Want to build the next fastest car? Or do you want to develop the most innovative aircraft? A degree in mechanical engineering technology will lead you in that direction. This major prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing of mechanical systems. Students will learn the basics of mechanics, energy, and materials. They will gain skills in computer-aided design and engineering and learn how to test parts and different materials for efficient quality. The course work for this major includes Machine design and kinematics, Technical communications, Electronic circuit and electrical analysis, and Statics.
Some of the concentrations of this major include Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering. This major is offered as an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree.
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Mechanical Engineering Technology Degrees in the United States
#132Most Popular Major
6.2kDegrees Awarded
239Schools Offering Degrees
In 2021-2022, mechanical engineering technology was the 132nd most popular major nationwide with 6,205 degrees awarded.
Our 2025 Best Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes 77 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for mechanical engineering technology students. Explore this or one of our many other custom me tech rankings further below.
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Requirements for Getting a Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology
If you are strong in math and science courses this major would be a good fit for you. There is a large amount of lab work and experimentation, which is great for students with a hands-on approach to learning. Students should try to take classes in algebra, geometry and chemistry prior to college. If you enjoy working with technology and state-of-the-art computer methods this major would be suited for you.
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ME Tech Degree Program Entry Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most me tech degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific me tech careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Types of Mechanical Engineering Technology Degrees
There are many different me tech degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in mechanical engineering technology to something that takes less time like a . The type of me tech degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to me tech, with approximately 22.1% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for me tech workers below.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Post-Secondary Certificate
32.6%
Bachelor’s Degree
21.6%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree)
21.6%
High School Diploma
18.0%
Some College Courses
3.9%
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The chart below shows what degree level those who work in mechanical engineering technology have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which me tech career you choose.
Career Opportunities for A Degree In ME Tech Graduate
AverageNumber of Jobs
$57.2kAverage Starting Salary
6% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
There are many opportunities for those who study Mechanical Engineering Technology. The majority of graduates enter into the workforce as Mechanical Engineer Technicians. In this job you will draw up layouts and make sketches, analyze and record data, estimate and calculate data and report findings. Graduates can also go into the fields of automotive and transportation, climate control, food handling, machine design, power generation, and automation. There is not a large demand for these technicians, so competition for some types of jobs may be high. Prior work experience or an internship may give you the competitive edge you need.
Growth Projected for ME Tech Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your me tech degree? Mechanical Engineering Technology careers are expected to grow 6.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mechanical engineering technology.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
795,800
6.1%
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
48,400
5.0%
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
12,900
6.6%
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How Much Money Do ME Tech Grads Make?
Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $57,224 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $15,085 to as high as $113,475. As you might expect, salaries for me tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid ME Tech Careers
Salaries for mechanical engineering technology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers me tech grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
$68,970
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
$58,240
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
$43,730
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Getting Your Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree
With over 530 different me tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased me tech school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Mechanical Engineering Technology
by our College Data Analytics Team
