What Do Mechanical Engineering Technician Do?
Mechanical Engineering Technician Job 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
- Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
- Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
- Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
- Test equipment, using test devices attached to generator, voltage regulator, or other electrical parts, such as generators or spark plugs.
- Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
- Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Mechanical Engineering Technician?
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 Jobs
- Process Technician
- Research and Development Technician
- Hydraulic Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Gyroscope Technician
Is There Going to be Demand for Mechanical Engineering Technicians?
In the United States, there were 46,100 jobs for Mechanical Engineering Technician in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,200 job openings in this field each 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.
Mechanical Engineering Technician Average Salary
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
How do I Become a Mechanical Engineering Technician?
What education is needed to be a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

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

Where do Mechanical Engineering Technicians Work?

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

Related 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
Career changers with experience as a Mechanical Engineering Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |