STEM Specialization

Mechanical Engineering Tech

Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates earn $82,073 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About Mechanical Engineering Tech

Mechanical Engineering Tech is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $82,073 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 321 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 5,841 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$62,554
Median Earnings · 4yr
$82,073
Colleges Offering
321
Graduates / Year
5,841
Avg Net Price / yr
$17,479

How Much Do Mechanical Engineering Tech Graduates Earn?

Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates earn $82,073 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $66,779 and $98,563.

$62,554
1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$82,073
4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$81,765
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.


Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $82,073 against an estimated $69,916 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 103 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 5,841 students who complete Mechanical Engineering Tech programs each year, the majority (54%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 54%
Associate's 34%
Certificate 10%

What Can You Do With a Mechanical Engineering Tech Degree?

Mechanical Engineering Tech connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians leads at $82,890/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +8.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$82,890
$68K $111K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 900 openings/yr 11K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Quality Control Analysis Operations Monitoring Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

  • Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
  • Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
  • Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
↗ +0.0% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$74,510
$60K $88K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 3,200 openings/yr 36K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

  • Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
  • Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
  • Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
↗ +1.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$73,900
$60K $89K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 1,300 openings/yr 16K employed nationally
Operations Monitoring Troubleshooting Repairing Equipment Maintenance Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

  • Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
  • Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
  • Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
↘ -6.5% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$71,550
$58K $86K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 3,300 openings/yr 40K employed nationally
Active Learning Critical Thinking Mathematics Active Listening Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

  • Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
  • Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
↗ +6.0% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$57,550
$47K $67K 25th–75th pct.
High school diploma or equivalent 2,600 openings/yr 23K employed nationally
Repairing Equipment Maintenance Troubleshooting Operation and Control Operations Monitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

  • Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
  • Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
  • Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
↗ +4.2% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$50,620
$39K $70K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 70,000 openings/yr 705K employed nationally
Repairing Troubleshooting Operations Monitoring Critical Thinking Equipment Maintenance
Day-to-day responsibilities

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

  • Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
  • Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  • Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.

Top Colleges for Mechanical Engineering Tech

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Mechanical Engineering Tech students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public 271 49.9% $14,600 $72,424
2 Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics West Mifflin, PA · Nonprofit 261 Open $32,618 $66,642
3 CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, NY · Public 129 80.3% $5,127 $49,365
4 Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI · Public 119 91.4% $8,624 $54,735
5 ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA · For-Profit 106 74.5% $22,965 $42,837
6 Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY · Nonprofit 95 66.9% $34,906 $76,571
7 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, IL · Public 89 86.9% $13,297 $53,390
8 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH · Public 78 59.7% $13,946 $46,600
9 Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN · Public 77 80.8% $10,873 $48,387
10 University of North Texas Denton, TX · Public 73 72.2% $15,649 $57,010
11 University of Toledo Toledo, OH · Public 66 92% $17,249 $50,632
12 University of Houston Houston, TX · Public 65 73.9% $14,276 $62,377
13 Western New England University Springfield, MA · Nonprofit 64 83.5% $27,290 $73,157
14 Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, ID · Nonprofit 62 95.8% $8,221 $53,406
15 Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, NY · Public 60 63.3% $10,867 $69,781
16 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC · Public 58 79.6% $15,435 $57,289
17 Art Center College of Design Pasadena, CA · Nonprofit 55 74.5% $48,661 $71,958
18 Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City Kansas City, MO · Public 54 Open $8,398 $40,796
19 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA · Public 53 75.2% $11,531 $71,902
20 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA · Public 49 69.2% $15,048 $57,552

Ranked by Mechanical Engineering Tech graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

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 Mechanical Engineering Tech program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Mechanical Engineering Tech Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Mechanical Engineering Tech a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS
  • Strong median salary Graduates earn $82,073 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $62,554 at graduation to $82,073 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 81,300 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Mechanical Engineering Tech Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates earn?
Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates earn a national median of $82,073 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $66,779 and $98,563. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineering Tech degree?
One year after graduation, Mechanical Engineering Tech degree holders earn a median of $62,554. That climbs to $82,073 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Mechanical Engineering Tech degree?
Mechanical Engineering Tech degree holders pursue careers including Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, which pays a median of $82,890/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Mechanical Engineering Tech program take?
A Mechanical Engineering Tech bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Mechanical Engineering Tech?
321 colleges and universities in the United States offer Mechanical Engineering Tech programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Mechanical Engineering Tech degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $82,073 and an average net price of roughly $17,479/yr, a Mechanical Engineering Tech degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Tech and Engineering Tech?
Mechanical Engineering Tech is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Mechanical Engineering Tech-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates?
Employers hiring Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Mechanical 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 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates?
The job outlook for Mechanical Engineering Tech graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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