Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture tools, engines, machines, and other devices. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, and report their findings.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically do the following:
Mechanical engineering technicians typically install, troubleshoot, and maintain designs created by engineers. They may work under the direction of engineers or engineering technologists.
Mechanical engineering technologists typically help engineers improve designs or incorporate new technology. They may be team leaders, instructing mechanical engineering technicians on installing equipment, systems, or structures.
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians test and inspect machines and equipment or work with engineers to eliminate production problems. For example, they may help test products by setting up instruments for vehicle crash tests.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians held about 40,400 jobs in 2020. The largest employers of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 22% |
| Machinery manufacturing | 15 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 11 |
| Scientific research and development services | 6 |
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
Technicians who obtain appropriate education or certification may advance to become technologists.
Communication skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must be able to clearly explain, both orally and in writing, the need for changes in designs or test procedures.
Detail oriented. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must make precise measurements and keep accurate records for mechanical engineers.
Math skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting.
Mechanical skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and 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.
Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers bring their plans and designs to life. This may require helping the engineer overcome problems that emerge throughout development or manufacturing.
Median annual wages, May 2021
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.
Percent change in employment, projected 2020-30
Employment of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 4,000 openings for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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.
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. These factors include demand for engineering services in the motor vehicle parts and machinery manufacturing industries.
Companies may contract out the work of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians to consulting firms, which should lead to employment growth in this industry. Contracting for this work allows companies to obtain engineering services at a lower cost than employing in-house technologists and technicians.
| 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 |
|||||||
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians |
17-3027 | 40,400 | 42,700 | 6 | 2,300 | Get data | |
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)