All About Mechanical Engineering Technicians

Mechanical Engineering Technician Definition Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or calibrate machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

What Do Mechanical Engineering Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?

• Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
• Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
• Inspect lines and figures for clarity and return erroneous drawings to designer for correction.
• Confer with technicians and submit reports of test results to engineering department and recommend design or material changes.
• Operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing.
• Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.

Qualities of a Mechanical Engineering Technician

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

• Experimental Technician
• Automation Design Checker
• Mechanical Designer
• Engineering Drawings Checker
• Laser Technician

Job Demand for Mechanical Engineering Technicians

There were about 46,100 jobs for Mechanical Engineering Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,200 job openings in this field each year.

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.

How Much Does a Mechanical Engineering Technician Make?

Mechanical Engineering Technicians make between $34,900 and $85,430 a year.

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

How much do Mechanical Engineering Technicians make in different U.S. states?

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

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mechanical Engineering Technicians:

• 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

Becoming a Mechanical Engineering Technician

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

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

Where Mechanical Engineering Technicians Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Mechanical Engineering Technicians work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Mechanical Engineering Technician might also be interested in the following careers:

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Are you already one of the many Mechanical Engineering Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

• Electro-Mechanical Technicians

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: via Creative Commons CC0

More about our data sources and methodologies.