by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology covers Mechanical/mechanical Engineering Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers Engaged In The Design And Development Phases Of A Wide Variety Of Projects Involving Mechanical Systems. Includes Instruction In Principles Of Mechanics, Applications To Specific Engineering Systems, Design Testing Procedures, Prototype And Operational Testing And Inspection Procedures, Manufacturing System-Testing Procedures, Test Equipment Operation And Maintenance, And Report Preparation. Read on to learn the key facts every mechanical engineering/mechanical technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mechanical engineering/mechanical technology programs.
Across the country, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology is a widely-pursued major, with 3,162 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 191 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mechanical engineering/mechanical technology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mechanical engineering/mechanical technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills built by a mechanical engineering/mechanical technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a mechanical engineering/mechanical technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mechanical engineering/mechanical 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 | 41 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,016 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,721 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 378 |
People currently working in careers related to mechanical engineering/mechanical technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 29.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 26.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 24.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 7.1% |
| Some college courses | 6.9% |
| Master’s degree | 4.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 1.3% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology can lead to many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to mechanical engineering/mechanical technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mechanical engineering/mechanical 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% |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | 193,201 | 0.6% |
| Mechanical Drafters | 127,074 | 12.6% |
| Robotics Technicians | 45,207 | 12.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of mechanical engineering/mechanical technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise 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/mechanical technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mechanical engineering/mechanical technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $134,632 |
| Robotics Technicians | $131,252 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $108,923 |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | $89,794 |
| Mechanical Drafters | $78,252 |
With 191 different mechanical engineering/mechanical technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mechanical engineering/mechanical technology school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in mechanical engineering/mechanical 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.
