Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuitry. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians typically do the following:
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians test and operate machines in factories and at other worksites. They also document the tests they performed and analyze and record the results of those tests.
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians install, maintain, and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled mechanical systems in industrial settings.
They also test, operate, or maintain robotic equipment at worksites. This equipment may include unmanned submarines, aircraft, or similar types of equipment for uses that include oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal.
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians held about 13,400 jobs in 2020. The largest employers of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians were as follows:
| Machinery manufacturing | 14% |
| Engineering services | 11 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 7 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 5 |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 4 |
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work with electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. They work primarily in manufacturing industries, including those of computer and electronic products and of machinery, and in professional, scientific, and technical services. They often work both at production sites and in offices.
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are sometimes exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials. However, incidents are rare as long as workers follow safety procedures.
Most electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.
Associate’s degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are offered at vocational–technical schools and community colleges.
Employers may prefer to hire graduates of programs accredited by an organization such as ABET. Associate’s degree programs usually include courses in subjects such as algebra, trigonometry, and sciences. Depending on the program, students may have the option of concentrating in a field such as electromechanics, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance.
Communication skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must be able to follow instructions from engineers. They also need to clearly convey problems to engineers.
Detail oriented. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must take and record the precise measurements that engineers need.
Dexterity. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must be adept in using handtools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to create electronic components.
Logical-thinking skills. To carry out engineers’ designs, inspect designs for quality control, and assemble prototypes, electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must follow a specific sequence or a set of rules.
Math skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their tasks.
Mechanical skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must create components for industrial machinery or equipment. They must be able to operate equipment such as drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes.
Problem-solving skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must be able to identify and fix problems that arise with engineering designs and prototypes.
Writing skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must write clear, well-organized reports that describe onsite construction, testing results, and problems they found in carrying out designs.
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians may earn optional certification to demonstrate professional competence.
The International Society of Automation offers the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) and Certified Automation Professional (CAP) designations. Both require a written exam, and recertification is required after a specified number of years.
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers certification in electrical power testing and other specialties. The technologist certification requires a 4-year engineering technology degree.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians was $60,360 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 $37,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,070.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | $61,030 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 60,910 |
| Machinery manufacturing | 60,220 |
| Engineering services | 49,260 |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 47,690 |
Most electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Percent change in employment, projected 2020-30
Employment of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians is projected to decline 2 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Despite declining employment, about 1,200 openings for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Many of these technologists and technicians are employed in manufacturing industries, for which employment projections vary. Automation in manufacturing could affect this occupation in both positive and negative ways. While automation may replace certain responsibilities, electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians will still be needed to operate and maintain the robotic equipment.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2020 | Projected Employment, 2030 | Change, 2020-30 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians |
17-3024 | 13,400 | 13,100 | -2 | -200 | Get data | |
For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
Technology Student Association (TSA)
For more information on accredited programs, visit
For more information about certification, visit
International Society of Automation (ISA)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
For information about working in automation, visit
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians