Robotics Engineers

SOC code 17-2199 · O*NET-SOC 17-2199.08 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Robotics Engineers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$122,930

a year

Hourly

$59.10

per hour

10th$66,810Median$122,93090th$189,950

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$125,330

$60.26 per hour

Middle 50%

$90,970 – $158,090

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$66,810 – $189,950

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

154,070

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Engineers, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $66,810; $32.12/hr
25th percentile: $90,970; $43.73/hr
Median percentile: $122,930; $59.10/hr
75th percentile: $158,090; $76.01/hr
90th percentile: $189,950; $91.32/hr

What does a robotics engineer do?

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
Debug robotics programs.
Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
Provide technical support for robotic systems.
Design end-of-arm tooling.
Design robotic systems, such as automatic vehicle control, autonomous vehicles, advanced displays, advanced sensing, robotic platforms, computer vision, or telematics systems.

How to become a robotics engineer

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree50%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree17%
Master's Degree17%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate7%

Common questions

How much does a robotics engineer earn?

The national median is $122,930 a year. The full range runs from $66,810 at the 10th percentile to $189,950 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 robotics engineer without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5
Writing3.8/5
Mathematics3.8/5
Active Learning3.8/5

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology4.8/5
Design4.6/5
Computers and Electronics4.5/5
Mechanical4.2/5
Mathematics4.2/5
English Language4.0/5
Physics3.9/5
Production and Processing3.7/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.