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Career overview · SOC 17-3027

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.

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

Median pay (national)
$68,730
$46,940–$100,890 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
37,450
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
0%
~3,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $100,890 versus $46,940 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $68,730 leaves roughly 47% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change 0% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 3,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 46 states with released data, Louisiana pays the most for this role (median $100,430, +46% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $50,450 — a 99% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Science
  • Learning Strategies

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
  • Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
  • Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
  • Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
  • Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
  • Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.

Tools & technology

  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C++
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • SAP software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Ansys Fluent
  • ANSYS Mechanical
  • ANSYS simulation software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical
  • Autodesk Inventor
  • CNC Mastercam

Knowledge areas

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mechanical
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Production and Processing
  • Physics