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Mechanical contractor education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a mechanical contractor. Mechanical contractors usually study mechanical engineering, business, or automotive technology. 43% of mechanical contractors hold a bachelor's degree, and 24% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,592 real mechanical contractor resumes to see exactly what mechanical contractor education sections show.
The most common colleges for mechanical contractors are the Northeastern University and the Northeastern University.
There are also many online mechanical contractor courses to help get the education required to be a mechanical contractor.
What education do you need to become a mechanical contractor?
What degree do you need to be a mechanical contractor?
- Bachelor's, 43%
- Associate, 24%
- High School Diploma, 17%
- Diploma, 8%
- Other Degrees, 8%
What should I major in to become a mechanical contractor?
Most common colleges for mechanical contractors
| Mechanical contractor common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 8.24% |
| Central State University | 8.24% |
| Ferris State University | 5.88% |
| University of Pittsburgh | 5.88% |
| University of Phoenix | 5.88% |
Best majors for mechanical contractors
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical Engineering | 19.4% |
| 2 | Business | 14.7% |
| 3 | Automotive Technology | 11.1% |
| 4 | Aviation | 5.7% |
| 5 | Heating And Air Conditioning | 4.7% |
Best colleges for mechanical contractors
The best colleges for mechanical contractors are California Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.
A mechanical contractor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for mechanical contractors. 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 mechanical contractors.
1. Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,646
Enrollment
5,736
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$12,424
Enrollment
15,201
3. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
4. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
5. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
6. Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Ames, IA • Private
In-state tuition
$8,988
Enrollment
29,248
7. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
In-state tuition
$53,740
Enrollment
5,567
8. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,465
Enrollment
6,483
9. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$10,610
Enrollment
40,329
10. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI • Private
In-state tuition
$10,555
Enrollment
30,360
20 best online courses for mechanical contractors
Advertising disclosure
1. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems
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
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. Construction Site Electrical System Design
Learn how to design a safe, flexible and durable electrical system for any construction site...
4. Data Center Essentials: Mechanical & Cooling
The mechanical cooling systems that support data centers and the internet...
5. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Solid Mechanics / Engineering Statics...
6. QuickBooks For Contractors
Everything That Any Type Of Contractor Would Need When Using Quick Books...
7. The Complete Engineering Mechanics Course
Master the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and applied physics and then solve real-world mechanics problems...
8. Mechanical design and Product development process
Learn the basic ideas and concepts behind developing mechanical products related to mechanical engineering...
9. Garnett Cross Training in the Maintenance of Oil Hydraulics
This course will prepare you to work with hydraulic systems, plan maintenance and perform troubleshooting...
10. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide
Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...
11. Revit MEP Beginners to Advanced (Contractor Services)
The course is suitable for Revit 2017 and later versions up to Revit 2023...
12. Rotating Equipment Masterclass: Pumps & Compressors
A compelete understanding of pumps & compressors used in process industries for a successful operation of your facility...
13. Construction Procurement Management
A course on procurement designed for engineers new to the infrastructure/construction industry...
14. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...
15. Python for Mechanical Engineers
Learn Python to solve problems in mechanical fields...
16. Mastering Construction/Project Management
Mastering Construction-Project Management in less than 10 Hours...
17. Electrical Control & Protection Systems
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
18. The Complete Hydraulic Course
Oil hydraulics systems & fundamentals, hydraulic fluids, control valves, cylinders, circuits construction & analysis...
19. Construction Project Scheduling
Learn the tools and techniques used by construction management professionals to ensure projects finish on time...
20. Electrical Power Equipment
Learn how electrical equipments operate and how they fit together into a network...
Top 10 most affordable universities for mechanical contractors
The most affordable schools for mechanical contractors are Brigham Young University, inter american university of puerto rico arecibo, and inter american university of puerto rico bayamon.
If the best universities for mechanical contractors 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 mechanical contractors.
1. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
2. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Arecibo, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,872
Cost of attendance
13,476
3. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Cost of attendance
13,508
4. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
5. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
6. Inter American University of Puerto Rico San German
San German, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Cost of attendance
14,322
7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
8. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$12,424
Cost of attendance
28,501
9. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
10. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$7,770
Cost of attendance
21,244
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for mechanical contractors
The hardest universities for mechanical contractors to get into are California Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.
Some great schools for mechanical contractors 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 mechanical contractors 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. California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA • Private
Admissions rate
7%
SAT average
1,566
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
4. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
5. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
6. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
7. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,471
8. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,465
9. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
10. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for mechanical contractors
The easiest schools for mechanical contractors to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, saint martin's university, and cleveland state university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a mechanical contractor 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 mechanical contractors.
1. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
2. Saint Martin's University
Lacey, WA • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,111
3. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,111
4. Alabama A & M University
Normal, AL • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
957
5. University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,050
6. Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,080
7. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,093
8. Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS • Private
Admissions rate
89%
SAT average
1,026
9. Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
1,086
10. Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,033
Average mechanical contractor salary by education level
| Mechanical contractor education level | Mechanical contractor salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $81,682 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $72,126 |
| Doctorate Degree | $88,554 |
Mechanical contractor education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common architecture and engineering questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025