Mechanical Engineering Technicians

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Annual Earnings Percentiles

Skill Scores

  • creative icon 68

    Creative

  • analytical icon 66

    Analytical

  • supported icon 36

    Supported

  • social icon 21

    Social

  • purpose icon 16

    Purpose

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College Majors

  • Engineering technicians, except drafters

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    What Mechanical Engineering Technicians Do

    Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.

    Work Environment

    Mechanical engineering technicians assist with manufacturing processes in factories, or with development phases in research and development labs before manufacturing takes place.

    How to Become a Mechanical Engineering Technician

    Most employers prefer to hire candidates with an associate’s degree or other postsecondary training in mechanical engineering technology. Prospective engineering technicians should take as many science and math courses as possible while in high school.

    Job Outlook

    Employment of mechanical engineering technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Nevertheless, there should be opportunities for those who can master new software and technology, as well as traditional manual skills.

    Job Trends for Mechanical Engineering Technicians

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    This occupation supported 47,500 jobs in 2012 and 48,400 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 1.9%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 4.6% in 2022 to 49,700 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 47,900, compared with an observed value of 48,400, 1.0% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 1.9% in 2024 to 49,300 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 50,100 jobs for 2024, 1.6% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.