Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Mechanical Engineering Technologist or Technician Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers manufacture industrial machinery and other equipment. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree or other postsecondary
Education
High school students interested in becoming a mechanical engineering technologist or technician should take classes in math, science, and computer science. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree or a certificate from a community college or vocational–technical school. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree or whose programs are accredited by a professional organization.
Training
to enter the occupation.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians may obtain optional credentials through technician certification programs. For example, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians who examine water-based fire protection systems may obtain certification in fire sprinkler layout or fire sprinkler inspection and testing. An engineering technologist’s or technician’s supervisor usually must verify the candidate’s performance competency as part of the certification process. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Advancement Technicians who obtain appropriate education or certification may advance to become technologists.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 3,100 openings for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians will continue to be needed to help engineers plan for and design increasingly complex mechanical products, equipment, and systems. However, automation of routine engineering and design tasks also may reduce the need for workers in this occupation. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Total, all occupations 3% Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians 3% Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians 1% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Do
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture tools, engines, machines, and other devices. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, and report their findings.
Duties
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically do the following:
- Evaluate specifications in design drawings prior to adding or replacing tools
- Prepare layouts and drawings of the assembly process and parts to be made, usually using three-dimensional design software
- Recommend cost-effective changes in equipment design to improve reliability and safety
- Review instructions and blueprints in order to ensure that project plans follow test specifications and procedures and meet objectives
- Plan, produce, and assemble mechanical parts for products, such as industrial equipment
- Set up and conduct tests of complete units and their components, and record results
- Compare test results with design specifications and with test objectives and recommend changes, if needed, in products or test methods
- Make calculations for business estimates, such as of labor costs and equipment lifespan
Mechanical engineering technicians typically install, troubleshoot, and maintain designs created by engineers. They may work under the direction of engineers or engineering technologists.
Mechanical engineering technologists typically help engineers improve designs or incorporate new technology. They may be team leaders, instructing mechanical engineering technicians on installing equipment, systems, or structures.
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians test and inspect machines and equipment or work with engineers to eliminate production problems. For example, they may help test products by setting up instruments for vehicle crash tests.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians held about 36,900 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 20% |
| Machinery manufacturing | 14 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 14 |
| Scientific research and development services | 7 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 6 |
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians, particularly those working in factories, are exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. However, their risk of injury or illness is low if they follow procedures.
Work Schedules
Most mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work full time.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must be able to clearly explain, both orally and in writing, the need for changes in designs or test procedures. Detail oriented. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must make precise measurements and keep accurate records for mechanical engineers. Math skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting. Mechanical skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians must apply theory and instructions from engineers by making new components for industrial machinery or equipment. They may need to be able to operate machinery such as drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes. Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers bring their plans and designs to life. This may require helping the engineer overcome problems that emerge throughout development or manufacturing.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mechanical engineering technologists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.