company, so it's a good idea to check this when applying for jobs. Some companies offer great perks like summer hours, where you can leave early on Fridays during the summer to enjoy a better work-life balance. Remember, there will be both slow and busy weeks, so try not to overwork yourself. It's important to discuss with your manager how to meet deadlines realistically and if needed share the workload with your coworkers. Also, project engineers sometimes travel to job sites, which might change your schedule a bit, so keep your team informed about any changes.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
258
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Robert,
Thank you very much for this thoughtful question.
It's useful for us to first look at the general requirements for working hours. Labor laws provide for this - the laws may vary from one country to another. United Nations, through it's International Labor Organization (ILO) provides fundamental guidelines too. The overriding consideration is the safety, health & well-being of the employee. The 40 hours/week normal working hours is the direct result of this consideration. Overtime is paid at higher rates for hours in excess of the weekly normal working hours. In my country, working for more than 56 hours a week is not allowed if such excess hours cannot be reconciled to comply with the law within the same month. Besides, paid annual leave is provided for so employees can have adequate time, off work, to rest and recover.
Working hours for engineers not only vary from one organization/institution to another but also within the same organization based on roles and seniority.
I spent most of my career in the beer industry where factories operate 24/7. Shift engineers rotate with their respective shifts from one week to the other, based on shift configurations - they are required to support the maintenance crew during planned maintenance outages, when appropriate. Section engineers - the most senior engineers in process departments - largely operate autonomously in ensuring safe, reliable and economical operation of production facilities. Their normal working routines normally span over 10 - 12 hours each working day - they are on standby to attend to emergencies during after hours though. A good section engineer ensures efficient and effective maintenance work takes place so incidents of breakdowns are greatly minimized - it's the best way to guarantee adequate sleep for the maintenance crew and success for the organization.
Head of engineering oversees all maintenance operations within the facility, doubles as projects manager and is the custodian of engineering standards. When I was in such a role, my routines would run from 06h00 to 18h00 each working day. Routines are structured to cover all critical aspects of operations from one day to the next and over the week, month, quarter, half-year & year. Broadly speaking, the entire financial year is planned for. Break-ins do occur however. Procedural modalities are in place to deal with contingencies that arise.
I do hope this provides adequate foundation for you to build on.
Best of luck in your career.
Thank you very much for this thoughtful question.
It's useful for us to first look at the general requirements for working hours. Labor laws provide for this - the laws may vary from one country to another. United Nations, through it's International Labor Organization (ILO) provides fundamental guidelines too. The overriding consideration is the safety, health & well-being of the employee. The 40 hours/week normal working hours is the direct result of this consideration. Overtime is paid at higher rates for hours in excess of the weekly normal working hours. In my country, working for more than 56 hours a week is not allowed if such excess hours cannot be reconciled to comply with the law within the same month. Besides, paid annual leave is provided for so employees can have adequate time, off work, to rest and recover.
Working hours for engineers not only vary from one organization/institution to another but also within the same organization based on roles and seniority.
I spent most of my career in the beer industry where factories operate 24/7. Shift engineers rotate with their respective shifts from one week to the other, based on shift configurations - they are required to support the maintenance crew during planned maintenance outages, when appropriate. Section engineers - the most senior engineers in process departments - largely operate autonomously in ensuring safe, reliable and economical operation of production facilities. Their normal working routines normally span over 10 - 12 hours each working day - they are on standby to attend to emergencies during after hours though. A good section engineer ensures efficient and effective maintenance work takes place so incidents of breakdowns are greatly minimized - it's the best way to guarantee adequate sleep for the maintenance crew and success for the organization.
Head of engineering oversees all maintenance operations within the facility, doubles as projects manager and is the custodian of engineering standards. When I was in such a role, my routines would run from 06h00 to 18h00 each working day. Routines are structured to cover all critical aspects of operations from one day to the next and over the week, month, quarter, half-year & year. Broadly speaking, the entire financial year is planned for. Break-ins do occur however. Procedural modalities are in place to deal with contingencies that arise.
I do hope this provides adequate foundation for you to build on.
Best of luck in your career.
Tom McCaffrey
Management
24
Answers
Smyrna, GA
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Engineering hours can vary a lot because the work itself is always changing. Many jobs start with about 40 hours a week, but this can change based on the industry, the project stage, and your specific tasks. When deadlines get tight, systems have issues, or a design review is near, engineers often work extra hours. This isn't about overtime pay, but rather meeting the job's expectations since most engineering roles are salaried. Some weeks feel balanced, while others are longer when needed. Ultimately, engineering hours are not the same for everyone; they depend on the job, the team, and what's happening in the project.
Brian Swain
Mechanical Engineer
71
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Robert,
It depends on what exactly you are doing. If you're job is traveling to customer sites, you may have odd hours and often work overtime. But it really depends on the specific company/industry/position. I personally have almost always worked around 40 hours a week ( 5 days a week, hours a day)
. hope this helps.
Best regards,
Brian
It depends on what exactly you are doing. If you're job is traveling to customer sites, you may have odd hours and often work overtime. But it really depends on the specific company/industry/position. I personally have almost always worked around 40 hours a week ( 5 days a week, hours a day)
. hope this helps.
Best regards,
Brian
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Landon
Veronica Soto
Human Capital
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Veronica’s Answer
Engineering is an amazing career choice with many exciting paths to explore, like Civil or Technical Engineering. My husband is a Civil Engineer, and he works for a small firm that handles city projects for the state. In the summer, he works 50 to 55 hours a week, but in the winter, he works 40 hours. His schedule depends on the number of projects, and he often spends time outside supervising construction. He enjoys working with statistics and physics, loves building things, and finds joy in seeing a project come to life to improve the city.