by our College Data Analytics TeamTechnology is forever changing. Whether it is crafting bridges or programming new software, we are always demanding newer, better and faster processes. Engineers are the sources of this change; they examine and redesign existing machinery as well as come up with new products to make the world a better place.
A major in Engineering Technology will provide you with knowledge of engineering principles and technical skills in order to assist engineers with various projects. Students will focus on the technological aspects of engineering. There are many different elements to this field, with opportunities for students interested in electronics, building structures, designing machinery or even preserving nature. A fondness of architecture and engineering can be united with a degree in Architectural Engineering Technology; while an interest in engineering and the environment can lead to a degree in Environmental Control Technology.
Within this field you will be taking courses in Technical drawing, Computers for engineering technology, Processes of industry, and Structural Systems. The majority of these majors, within this field, are offered as an Associate's degree, however depending on the institution this major could be offered as a Bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's may present you with more job opportunities and higher pay, while an Associate's might be recommended for those who already have job experience.
A major in Engineering Technologies explores Engineering/engineering-Related Technologies/technicians. Instructional Programs That Prepare Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineering And Related Projects Or To Prepare For Engineering-Related Fields. Read on to learn the essential details every engineering technologies student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering engineering technologies programs.
Nationwide, engineering technologies draws strong interest, with 91,975 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Engineering Technologies Schools ranking analyzes these 1,441 schools to determine the best overall colleges for engineering technologies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of engineering technologies programs later in this article.
Studies in Engineering Technologies build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations engineering technologies graduates commonly enter.
Mathematical and Scientific skills are critical in order to be successful in any of these majors. Engineering Technology focuses on the modernization of products; therefore problem solving and creativity are two vital skills. Students interested in this field are advised to take prior courses in mathematics and science. Students may also want to gain work experience through part-time jobs, internships or co-op positions. There is a lot of hands-on learning involved in this field.
Skills emphasized by a engineering technologies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a engineering technologies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several engineering technologies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 13,532 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 21,426 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 17,799 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 36,833 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 216 |
People currently working in careers related to engineering technologies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 24.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 21.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 18.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 12.6% |
| Some college courses | 8.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 4.8% |
| Master’s degree | 4.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.5% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.3% |
| Post-doctoral training | 1.2% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.0% |
| First professional degree | 0.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in engineering technologies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates with a degree in Engineering Technology can enter into many different careers. Most graduates become Technicians in whichever concentration they chose; for example, if you majored in Civil Engineering Technology you could become a Civil Engineering Technician. Technicians aid engineers and other project managers in order to complete their assignments.
Others may choose careers in Quality Control. This job involves conducting tests, inspecting products and processes, and collecting data in order to maintain and improve the profitability and regulations of industries.
Most technicians work full 40 hour weeks in offices, construction sites, manufacturing or industrial plants, or laboratories. As technology continues to improve and get more sophisticated, the demand for skilled technicians will grow.
Studying engineering technologies opens doors to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to engineering technologies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to engineering technologies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Semiconductor Processing Technicians | 812,716 | 7.8% |
| Power Plant Operators | 808,707 | 10.6% |
| Traffic Technicians | 767,409 | 9.7% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | 588,041 | -4.4% |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 523,745 | -1.2% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of engineering technologies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $52,984 |
| 4 years | $57,882 |
| 5 years | $64,651 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for engineering technologies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers engineering technologies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $134,632 |
| Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists | $128,495 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $109,781 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $108,923 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
With 1,441 different engineering technologies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased engineering technologies school rankings to help you.
Students interested in engineering technologies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
