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Engineering and Architecture

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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Median pay

$68,730
Median annual pay for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

38,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Engineering and Technology
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Design
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Written Comprehension
  3. 3Information Ordering
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Innovation
  5. 5Intellectual Curiosity
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Contact With Others
  3. 3E-Mail
  4. 4Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Representative tasks

  • Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
  • Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
  • Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
  • Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
  • Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
  • Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
  • Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
  • Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandDassault Systemes SolidWorks · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyThe MathWorks MATLAB · hot technologyMicrosoft Visual Basic · hot technologySAP software · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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