Find Trade Colleges
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians in South Dakota
Considering working as a Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians in South Dakota? Below are the key facts. 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 South Dakota?
For a mechanical engineering technologists and technicians working in South Dakota, wages run about $51,480 per year (or about $24.75/hour).Earnings range from $43,240 at the 10th percentile to $69,340 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,240 | $20.79 |
| 25th percentile | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| Median (50th) | $51,480 | $24.75 |
| 75th percentile | $62,200 | $29.90 |
| 90th percentile | $69,340 | $33.34 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in South Dakota compared to the national average — is 1.75, suggesting that mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians earn a median of $108,923 per year ($52.37/hour), below the South Dakota median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 366,047 mechanical engineering technologists and technicians across the United States. In South Dakota alone, approximately 190 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 540 mechanical engineering technologists and technicians.
Top South Dakota Metros for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
The metro areas below employ the most mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in South Dakota.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 50 | $49,410 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | 40 | $48,840 |
Top States for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Employment
The table below shows the states where 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
These states pay the most 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
Top mechanical engineering technologists and technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core 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
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
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit In-demand technologies: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
Related Careers
Other careers like 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