Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians held about 41,700 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians were 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, particularly those working in factories, are exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. However, their risk of injury or illness is low if they follow procedures.
Work Schedules
Most mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work full time.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degrees or other postsecondary training to enter the occupation.
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 an organization such as ABET.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers optional credentials through its 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 technologis
Mechanical engineering technicians typically have an interest in the Building and Thinking interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Thinking interest which might fit with a career as a mechanical engineering technician, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Mechanical engineering technicians should also possess the following specific qualities:
Communication skills. Mechanical engineering technicians must be able to clearly understand and follow instructions or, if they do not understand, ask their supervisors to explain. They must be able to clearly explain the need for changes in designs or test procedures both verbally and in writing.
Creativity. Mechanical engineering 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 technicians must make precise measurements and keep accurate records for mechanical engineers.
Interpersonal skills. Mechanical engineering technicians must be able to take instructions and offer advice when it is needed.
Math skills. Mechanical engineering technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Mechanical skills. Mechanical engineering 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 median annual wage for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians was $60,460 in May 2021. 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.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were 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 from 2021 to 2031, 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. Most 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.
Employment
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.
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)