by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology explores A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In The Support Of Engineers To The Design, Development, And Operational Evaluation Of Autonomous, Computer-Controlled, Electro-Mechanical Systems. Includes Instruction In Computer And Software Engineering, Control Engineering, Electronic And Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, And Robotics. Continue reading for the essential details every mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology programs.
Across the country, mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology is a popular field of study, with 792 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 54 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology 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 | 118 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 258 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 27 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 389 |
People currently working in careers related to mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 31.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 30.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 11.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 9.8% |
| Some college courses | 6.6% |
| Master’s degree | 5.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 3.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology prepares you for many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | 376,668 | -2.8% |
| Robotics Technicians | 45,207 | 12.2% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,527 |
| 4 years | $62,211 |
| 5 years | $69,356 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $134,632 |
| Robotics Technicians | $131,252 |
With 54 different mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician | 2,973 |
| Instrumentation Technology/Technician | 2,697 |
| Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians, Other | 1,873 |
| Biomedical Technology/Technician | 1,460 |
| Automation Engineer Technology/Technician | 1,364 |
| Robotics Technology/Technician | 761 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
