Industrial Maintenance Technician
Keep factory machinery running with mechanical, electrical and PLC troubleshooting.
- $64,520
- 1–4 years
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Mechatronics Technician
Also called: Electro-Mechanical Technician · Automation Technician · Robotics Technician · Controls Technician
What mechatronics technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a mechatronics technician do?
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians operate, test and maintain automated equipment, robots and systems that combine mechanical, electrical and computer components. The median pay is $73,900 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +2.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$73,900$35.53/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.6%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs15,700Employment, 2025
What mechatronics technicians do
Mechatronics technicians keep automated factories running. They install and maintain robots, conveyors, PLC-controlled machines, motors, sensors and pneumatic and hydraulic systems, troubleshoot faults across mechanical and electrical parts, program controllers and help engineers build new automated lines.
Most have an associate degree in mechatronics, electro-mechanical or automation technology. Automation is spreading across manufacturing and warehouses, making these skills valuable.
Typical duties
- Install automated equipment
- Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical faults
- Program and adjust PLCs
- Maintain robots and sensors
- Repair motors and drives
- Test systems
- Document repairs
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in factories, warehouses and labs, around moving machinery.
Schedule: Most work full-time; plants may require shifts and on-call duty.
A day in the life
- Check the overnight downtime report.
- Troubleshoot a jammed robotic cell.
- Replace a failed proximity sensor.
- Adjust PLC timing on a conveyor.
See a full day in the life of a mechatronics technician →
Mechatronics Technician salary
Half of mechatronics technicians earned more than $73,900 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $47,840 for the lowest 10% to $109,890 for the top 10%.
Full mechatronics technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a mechatronics technician
- Take math and electronics
- Earn an associate degree
- Earn certifications
- Get hired
- Advance
An associate degree in mechatronics, electro-mechanical or automation technology is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a mechatronics technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- PLC programming
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Robotics
- Pneumatics and hydraulics
- Motors and drives
People skills
- Problem solving
- Calm under pressure
- Teamwork
- Communication
All mechatronics technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Automation skills in demand
- Mix of mechanical and electrical
- Good pay for an associate degree
- Problem solving
Cons
- Shift and on-call work
- Pressure during downtime
- Machinery hazards
- Constant learning
Certifications and licenses
- Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification: Mechatronics credential.
- FANUC robot certification: Robotics credential.
- Rockwell PLC training: Controls training.
- NFPA 70E: Electrical safety.
Career path
- Maintenance Technician: Fix equipment.
- Mechatronics Technician: Automation systems.
- Controls Technician: Programming and integration.
- Automation Engineer or Lead: Lead projects.
Learn the job before day one
Our Mechatronics Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as troubleshoot with PLC I/o and replace a proximity sensor, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Mechatronics Technician vs. Maintenance Technician · Mechatronics Technician vs. Electronics Technician · Mechatronics Technician vs. Mechanical Engineering Tech · Mechatronics Technician vs. Electrical Engineer
Mechatronics Technician FAQ
Do mechatronics techs need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Is automation creating jobs?
Yes, demand for technicians who maintain automation is strong.
Where do they work?
Factories, warehouses and system integrators.
How much does a mechatronics technician make?
The median annual wage for mechatronics technicians was $73,900 ($35.53 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,840 and the highest 10% earned more than $109,890.
How long does it take to become a mechatronics technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in mechatronics, electro-mechanical or automation technology is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a mechatronics technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
More mechatronics technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3024 (Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Electro-mechanical and mechatronics 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.