Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Engineering technologists and technicians support engineers by testing equipment, collecting data, and troubleshooting technical problems. They work across industries including manufacturing, construction, utilities, and telecommunications. Most positions require hands-on work in labs, factories, or field sites, often involving specialized tools and measurement instruments.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work varies by specialty but typically includes operating and maintaining equipment, conducting tests, recording measurements, and analyzing results. A technician might calibrate instruments one day, troubleshoot a system failure the next, and prepare technical reports. Tasks combine desk work with hands-on problem-solving, often in collaboration with engineering teams to ensure projects stay on schedule and meet specifications.
Who this work suits
You do well in this role if you enjoy solving practical problems and working with machines or technical systems. You're detail-oriented, comfortable reading blueprints and technical documentation, and prefer tangible work where you can see results. Strong mechanical reasoning and the ability to work methodically through troubleshooting help you succeed.
What it takes
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Shop Technician · Republic Services · Dixon, Solano County · $71,014–$71,014
- US Tech - Vendor Alliance Senior Manager · PwC · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $218,956–$218,956
- Emergency Department Technician II · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $56,302–$56,302
- Customer Service Technician · Agiliti Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $39,748–$61,172
- Financial Accounts Technician · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $46150–$59994
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Surgical Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $55012–$71517
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | $92,100 | $107,060 | $120,430 | 810 |
| New Mexico | $98,520 | $101,750 | $119,350 | 1,390 |
| Maryland | $77,770 | $99,970 | $122,870 | 2,630 |
| Washington | $79,000 | $99,720 | $116,210 | 2,310 |
| Virginia | $79,620 | $98,410 | $110,930 | 3,720 |
| Rhode Island | $77,510 | $94,570 | $108,230 | 380 |
| Nevada | $78,870 | $93,670 | $107,090 | 590 |
| Hawaii | $69,860 | $90,040 | $107,930 | 410 |
| Alaska | $62,620 | $89,810 | $106,870 | 380 |
| Indiana | $76,060 | $88,880 | $107,720 | 480 |
| New Jersey | $64,760 | $87,450 | $113,550 | 880 |
| Oklahoma | $64,730 | $81,330 | $96,100 | 870 |
All 49 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) — The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
- Photonics Technician Operator (PTO) — ETA International
- Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) — Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification
- Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD) — Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification
- Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician (CCMT) — Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification
- Floor Care Technician (FCT) — Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-3029.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.