Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Overview
Introduction
Mechanical engineering technicians work under the direction of mechanical engineers to design, build, maintain, and modify many kinds of machines, mechanical devices, and tools. They work in a wide range of industries and in a variety of specific jobs within every industry.
Mechanical engineering technicians review mechanical drawings and project instructions, analyze design plans to determine costs and practical value, sketch rough layouts of proposed machines or parts, assemble new or modified devices or components, test co...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Salaries for mechanical engineering technicians vary depending on the nature and location of the job, employer, amount of training the technician has received, and number of years of experience.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual salary for mechanical engineering technicians was $56,250 in May 2018. Salaries ranged from less than $34,900 to $85,430 or more. Tho...
Work Environment
Mechanical engineering technicians work in a variety of conditions, depending on their field of specialization. Technicians who specialize in design may find that they spend most of their time at the drafting board or computer. Those who specialize in manufacturing may spend some time at a desk, but also spend considerable time in manufacturing areas or shops.
Conditions also vary by ind...
Outlook
Employment for mechanical engineering technicians is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all careers through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Many jobs in design services and manufacturing are being outsourced to foreign countries, where workers receive lower salaries. Also, design and testing processes are continuously being streamlined, which reduces the ti...
