Industry Outlook:
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mechanical engineering technologists are indispensable across nearly every industry, from automotive and aerospace to health care, energy, and consumer products.
These professionals excel in evaluating designs, creating detailed layouts and drawings with advanced 3D software, and recommending improvements to enhance reliability, safety, and efficiency, as well as to maintain standards. They ensure that assembly plans align with test specifications and objectives, fabricate mechanical components for products, conduct rigorous tests, analyze performance data, and suggest modifications to achieve design goals.
Their expertise in designing, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems is crucial for industries reliant on machinery, equipment, and intricate processes. Mechanical engineering technologists play a key role in ensuring that systems are not only functional but also safe, cost-effective, and optimized for efficiency.
Future of the Industry
Largest Employers of Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians*
19%
Architectural, engineering, and related services
11%
Transportation equipment manufacturing
11%
Machinery manufacturing
11%
Scientific research and development services
7%
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2023, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians held about 39,900 jobs across several industries. They work mostly on machinery to make sure the equipment is safe and functional.
*Percentages reflect only the largest employers and do not include all employers of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians.
Annual Salary of Mechanical Engineering Technologists
The BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,020 for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians as of May 2023, with a range of less than $44,110 for the bottom 10% of earners and more than $96,740 for the top 10%.
ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $75,937, as of November 2024, with most salaries ranging from $67,500 to $90,000.
The BLS projects an average of 3,500 job openings nationwide for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians each year through 2033.
Metropolitan Areas with the Highest Employment of Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state with the best opportunity for job placement in the MET field is Michigan. Coming in second and third, respectively, are California and Texas.
Enter This Industry
Education Levels for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Mechanical engineering technicians usually need an associate degree or a certificate to qualify for entry-level positions in the field. Mechanical engineering technologists, however, generally require a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. In either case, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree or ABET-accredited program. It might also be practical to secure advanced certifications.
Earn Your Degree with Excelsior
Excelsior University’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology program is designed for creative makers, problem-solvers, and career builders who want to be ready for technical jobs in aerospace, energy, robotics, biomechanics, and more. The hands-on curriculum equips you with the comprehensive understanding of complex systems and practical skills employers are looking for.
The program prepares you for certificates in assistive design and CAD, as well as in digital manufacturing, and for certification exams such as Certified Manufacturing Engineer, Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Systems Engineering Professional, Digital Manufacturing and Design Technology Certification, EPA Operators Safety Certification, Master Certified Electronics Technician, and others.
Students can choose from the Nuclear, Renewable Energy, or Robotics concentrations.
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Take the Next Steps
If you’re interested in learning more about Excelsior University’s online bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology, contact one of our friendly admissions counselors to request more information. No matter where you are on your education journey, we’re here to help you get to the finish line.
