Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians apply engineering principles to develop, modify, test, and adjust machinery and equipment. They work under the direction of engineers or scientists in manufacturing plants, research facilities, construction companies, and other industrial settings. Their work bridges design concepts and practical equipment operation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mechanical engineering technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves hands-on tasks like assembling prototypes, operating testing equipment, and collecting performance data. Technicians may use computer-aided design software to modify component specifications, troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, or conduct quality inspections. They document results, collaborate with engineering teams on problem-solving, and maintain detailed records of tests and modifications.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited to this work if you enjoy hands-on problem-solving with machines and systems. You're drawn to understanding how things work and investigating technical problems methodically. You combine practical skills with analytical thinking, and you prefer learning through vocational training or applied experience over purely theoretical study.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $74,900 | $102,800 | $177,240 | 270 |
| New Mexico | $76,750 | $97,560 | $118,800 | 320 |
| Missouri | $75,290 | $92,150 | $102,380 | 800 |
| California | $69,490 | $87,390 | $104,220 | 3,660 |
| Connecticut | $63,150 | $82,660 | $100,450 | 350 |
| Rhode Island | $63,280 | $81,600 | $140,960 | 30 |
| Oregon | $64,920 | $80,840 | $88,830 | 260 |
| Nebraska | $60,290 | $80,050 | $99,640 | 250 |
| Washington | $62,240 | $79,410 | $105,020 | 890 |
| Maryland | $62,550 | $79,180 | $98,830 | 640 |
| Ohio | $63,610 | $78,500 | $84,390 | 1,800 |
| New York | $61,370 | $78,210 | $82,870 | 1,140 |
All 44 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Fundamentals of Engineering - Mechanical (FE-M) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Certified Engineering Technologist — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Mechanical: Thermal and Fluid Systems (PE-M:T&FS) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Mechanical and Electronic Torque Certification — Snap-on Industrial
- PMMI Mechatronics: Mechanical Components 2 — Packaging Machinery Manufacturing Institute
- Section 609 Technician Certification - Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) — Environmental Protection Agency
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mechanical engineering technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-3027.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.