Mechanical Engineers typically make 60-70k straight out of school if you work for a big firm.  With 5 years of experience it's not uncommon to hit 100k.  I know a few ME that make 150k working for oil/gas companies.  Like already mentioned, you will always have a job and make good money as an Engineer, unless you are lazy and don't work.
I'm a Structural Engineer and it's a great field to be in if you like working on large projects.  I started off at 62k straight out of college.  Chemical Engineering is the highest paying, but you have to compete with a lot of overseas jobs and typically need to travel.  I know a CE that makes 200k after 10 years of experience, but he travels all over Europe for a large Petro Chem company.
Any way you look at it, Engineering is a solid job with a decent salary.  The only Engineers i know who are unemployed are the lazy ones.
Good luck!
