Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

People in this career spend their days working with physical machinery and equipment. Under the direction of engineers or scientists, they inspect equipment, gather technical information, and record their findings. They draft layouts, specify parts, and solve complex problems to ensure machinery functions correctly. This role requires evaluating information to make sure everything complies with industry standards.

To succeed, workers need a strong foundation in mechanical concepts, engineering technology, design, physics, and mathematics. They must be skilled in active listening, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and quality control analysis. Because the work is highly technical, these professionals must be cautious, dependable, and highly attentive to detail. They also need to be cooperative team members who communicate clearly with supervisors and peers to keep projects running smoothly.

Entering this field typically requires an associate's degree. This level of preparation falls under medium career preparation, which frequently involves vocational training, an associate degree, or relevant hands-on experience. Students preparing for this career often major in mechanical engineering-related technologies or other engineering-related technician programs.

While not always mandatory, professionals can earn various industry credentials to demonstrate their expertise. Available certifications include the Certified Engineering Technologist from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies and the Fundamentals of Engineering - Mechanical credential. Other options include the Mechanical and Electronic Torque Certification, the PMMI Mechatronics: Mechanical Components 2 certification, and specialized automation credentials from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance, such as the Certified Industry 4.0 Associate in Robot System Operations.

In 2025, the median annual pay for these technologists and technicians was $74,510. This means half of the workers in this field earned more than this amount, while half earned less. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location; the lowest 10 percent of workers earned under $48,400, while the highest 10 percent earned over $106,050.

There are 36,190 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 1.3 percent, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Despite this slow growth rate, the field is expected to generate approximately 3,100 job openings each year.