Engineering and architecture
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Median pay
$74,510
Growth to 2035
+1%
little or no change
Openings a year
3,100
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians: 60% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- 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.
- Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
Also called: Engineering Laboratory Technician (Engineering Lab Technician) · Engineering Technical Analyst · Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech) · Engineering Technologist · Manufacturing Engineering Technician (Manufacturing Engineering Tech) · Mechanical Designer · Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech) · Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech)
Outlook and AI
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians held 36,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 37,400 by 2035 (+1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
Productivity change - share decreases as improvements in computer-aided design software, knowledge-based systems, and related technologies allow these workers to perform routine tasks more efficiently.
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