Life As a Mechanical Engineering Technician
Job Description & Duties 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?
- Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
- Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
- Test equipment, using test devices attached to generator, voltage regulator, or other electrical parts, such as generators or spark plugs.
- Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
- Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
- Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
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What Every Mechanical Engineering Technician Should Know
When polled, Mechanical Engineering Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Mechanical Inspector
- Process Engineering Technician
- Tool Design Checker
- Laboratory Technician
- Mechanical Designer
Job Outlook for Mechanical Engineering Technicians
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.

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.
Do Mechanical Engineering Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Mechanical Engineering Technician ranges 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 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 |
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
How to Become a Mechanical Engineering Technician
Individuals working as a Mechanical Engineering Technician have obtained the following education levels:

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

Who Employs Mechanical Engineering Technicians?

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

You May Also 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
Those who work as a Mechanical Engineering Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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