by our College Data Analytics TeamAre you interested in the technology that makes robotic machines work? Do you enjoy working with different types of electrical systems or troubleshooting issues? You may be interested in an Electromechanical Engineering major.
As an electromechanical engineer, you will be able to develop, repair, and upgrade mechanical systems, build and test new machines, lead projects to improve manufacturing and production efficiency, and understand the mechanisms within robotic assembly machines. Classes in topics such as electro-mechanics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, machine design, electronics, and automated control systems will give you the skills to work successfully in this field.
Studying Electromechanical Engineering involves the study of Electromechanical Engineering. Read on to learn the important information every electromechanical engineering student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering electromechanical engineering programs.
In the U.S., electromechanical engineering draws strong interest, with 53 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Electromechanical Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 5 schools to determine the best overall colleges for electromechanical engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of electromechanical engineering programs later in this article.
Studies in Electromechanical Engineering develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations electromechanical engineering graduates commonly enter.
A strong background in mathematics and mechanics will be beneficial to students pursuing a degree in Electromechanical Engineering. Student should also detail oriented and have critical thinking skills so they can analyze issues within electromechanical systems and brainstorm possible solutions. When working on projects, communication and writing skills will help students explain their engineering designs to colleagues and team members.
Electromechanical Engineering graduates work full time in both offices and in the field. Professionals must be able to observe systems to ensure they are working properly, but have the use of computer-aided design software and other programs available to them in the office in order to design new product or map out issues.
While electromechanical technicians only need an associate's degree to get an entry-level position, if you wish to be an electromechanical engineer, you must earn your bachelor's degree. A job or internship will provide students with experience in the field as they work towards earning their degree.
Skills developed in a electromechanical engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a electromechanical engineering major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several electromechanical engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 5 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 37 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 11 |
People currently working in careers related to electromechanical engineering tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 36.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 25.8% |
| Master’s degree | 12.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 6.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 6.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.3% |
| Some college courses | 1.5% |
| First professional degree | 1.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in electromechanical engineering careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Students who pursue a degree in Electromechanical Engineering work primarily in manufacturing, utilities, or other services that require advanced knowledge of mechanical, electronic, control, and computer systems. Some engineers decide to go into research and development. Since graduates have a strong understanding of electromechanical systems, they are able to find jobs in many different industries. Those who have previous experience in the field will be more competitive in the job market.
Studying electromechanical engineering opens doors to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to electromechanical engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to electromechanical engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Automotive Engineers | 266,832 | 6.0% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of electromechanical engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $84,375 |
| 4 years | $84,177 |
| 5 years | $96,906 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for electromechanical engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers electromechanical engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fuel Cell Engineers | $137,020 |
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Electrical Engineers | $127,814 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Automotive Engineers | $107,733 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
With 5 different electromechanical engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased electromechanical engineering school rankings to help you.
Those considering electromechanical engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Electromechanical Engineering | 53 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
