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What is a mechanical assembly technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
John Irwin EdD

If you like working with your hands, a career as a mechanical assembly technician could be right up your alley. A mechanical assembly technician is an essential part of the teams that bring machinery from blueprint to reality.

These skilled techs work in fast-paced factories, putting machines together piece by piece in assembly-line and work-station operations. In addition to the base assembly of machine and device components, a mechanical assembly technician may also run crucial diagnostic tests on the product as part of the final quality control process.

Though some specialized fields may require vocational or trade school certifications, you'll generally only need a high school diploma or GED to start work as a mechanical assembly technician. Entry-level positions typically earn an average salary of $24,000 per year. After a few years in the field, you could expect an average annual salary of $36,000, with room for advancement as a maintenance technician, foreman, and manager.

What general advice would you give to a mechanical assembly technician?

John Irwin EdDJohn Irwin EdD LinkedIn profile

Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University

Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.
ScoreMechanical Assembly TechnicianUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $40,177

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.0

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.68%

Asian 11.19%

Black or African American 8.86%

Hispanic or Latino 15.53%

Unknown 4.82%

White 58.91%

Gender

female 13.68%

male 86.32%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Mechanical assembly technician career paths

Key steps to become a mechanical assembly technician

  1. Explore mechanical assembly technician education requirements

    Most common mechanical assembly technician degrees

    Associate

    36.9 %

    High School Diploma

    27.6 %

    Bachelor's

    18.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific mechanical assembly technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Hand Tools19.20%
    Calipers6.39%
    Sub Assemblies6.18%
    Quality Standards5.50%
    Troubleshoot5.04%
  3. Complete relevant mechanical assembly technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical assembly technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mechanical assembly technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical assembly technician resumes.
  4. Research mechanical assembly technician duties and responsibilities

    • Test and calibration of transducers.
    • Require knowledge of GMP, IPC and ISO criteria.
    • Perform final QC review of products prior to shipment.
    • Mount and secure PC boards, terminal blocks, relays and switches.
  5. Prepare your mechanical assembly technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical assembly technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mechanical assembly technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable mechanical assembly technician resume templates

    Build a professional mechanical assembly technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mechanical assembly technician resume.
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
    Mechanical Assembly Technician Resume
  6. Apply for mechanical assembly technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mechanical assembly technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first mechanical assembly technician job

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Average mechanical assembly technician salary

The average mechanical assembly technician salary in the United States is $40,177 per year or $19 per hour. Mechanical assembly technician salaries range between $31,000 and $51,000 per year.

Average mechanical assembly technician salary
$40,177 Yearly
$19.32 hourly

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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.

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