Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices.
Is mechanical engineering technologists and technicians a good career?
It scores 13/100 and ranks #576 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($74,510)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (0.0%)
What mechanical engineering technologists and technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. mechanical engineering technologists and technicians earn between $59,510 and $88,110 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live mechanical engineering technologists and technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow little or no change through 2034.
Education
High school students interested in becoming a mechanical engineering technologist or technician should take classes in math, science, and computer science.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree or a certificate from a community college or vocational–technical school. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree or whose programs are accredited by a professional organization.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians may obtain optional credentials through technician certification programs. For example, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians who examine water-based fire protection systems may obtain certification in fire sprinkler layout or fire sprinkler inspection and testing. An engineering technologist’s or technician’s supervisor usually must verify the candidate’s performance competency as part of the certification process.
Advancement
Technicians who obtain appropriate education or certification may advance to become technologists.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must be able to clearly explain, both orally and in writing, the need for changes in designs or test procedures.
Detail oriented. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must make precise measurements and keep accurate records for mechanical engineers.
Math skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting.
Mechanical skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must apply theory and instructions from engineers by making new components for industrial machinery or equipment. They may need to be able to operate machinery such as drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes.
Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers bring their plans and designs to life. This may require helping the engineer overcome problems that emerge throughout development or manufacturing.
Related occupations
How much do mechanical engineering technologists and technicians make?
The national median wage is $74,510 a year, with the middle half earning between $59,510 and $88,110 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is mechanical engineering technologists and technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 13 of 100 and ranks #576 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change 0.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a mechanical engineering technologists and technician?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do mechanical engineering technologists and technicians earn the most?
Among states, Louisiana pays the highest median ($102,800). Local pay for every state and metro is below.