by our College Data Analytics TeamThe study of Engineering-Related Technologies encompasses two main concentrations: Surveying Technology and Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology. These two focuses are different and both are significant. Survey Technology uses computerized technology known as geometrics to map. You will learn to use survey and mathematic equipment to map, plan, and measure areas of the land, in order to create maps.
Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology is the study of developing and using fluid power and transportation systems. In this major you will learn about pipeline and pumping systems, how to design and operational testing, and gain knowledge of fluid power systems.
While studying Surveying you will take classes in Construction Surveying, Statistics, Calculus, Analytic Geometry, and Fluid Mechanics Applications. If you decide to study Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology you will take courses in Fluid Mechanics Applications, Advanced Hydraulic Circuits, Fluid Power Design, and Electro Hydraulic Systems. These concentrations are offered as both an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree.
A degree in Engineering-Related Technologies involves the study of Engineering-Related Technologies/technicians. Read on to learn the important information every engineering-related technologies major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering engineering-related technologies programs.
In the U.S., engineering-related technologies is a popular field of study, with 1,237 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Engineering-Related Technologies Schools ranking analyzes these 91 schools to determine the best overall colleges for engineering-related technologies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of engineering-related technologies programs later in this article.
Programs in Engineering-Related Technologies build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations engineering-related technologies graduates commonly enter.
Mathematic skills are extremely important to possess for both of these concentrations. A grasp of scientific knowledge is critical in order to understand engineering concepts and skills. Students with analytical minds often do well. To prepare for this major, students are advised to take prior courses in Trigonometry, Geometry, Computer applications and Drafting/technical drawing. These courses will help students to prepare for this major.
Skills developed in a engineering-related technologies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a engineering-related technologies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several engineering-related 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 | 162 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 372 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 242 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 440 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 4 |
People currently working in careers related to engineering-related technologies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 29.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 22.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 19.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 14.1% |
| Some college courses | 9.9% |
| Master’s degree | 2.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.0% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in engineering-related technologies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
There are many different career paths that students can follow after graduating with a degree in Engineering-Related Technologies. With a concentration in Surveying you can pursue a career as a Geoscientist, Construction Manager, Drafter, or Architect.
A concentration in Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology could lead to a career as a Fluid Power Engineering Technician and Engineering Technician. These jobs use both technical engineering principles and technical skills to support engineers and other professionals.
Majoring in engineering-related technologies prepares you for many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to engineering-related technologies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to engineering-related technologies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Surveyors | 397,409 | 15.0% |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 361,883 | -1.1% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | 193,201 | 0.6% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Geodetic Surveyors | 69,858 | -3.5% |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | 55,239 | -4.8% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of engineering-related technologies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $61,962 |
| 4 years | $60,220 |
| 5 years | $64,342 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for engineering-related technologies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers engineering-related technologies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Surveyors | $131,353 |
| Geodetic Surveyors | $125,113 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $123,658 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Drafters, All Other | $114,777 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $108,923 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | $89,794 |
With 91 different engineering-related technologies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased engineering-related technologies school rankings to help you.
Students interested in engineering-related technologies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Surveying Technology/Surveying | 1,046 |
| Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician | 112 |
| Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other | 79 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
