Post job

Lead mechanical technician education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a lead mechanical technician. Lead mechanical technicians usually study electrical engineering, automotive technology, or industrial technology. 38% of lead mechanical technicians hold a associate degree, and 23% hold an bachelor's degree. We analyzed 685 real lead mechanical technician resumes to see exactly what lead mechanical technician education sections show.

The most common colleges for lead mechanical technicians are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online lead mechanical technician courses to help get the education required to be a lead mechanical technician.

There are certain lead mechanical technician certifications that you should consider. These lead mechanical technician certifications include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma).

What education do you need to become a lead mechanical technician?

What degree do you need to be a lead mechanical technician?

The most common degree for lead mechanical technicians is associate degree, with 38% of lead mechanical technicians earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are bachelor's degree degree at 23% and bachelor's degree degree at 20%.
  • Associate, 38%
  • Bachelor's, 23%
  • High School Diploma, 20%
  • Diploma, 12%
  • Other Degrees, 7%

What should I major in to become a lead mechanical technician?

You should major in electrical engineering to become a lead mechanical technician. 18% of lead mechanical technicians major in electrical engineering. Other common majors for a lead mechanical technician include automotive technology and industrial technology.

Most common colleges for lead mechanical technicians

Lead mechanical technicians often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, University of Illinois at Chicago, and DeVry University. Here are the most common colleges for lead mechanical technicians in the US based on their resumes.
Lead mechanical technician common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix11.76%
University of Illinois at Chicago8.82%
DeVry University8.82%
Bakersfield College5.88%
Auburn University Main Campus5.88%

Best majors for lead mechanical technicians

Best colleges for lead mechanical technicians

The best colleges for lead mechanical technicians are Northwestern University, Northeastern University, and Stanford University.

A lead mechanical technician with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for lead mechanical technicians. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become lead mechanical technicians.

1. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Enrollment

33,495

2. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

3. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,522

Enrollment

13,760

4. Wentworth Institute of Technology

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$33,950

Enrollment

4,254

5. New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$6,686

Enrollment

11,139

6. University of Akron

Akron, OH • Private

In-state tuition

$11,463

Enrollment

13,676

7. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

In-state tuition

$10,118

Enrollment

3,558

8. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Enrollment

24,841

10. University of Maine

Orono, ME • Private

In-state tuition

$11,170

Enrollment

8,861

20 best online courses for lead mechanical technicians

Advertising disclosure

1. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems

coursera

The course provides the principles of modelling and simulation of modern mechatronic systems, which are mechanical systems integrated with several types of sensors and actuators. The aim of the course is to show different methodologies to improve the potential of mechanical systems by transforming them into mechatronic systems based on virtual models. In particular, the lessons will be focused on case studies in three engineering fields: robotics, controlled electro-hydraulic actuators and...

2. Quantum Mechanics for Engineers

coursera

This Specialization is intended for engineers seeking to acquire fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics which are the basis of modern electrical, mechanical and quantum engineering. Through 3 courses, you will learn (1) basic concepts such as superposition and entanglement of quantum states, measurement in quantum mechanics and uncertainty principle, (2) mathematical tools needed to describe and manipulate quantum states, (3) advanced theory of angular momentum and (4) approximation...

3. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)

udemy
4.6
(374)

Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...

4. Mechanical design and Product development process

udemy
4.2
(604)

Learn the basic ideas and concepts behind developing mechanical products related to mechanical engineering...

5. Quantum Mechanics

coursera

Course 2 of Statistical Thermodynamics presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and simple solutions obtained that illustrate atomic and molecular structural behavior. More realistic behavior is also explored along with modern quantum chemistry numerical solution methods for solving the wave equation...

6. Exploring fluid mechanics using Wolfram notebook

coursera

Exploring fluid mechanics using Wolfram notebook...

7. The Complete Engineering Mechanics Course

udemy
4.5
(311)

Master the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and applied physics and then solve real-world mechanics problems...

8. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

udemy
4.5
(263)

Engineering Solid Mechanics / Engineering Statics...

9. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment

udemy
4.5
(1,881)

Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...

10. OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics

udemy
4.3
(727)

A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...

11. Electrical Power Equipment

udemy
4.6
(939)

Learn how electrical equipments operate and how they fit together into a network...

12. Basics of Material selection for mechanical design engineers

udemy
4.4
(542)

Learn about the fundamentals of materials and their selection for mechanical engineering design for design engineers...

13. Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Explained

udemy
4.8
(1,152)

Learn how things work! Boilers, engines, valves, transformers, pumps, learn it all in this constantly growing course!...

14. Python for Mechanical Engineers

udemy
4.3
(444)

Learn Python to solve problems in mechanical fields...

15. Data Center Essentials: Mechanical & Cooling

udemy
4.5
(892)

The mechanical cooling systems that support data centers and the internet...

16. Become a Pharmacy Technician

udemy
4.7
(2,374)

A Video Study Guide for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam...

17. Engineering Mechanics: Statics

udemy
4.8
(611)

The Study of Objects in Equilibrium...

18. Internal Combustion Engine Basics (Mechanical Engineering)

udemy
4.5
(723)

Learn how internal combustion engines work! Learn all of a combustion engine's main components and how they work!...

19. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide

udemy
4.4
(798)

Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...

20. PLC Programming - Training from Scratch on RSLogix500 & 5000

udemy
4.5
(2,418)

PLC programming from scratch training class by a controls engineer equipped with PLC systems - Allen Bradley RSLogix 500...

Top 10 most affordable universities for lead mechanical technicians

The most affordable schools for lead mechanical technicians are SUNY Farmingdale, university of florida, and university of puerto rico - mayaguez.

If the best universities for lead mechanical technicians are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for lead mechanical technicians.

1. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

3. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

5. California State University - Fresno

Fresno, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,587

Cost of attendance

16,915

6. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Cost of attendance

21,302

7. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

8. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,238

Cost of attendance

21,567

9. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

10. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Bayamon, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,940

Cost of attendance

13,508

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for lead mechanical technicians

The hardest universities for lead mechanical technicians to get into are Northwestern University, Northeastern University, and Stanford University.

Some great schools for lead mechanical technicians are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for lead mechanical technicians based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

4. Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX • Private

Admissions rate

51%

SAT average

1,395

5. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

6. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

7. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,517

8. Tufts University

Medford, MA • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,461

9. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

Admissions rate

58%

SAT average

1,309

10. University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,422

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for lead mechanical technicians

The easiest schools for lead mechanical technicians to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, pennsylvania state university - altoona, and texas a&m; university - corpus christi.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a lead mechanical technician without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for lead mechanical technicians.

1. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

2. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona

Altoona, PA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,094

3. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,068

4. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

5. Pennsylvania State University - DuBois

DuBois, PA • Private

Admissions rate

85%

SAT average

1,079

6. Pennsylvania State University - Berks

Reading, PA • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,107

7. Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

1,070

8. Pennsylvania State University - New Kensington

New Kensington, PA • Private

Admissions rate

80%

SAT average

1,091

9. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,111

10. Pennsylvania State University - Hazleton

Hazleton, PA • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

1,046

Average lead mechanical technician salary by education level

According to our data, lead mechanical technicians with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $94,807 annually. Lead mechanical technicians with a Associate degree earn an average annual salary of $90,146.
Lead mechanical technician education levelLead mechanical technician salary
Master's Degree$94,807
High School Diploma or Less$83,714
Bachelor's Degree$88,524
Some College/ Associate Degree$90,146

Lead mechanical technician education FAQs

Search for lead mechanical technician jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse architecture and engineering jobs