Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
SOC: 17-3027 O*NET: 17-3027.00
Median Salary
$74,510
per year
Job Growth
➡️ N/A
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
What does a Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$48,400
10th percentile
Early Career
$59,510
25th percentile
Median
$74,510
50th percentile
Experienced
$88,110
75th percentile
Top Earners
$106,050
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$48,400
25th
$59,510
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$74,510
Mean: $76,380
75th
$88,110
90th
$106,050
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $57,650 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $59,510 and $88,110
- •Salary spread is 38.4% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 36,190 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:38,300
Top Industries
Manufacturing51.7%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services30.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services30.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:0%
Annual Openings:3,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)38,300
Current
2034 (Projected)38,300
0%
0
Employment Change
0%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 45 locations
Michigan
4,930 jobs$68,1704.81x
California
3,660 jobs$87,3900.86x
Texas
2,140 jobs$76,6100.65x
Ohio
1,800 jobs$78,5001.39x
Pennsylvania
1,620 jobs$70,8201.15x
Indiana
1,500 jobs$77,2202.01x
Massachusetts
1,310 jobs$62,3901.55x
South Carolina
1,290 jobs$69,5802.40x
North Carolina
1,190 jobs$62,3601.03x
Illinois
1,170 jobs$77,0200.82x
New York
1,140 jobs$78,2100.51x
Wisconsin
900 jobs$67,8501.31x
Utah
900 jobs$61,8702.24x
Washington
890 jobs$79,4101.07x
Missouri
800 jobs$92,1501.17x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Engineering and Technology
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
Mechanical
92%
#6
Written Comprehension
92%
#7
Design
86%
#8
Reading Comprehension
86%
#9
Near Vision
82%
#10
Speaking
80%
Skills Overview
Engineering and Technology
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Mechanical
advanced4.6
92%
Written Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Design
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Engineering and Technology
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Written Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Design
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance78%
knowledge
3.9/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate70%
5 shared skills
Actuaries67%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers67%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Design
Learn on the Job:
- →Operations Monitoring
- →Writing
- →Computers and Electronics
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Design
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Mechanical
- ★Design
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
The MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
The MathWorks MATLAB
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
C++
Microsoft Office software
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)General Responsibilities (5)Planning & Development (9)Operations & Execution (2)Analysis & Evaluation (2)
1
Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.40
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.07
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.01
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.92
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.81
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.81
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Dependability
4.0
Initiative
3.9
Persistence
3.8
Integrity
3.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.7
Cooperation
3.7
Achievement/Effort
3.6
Independence
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 64 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 5 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: MI (8) , SC (7) , VA (5) , MO (4) , PA (4)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.1k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
891 program completions/year
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
754 program completions/year
SOWELA Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA
699 program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
695 program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
611 program completions/year
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OH
545 program completions/year
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
498 program completions/year
Northwestern Technological Institute
Southfield, MI
473 program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
468 program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
454 program completions/year
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS
432 program completions/year