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Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California
Considering working as a Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California? Here’s what the data says. Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
What do Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Make in California?
For mechanical engineering technologists and technicians working in California, the median annual wage is $82,210 per year (or about $39.52/hour).Earnings range from $52,070 at the 10th percentile to $121,240 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,070 | $25.03 |
| 25th percentile | $63,970 | $30.75 |
| Median (50th) | $82,210 | $39.52 |
| 75th percentile | $102,250 | $49.16 |
| 90th percentile | $121,240 | $58.29 |
The job concentration index in California compared to the national average — is 0.75, meaning fewer mechanical engineering technologists and technicians per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians earn a median of $108,923 per year ($52.37/hour), lower than the California median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 366,047 mechanical engineering technologists and technicians nationwide. In California alone, around 3,300 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 540 mechanical engineering technologists and technicians.
Top California Metros for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
The largest metro-area employers of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 1,040 | $75,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 670 | $97,800 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 400 | $93,150 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 390 | $77,680 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 170 | $58,760 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 140 | $106,940 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 70 | $78,210 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 50 | $72,500 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 40 | $79,650 |
| Fresno, CA | 30 | $63,950 |
| Vallejo, CA | 30 | $79,480 |
Top States for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Employment
View the states that employ the most mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Michigan | 5,470 |
| California | 3,300 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,100 |
| Ohio | 1,910 |
| Texas | 1,810 |
| Indiana | 1,750 |
| Illinois | 1,470 |
| Wisconsin | 1,460 |
| New York | 1,390 |
| Utah | 1,180 |
| Washington | 1,040 |
| North Carolina | 1,010 |
| South Carolina | 910 |
| Maryland | 800 |
| Florida | 750 |
| Missouri | 740 |
| Massachusetts | 720 |
| Arizona | 630 |
| Georgia | 610 |
| Iowa | 610 |
Highest-Paying States for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
The highest-paying states for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $100,430 |
| New Mexico | $87,800 |
| Indiana | $83,200 |
| California | $82,210 |
| Colorado | $81,700 |
| Rhode Island | $81,400 |
| Missouri | $81,200 |
| Connecticut | $80,970 |
| Nebraska | $77,900 |
| District of Columbia | $77,270 |
Skills
The most important mechanical engineering technologists and technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically:
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
- Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
- Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
- Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
- Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
- Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
- Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
- Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Processing Information
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit In-demand technologies: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
Related Careers
Careers similar to mechanical engineering technologists and technicians include:
- Software Developers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Industrial Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
Also Known As
Apparatus Engineering Technologist, Automation Design Checker, Brinell Tester, Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), Computer-Aided Design Designer, Development Technician, Electrical Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Engineering Aide, Engineering Analyst, Engineering Data Analyst, Engineering Drawings Checker, Engineering Laboratory Technician (Engineering Lab Technician), Engineering Technical Analyst, Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Engineering Technologist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 17-3027.00
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