FAQ
Mechanical Engineering Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a mechanical engineering technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a mechanical engineering technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about mechanical engineering technicians
Do mechanical engineering techs need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Is the field growing?
Slowly, but steady openings exist.
Can techs become engineers?
Yes, with a bachelor’s degree.
How much does a mechanical engineering technician make?
The median annual wage for mechanical engineering technicians was $74,510 ($35.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,400 and the highest 10% earned more than $106,050.
How long does it take to become a mechanical engineering technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in mechanical engineering technology is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a mechanical engineering technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
Is mechanical engineering technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +1.3% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 3,100 openings each year. Upsides include hands-on engineering; a common challenge is that slow growth.
What skills does a mechanical engineering technician need?
Key technical skills include cad, prototyping, testing and instrumentation, and gd&t. Employers also value problem solving, attention to detail, and teamwork.
What certifications are available for mechanical engineering technicians?
Common credentials include Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA), NICET certification, GD&T certification, and Six Sigma Yellow Belt. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Mechanical Engineering Technician fit quiz, compare with Mechanical Engineer, or explore Mechanical Engineering Technician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3027 (Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.