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STEM
Engineering Tech
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Engineering Tech
Applied engineering training tied to specific industries — manufacturing, electronics, and mechanical systems — with faster time to employment than a traditional engineering degree. Graduates earn a national median of $93,843 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 1,610 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 86,188 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $64,745
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $93,843
- Colleges Offering
- 1,610
- Graduates / Year
- 86,188
- Specializations
- 19
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $17,577
Is a Engineering Tech Degree Right for You?
$93,843
Median earnings · 4yr
+3.8%
10yr job growth
19
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~1.1
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $93,843 against an estimated $70,308 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Engineering Tech Majors Earn?
Engineering Tech graduates start at a median $64,745 one year out and reach $93,843 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 1,610 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$64,745
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$93,843
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$83,322
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Engineering Tech specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $120,399/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $66,185/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$66,185
Lowest
$93,843
Median
$120,399
Highest
What Can You Do With an Engineering Tech Degree?
Career Paths for Engineering Tech Graduates
Engineering Tech connects to 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads in median earnings at $171,270/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Architectural & Engineering Manager
Bachelor's degree
$171,270
↗ +3.8% growth
Software Developer
Bachelor's degree
$135,980
↗ +15.8% growth
Industrial Production Managers
Bachelor's degree
$126,060
↗ +1.9% growth
Construction Managers
Bachelor's degree
$114,990
↗ +8.7% growth
Nuclear Technicians
Associate's degree
$110,240
↘ -7.7% growth
Engineering Teachers
Doctoral or professional degree
$109,270
↗ +8.1% growth
Facilities Managers
Bachelor's degree
$106,660
↗ +3.8% growth
Software QA & Test Engineer
Bachelor's degree
$104,300
↗ +10.0% growth
Engineering Tech Specializations
Engineering Tech breaks into 19 specializations. Earnings range widely from $66,185 to $120,399 at the four-year mark. Each row links to a dedicated program profile. Sorted highest-paying first, based on national College Scorecard data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Engineering Tech
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Engineering Tech graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
Acceptance
57.4%
Net price/yr
$21,315
Earnings 10yr
$72,097
Grad rate
80%
2
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public
Acceptance
49.9%
Net price/yr
$14,600
Earnings 10yr
$72,424
Grad rate
77%
3
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$7,258
Earnings 10yr
$37,186
Grad rate
15%
4
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL · Public
Acceptance
65.4%
Net price/yr
$12,786
Earnings 10yr
$51,989
Grad rate
56%
5
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Brooklyn, NY · Public
Acceptance
80.3%
Net price/yr
$5,127
Earnings 10yr
$49,365
Grad rate
24%
6
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$13,508
Earnings 10yr
$38,916
Grad rate
28%
7
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$6,962
Earnings 10yr
$33,017
Grad rate
25%
8
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC · Public
Acceptance
89.2%
Net price/yr
$15,739
Earnings 10yr
$55,146
Grad rate
64%
9
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
Acceptance
89.9%
Net price/yr
$14,967
Earnings 10yr
$62,668
Grad rate
59%
10
New York University
New York, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
9.2%
Net price/yr
$37,050
Earnings 10yr
$82,509
Grad rate
76%
11
SOWELA Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$7,525
Earnings 10yr
$32,303
Grad rate
22%
12
DeVry University-Illinois
Lisle, IL · For-Profit
Acceptance
98.4%
Net price/yr
$30,770
Earnings 10yr
$45,987
Grad rate
20%
13
University of Houston
Houston, TX · Public
Acceptance
73.9%
Net price/yr
$14,276
Earnings 10yr
$62,377
Grad rate
60%
14
Duke University
Durham, NC · Nonprofit
Acceptance
5.7%
Net price/yr
$29,612
Earnings 10yr
$97,800
Grad rate
94%
15
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI · Public
Acceptance
91.4%
Net price/yr
$8,624
Earnings 10yr
$54,735
Grad rate
52%
16
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$27,025
Earnings 10yr
$52,953
Grad rate
74%
17
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
66.9%
Net price/yr
$34,906
Earnings 10yr
$76,571
Grad rate
65%
18
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR · Public
Acceptance
74.3%
Net price/yr
$18,209
Earnings 10yr
$58,191
Grad rate
57%
19
ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA · For-Profit
Acceptance
74.5%
Net price/yr
$22,965
Earnings 10yr
$42,837
Grad rate
50%
20
Pierpont Community and Technical College
Fairmont, WV · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$8,325
Earnings 10yr
$35,132
Grad rate
21%
Ranked by number of Engineering Tech graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Engineering Tech Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Engineering Tech degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Engineering Tech degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Engineering Tech Degree: Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and positive career growth put Engineering Tech above most majors on the key financial metrics. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS, not editorial scoring.
PROS
- Strong median salary Graduates earn a national median of $93,843 four years after graduation, above most major categories.
- Growing field Top career paths show up to +15.8% projected 10-year growth per BLS, including Software Developer.
- Wide availability Offered at 1,610 colleges nationwide, including community colleges and online programs.
- High-earning specializations available Top specializations report median earnings of $120,399, creating strong upside for students who choose a high-demand track.
CONS
- Declining roles in some areas 1 related career within this field show negative 10-year employment projections per BLS. Research specific roles carefully before committing.
- Highly competitive job market Approximately 86,188 students graduate in this field each year, one of the highest volumes among all majors.
Engineering Tech Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Engineering Tech graduates earn?
Engineering Tech graduates earn a national median of $93,843 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Engineering Tech degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Engineering Tech degree holders is $64,745 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Engineering Tech degree?
Engineering Tech degree holders work in a range of careers. Architectural & Engineering Manager is one of the top roles by median wage ($171,270/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Engineering Tech?
1,610 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Engineering Tech, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Engineering Tech degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $93,843 and an average net price of roughly $17,577/yr across institutions offering this major, a Engineering Tech degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Engineering Tech degree?
A bachelor's degree in Engineering Tech typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years. Online and part-time options can adjust these timelines based on your schedule and transfer credits.
What skills do employers look for in Engineering Tech graduates?
Employers hiring Engineering Tech graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, data interpretation, and problem-solving. Strong foundational skills in math, science, or programming are expected, and employers often prioritize candidates with internship or research experience.
Is graduate school worth it for Engineering Tech graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000–$40,000 to long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Engineering Tech graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Engineering Tech graduates is moderate, with an average of +5.6% projected growth across related occupations. Software Developer is among the strongest-growth roles at +15.8%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
Related Findings
-
All 38 Majors, Ranked by What Graduates Earn
The highest-earning college major out-pays the lowest by a factor of two and a half. The full ranking of all 38 fields by median graduate earnings, with job growth alongside.
- Major earnings
- Highest paying majors
- Job growth
- STEM
- Field of study
-
Does Engineering Tech Out-Earn Engineering? The Data Says No
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.
- Engineering tech
- Engineering
- Program earnings
- Applied degree
- Technician careers
-
STEM Is Not One Thing: The Pay Gap Within STEM
Across 88 STEM programs the top one out-earns the bottom by $65,000 a year. Operations research pays $122,531; environmental design pays $57,461.
- STEM earnings
- Engineering pay
- Computer science
- Program earnings
- Major choice
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