Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary Guide 2025: $74,510 Median, 0% Growth
The median Mechanical Engineering Technologist or Technician earns $74,510 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage is $76,380, or about $36 an hour. Most workers in this field earn between $48,400 (10th percentile) and $106,050 (90th percentile). Roughly 36,190 people hold these jobs nationwide.
How much Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn
The national median annual wage for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians is $74,510. Half of workers earn less than that; half earn more. The average (mean) is slightly higher at $76,380, pulled up by top earners. Hourly, the mean works out to about $36.67.
Entry-level positions pay around $48,400 or less, while experienced professionals at the 90th percentile bring home $106,050 or more. Experience, industry, and location heavily influence where you land in that range.
- Median: $74,510
- Mean: $76,380 ($36.72/hr)
- 10th percentile: $48,400
- 90th percentile: $106,050
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. Louisiana is the highest-paying state, with an average wage of $102,800 — nearly $28,000 above the national mean. New Mexico follows at $97,560, then Missouri ($92,150), California ($87,390), and Connecticut ($82,660).
On the lower end, Kansas averages $55,390, South Dakota $53,670, and West Virginia $47,660. That gap of more than $55,000 between the highest- and lowest-paying states underscores the importance of geography.
How to become Mechanical Engineering Technologist or Technician
Most employers require an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology from a program accredited by ABET. Some technicians enter with a certificate or a bachelor's degree, but the associate route is most common. Coursework covers CAD, thermodynamics, materials science, and instrumentation.
Licensing isn't mandatory for most roles, but the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers voluntary certification that can improve job prospects. Many technicians start in entry-level assistant positions and learn on the job under senior engineers.
- Earn an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology (ABET-accredited preferred)
- Complete CAD and lab-heavy coursework
- Seek internships or co-op programs for hands-on experience
- Optional: Get NICET certification after a few years of work
Job outlook
BLS projects zero growth for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the average for all occupations. Despite the flat growth, about 3,200 openings are expected each year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field. Competition will be strongest for positions in manufacturing and engineering services.
Frequently asked questions
Do Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians make good money?
Yes. The median salary of $74,510 is above the national median for all occupations ($48,060). Top earners exceed $106,000.
What education do you need to become a Mechanical Engineering Technician?
Typically, an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology. Some employers accept a certificate or relevant bachelor's degree.
Is mechanical engineering technology a dying field?
No, but growth is flat at 0%. The number of jobs isn't expanding, but about 3,200 replacement openings occur annually.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians data.