Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
SOC code 17-3027 · O*NET-SOC 17-3027.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$74,510
a year
Hourly
$35.82
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$76,380
$36.72 per hour
Middle 50%
$59,510 – $88,110
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$48,400 – $106,050
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
36,190
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $48,400
- $23.27/hr
- 25th percentile
- $59,510
- $28.61/hr
- Median percentile
- $74,510
- $35.82/hr
- 75th percentile
- $88,110
- $42.36/hr
- 90th percentile
- $106,050
- $50.99/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
0%
Little or no change expected
38,300
jobs in 2024
38,300
projected for 2034
About 0 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do mechanical engineering technologists and technicians do?
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
- Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
- Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 37% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree37%
- Post-Secondary Certificate33%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
- Some College Courses9%
Common questions
How much does a mechanical engineering technologists and technicians earn?
The national median is $74,510 a year. The full range runs from $48,400 at the 10th percentile to $106,050 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a mechanical engineering technologists and technicians without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 0% between 2024 and 2034 — little or no change expected. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Speaking3.6/5
- Writing3.5/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and Technology4.2/5
- Mechanical4.1/5
- Design4.0/5
- Mathematics3.7/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Production and Processing3.3/5
- Physics3.2/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Quality Control Analysis.