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: Apparatus Engineering Technologist, Automation Design Checker, Brinell Tester, Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), Computer-Aided Design Designer, Development Technician
Median pay
$74,510
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$48,400 – $106,050
People employed
36,190
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (44 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians salary in every state →
What mechanical engineering technologists and technicians do
- 01Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- 02Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- 03Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
- 04Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
- 05Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
- 06Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer77% · +75%
- Nuclear Technicians75% · +48%
- Aviation Inspectors75% · group pay
- Mechatronics Engineers75% · group pay
- Mechanical Engineers74% · +40%
Change into mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Mechatronics Engineers83% · $122,930
- Chemical Technicians80% · $60,390
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians79% · $53,350
- Fuel Cell Engineers78% · $104,110
- Photonics Engineers78% · $122,930
Majors that lead here
- Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
- Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.