Life As a Mechanical Engineering Technician

Occupation 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.

Mechanical Engineering Technician Responsibilities

• Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
• 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.
• Confer with technicians and submit reports of test results to engineering department and recommend design or material changes.
• Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
• Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.

Things a Mechanical Engineering Technician Should Know How to Do

These are the skills Mechanical Engineering Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:

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 Jobs

• Development Technician
• Mechanical Service Specialist
• Optomechanical Technician
• Gyroscopic Engineering Technician
• Proof Technician

Job Outlook 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. There will be an estimated 4,200 positions for Mechanical Engineering Technician per 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.

Salary for a Mechanical Engineering Technician

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

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

What Tools & Technology do Mechanical Engineering Technicians Use?

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

Becoming a Mechanical Engineering Technician

What education is needed to be a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

Where Mechanical Engineering Technicians Are Employed

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

Similar Careers

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.