Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn $74,510 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $59,510 and $88,110. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Also known as:
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn $74,510 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $59,510 and $88,110. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
Above the national median for college graduates.
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
The BLS projects +0.0% employment change for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians through 2034, below the national average of +5%. About 3,200 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
Slower than average.
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
The five states below employ the most Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $74,510 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 5,470 | $63,130 | -15.3% |
| 2 | California | 3,300 | $82,210 | +10.3% |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | 2,100 | $61,550 | -17.4% |
| 4 | Ohio | 1,910 | $67,510 | -9.4% |
| 5 | Texas | 1,810 | $74,330 | -0.2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
Most Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians positions require a associate's degree to qualify. The 2 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical Engineering Tech | 5,841 | $82,073 | 321 |
| 2 | Engineering-Related Tech | 1,144 | $74,842 | 122 |
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 2 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL | 93 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
| 3 | New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ | 87 | $16,504 | $84,276 |
| 4 | Texas A&M University-Central Texas Killeen, TX | 87 | $1,300 | — |
| 5 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA | 86 | $11,531 | $71,902 |
| 6 | Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN | 86 | $14,600 | $72,424 |
Once you've sized up Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
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The data on Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians shows 2 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
A popular claim holds that the applied engineering-tech degree pays more than the theoretical one. Across every program, engineering wins by about $10,000.
Air traffic controllers earn more than the typical bachelor's-degree career, with an associate degree. The occupations that pay six figures without four years of college.
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
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