by our College Data Analytics TeamWant 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.
Studying Mechanical Engineering Technology covers Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/technicians. Read on to learn the important information every mechanical engineering technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mechanical engineering technology programs.
Nationwide, mechanical engineering technology is a popular field of study, with 5,996 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 264 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mechanical engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mechanical engineering technology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Mechanical Engineering Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mechanical engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set emphasized by a mechanical engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a mechanical engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mechanical 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 | 550 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,616 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2,458 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,312 |
People currently working in careers related to mechanical engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 24.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 24.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 21.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 18.3% |
| Some college courses | 6.9% |
| Master’s degree | 2.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.6% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mechanical engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Majoring in mechanical engineering technology can lead to a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to mechanical engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mechanical engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | 376,668 | -2.8% |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 361,883 | -1.1% |
| Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians | 350,797 | 10.0% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | 214,833 | 10.6% |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | 193,201 | 0.6% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of mechanical engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $58,128 |
| 4 years | $66,942 |
| 5 years | $75,102 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for mechanical engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mechanical engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $134,632 |
| Robotics Technicians | $131,252 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $108,923 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | $89,794 |
| Mechanical Drafters | $78,252 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $77,835 |
With 264 different mechanical engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mechanical engineering technology school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in mechanical engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
