Find Grad Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Mechanical Engineering Technician

Find Schools Near

Life As a Mechanical Engineering Technician

Job Description: Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or calibrate machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

List of Mechanical Engineering Technician Job Duties

  • Operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing.
  • Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
  • Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
  • Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
  • Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
  • Test equipment, using test devices attached to generator, voltage regulator, or other electrical parts, such as generators or spark plugs.

Mechanical Engineering Technician Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Mechanical Engineering Technicians say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Mechanical Engineering Technician

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Research and Development Technician
  • Certified Control Systems Technician
  • Mechanical Service Specialist
  • Engineering Drawings Checker

What Kind of Mechanical Engineering Technician Job Opportunities Are There?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 46,100 jobs in the United States for Mechanical Engineering Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,300 new jobs for Mechanical Engineering Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,200 positions for Mechanical Engineering Technician per year.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Engineering Technician are Utah, Connecticut, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Mechanical Engineering Technician Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Mechanical Engineering Technicians is somewhere between $34,900 and $85,430.

undefined

Mechanical Engineering Technicians who work in Louisiana, New Mexico, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

How much do Mechanical Engineering Technicians make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $57,670
Alaska $65,050
Arizona $57,620
Arkansas $53,860
California $62,510
Colorado $68,690
Connecticut $69,900
District of Columbia $55,820
Florida $50,360
Georgia $55,540
Idaho $54,740
Illinois $60,940
Indiana $53,430
Iowa $51,710
Kansas $55,210
Kentucky $50,510
Louisiana $82,350
Maine $62,720
Maryland $61,790
Massachusetts $60,100
Michigan $55,470
Minnesota $58,940
Mississippi $61,630
Missouri $51,850
Montana $55,070
Nebraska $56,070
Nevada $67,610
New Hampshire $55,160
New Jersey $55,090
New Mexico $79,530
New York $60,000
North Carolina $54,810
North Dakota $59,350
Ohio $54,660
Oklahoma $58,630
Oregon $51,860
Pennsylvania $54,640
Rhode Island $59,180
South Carolina $58,790
South Dakota $43,310
Tennessee $55,730
Texas $67,740
Utah $54,060
Vermont $53,420
Virginia $60,860
Washington $65,300
West Virginia $54,950
Wisconsin $52,140

Tools & Technologies Used by Mechanical Engineering Technicians

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Mechanical Engineering Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Corel WordPerfect
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Autodesk Inventor

How to Become a Mechanical Engineering Technician

What education or degrees do I need to become a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

undefined

What work experience do I need to become a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

undefined

Where do Mechanical Engineering Technicians Work?

undefined

The table below shows the approximate number of Mechanical Engineering Technicians employed by various industries.

undefined

Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Mechanical Engineering Technician may also be interested in:

Career changers with experience as a Mechanical Engineering Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: via Creative Commons CC0

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Graduate Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited graduate schools across the U.S.