Robotics Engineers
Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.
Also called: Algorithm Engineer, Automation Engineer, Autonomous Vehicle Design Engineer, Autonomy Engineer, Controls Engineer, Design 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 OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.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
Robotics 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 robotics engineers do
- 01Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
- 02Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
- 03Debug robotics programs.
- 04Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
- 05Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
- 06Provide technical support for robotic systems.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- 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 robotics engineers
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians77% · group pay
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians77% · —
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians74% · —
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians73% · —
- Robotics Technicians71% · group pay
Change into robotics engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians77% · $66,120
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians72% · $82,890
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians71% · $74,510
- Computer Network Architects65% · $134,050
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians65% · $78,190
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.