Mechatronics Engineers
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Also called: Applications Engineer, Automation Application Engineer, Automation Designer, Automation Engineer, Control Integration Engineer, Control Systems Engineer
Median pay
$122,930
Pay for the broader BLS group “Engineers, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$66,810 – $189,950
People employed
154,070
Whole BLS group
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 happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Mechatronics Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Engineers, All Other”.
What mechatronics engineers do
- 01Create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.
- 02Design advanced precision equipment for accurate or controlled applications.
- 03Design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
- 04Implement or test design solutions.
- 05Maintain technical project files.
- 06Identify materials appropriate for mechatronic system designs.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
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 mechatronics engineers
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians83% · —
- Mechanical Drafters80% · —
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians78% · —
- Materials Scientists78% · —
- Software Developers75% · —
Change into mechatronics engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Materials Scientists85% · $117,790
- Mechanical Drafters78% · $71,550
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians76% · $66,120
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters75% · $76,870
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians75% · $74,510
Majors that lead here
- Engineering, General
- Applied Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Laser and Optical Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
- Engineering Science
- Ocean Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.