Mechanical Engineering Technologists: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Mechanical Engineering Technologists

Mechanical Engineering Technologists assist mechanical engineers in such activities as generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy. Prepare layouts of machinery or equipment or plan the flow of work. May conduct statistical studies or analyze production costs.

Salary
$60880
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Mechanical Engineering Technologists assist mechanical engineers in such activities as generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy. Prepare layouts of machinery or equipment or plan the flow of work. May conduct statistical studies or analyze production costs.

  • Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
  • Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
  • Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
  • Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
Read more about what does a Mechanical Engineering Technologist really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$65720 per year

Average hourly wage
$32 per hour


Mechanical Engineering Technologists with little to no experience tend to make between $36120 and $47500 while the more experienced ones can earn over $80670 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
DC $45 $92,600
MD $41 $84,790
ME $38 $79,670
NM $38 $78,160
VA $37 $77,280

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for Mechanical Engineering Technologists are DC, MD, ME, NM and VA.

However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Bachelor’s degree

We asked other Mechanical Engineering Technologists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by an Associate’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician
Laser and Optical Technology/Technician
Biomedical Technology/Technician
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician
Energy Management and Systems Technology/Technician
Read more about how to become a Mechanical Engineering Technologist and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Mechanical Engineering Technologist.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who values achievements and are results-oriented
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
70%

Is this job meaningful
60%


70% of Mechanical Engineering Technologists said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Thinkers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.



Learn more about Mechanical Engineering Technologists

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Job Description
Salary
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Quiz

Related career information

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