Career comparison
Mechanical Engineering Technician vs. Mechatronics Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Mechanical engineering technicians earn more at the median ($74,510 vs. $73,900), while mechanical engineering technicians usually get to work faster (2 years of training). Mechanical engineering technicians build, test and improve machines and mechanical products with engineers. Mechatronics technicians install and fix automated systems that combine mechanics, electronics and controls.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | Mechatronics Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $74,510 ($35.82/hr) | $73,900 ($35.53/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,400 – $106,050 | $47,840 – $109,890 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.3% (slower than average) | +2.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 3,100 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 2 years | 2 years |
| Key credential | Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) | Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification |
| Work setting | Technicians work in labs, shops and manufacturing plants.. | Technicians work in factories, warehouses and labs, around moving machinery.. |
What each job does
Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Build and modify prototypes
- Set up and run tests
- Record and analyze test data
- Create CAD drawings
- Help set up manufacturing processes
Mechatronics Technician
- Install automated equipment
- Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical faults
- Program and adjust PLCs
- Maintain robots and sensors
- Repair motors and drives
How they’re similar
Both careers involve indoor work, hands-on work, problem-solving, and high-pay. Both are part of the science, engineering & lab field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose mechanical engineering technician if…
- I like building things
- I enjoy testing and data
- I like CAD
Choose mechatronics technician if…
- I like robots and automation
- I enjoy troubleshooting
- I like both mechanical and electrical work
Still torn? Take the Mechanical Engineering Technician fit quiz and the Mechatronics Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, mechanical engineering technician or mechatronics technician?
Mechanical Engineering Technicians earn more at the median: $74,510 versus $73,900 for mechatronics technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Mechanical Engineering Technicians typically train faster (2 years) than mechatronics technicians (2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects mechatronics technicians to grow +2.6% from 2025–35, compared with +1.3% for mechanical engineering technicians.