What They Do: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices.
Work Environment: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians assist with manufacturing processes in factories or with development phases in research and development labs before manufacturing takes place.
How to Become One: Most employers prefer to hire candidates with an associate’s degree or other postsecondary training in mechanical engineering technology. Prospective engineering technicians should take as many science and math courses as possible while in high school.
Salary: The median annual wage for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians is $60,460.
Job Outlook: Employment of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians is projected to grow 2 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians with similar occupations.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically do the following:
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians test and inspect machines and equipment or work with engineers to eliminate production problems. For example, they may assist in testing products by setting up instrumentation for vehicle crash tests.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians hold about 41,700 jobs. The largest employers of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 24% |
| Machinery manufacturing | 12% |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 9% |
| Scientific research and development services | 9% |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 6% |
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials, but injuries are rare as long as proper procedures are followed.
Most mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work full time.
Get the education you need: Find schools for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians near you!
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degrees or other postsecondary training to enter the occupation.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate's degree or a certificate from a community college or vocational-technical school. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes but include more theory-based and liberal arts coursework and programs. Community colleges typically award an associate's degree. Vocational–technical schools include postsecondary public institutions that emphasize training needed by local employers. Students who complete these programs typically receive a diploma or certificate.
ABET accredits associate's degree programs in relevant fields of study, such as mechanical engineering technology.
Completing an associate's degree in mechanical engineering technology is good preparation for studying for a bachelor's degree.
High school students interested in becoming mechanical engineering technologists and technicians should take classes in math, science, and computer skills. Courses that help students develop skills working with their hands also are valuable because these technicians build what mechanical engineers design.
Communication skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must be able to clearly understand and follow instructions or ask their supervisors for clarification if they do not understand. They must be able to clearly explain, both orally and in writing, the need for changes in designs or test procedures.
Creativity. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers bring their plans and designs to life. This often requires helping the engineer to overcome problems that might not have been anticipated.
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 in their work.
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.
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers four levels of certification through its technician certification programs. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians can obtain certification in industrial instrumentation by passing an examination. In addition, an engineering technician's supervisor must verify the competency of the candidate for certification.
The median annual wage for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians is $60,460. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,670, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,300.
The median annual wages for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Scientific research and development services | $74,180 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | $60,950 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | $60,430 |
| Machinery manufacturing | $60,220 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | $60,150 |
Most mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work full time.
Employment of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians is projected to grow 2 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 4,200 openings for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
See all engineering jobs.
Because mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are directly supervised by mechanical engineers, their employment growth will be driven by many of the same factors driving employment growth for mechanical engineers. For example, as manufacturing processes incorporate more complex automation machinery, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are expected to be needed to help plan for and design this equipment.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians | 41,700 | 42,500 | 2 | 900 |
For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit
American Society for Engineering Education
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Technology Student Association
For information about accredited programs, visit
For information about certification, visit
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.