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What is a mechanical engineering technologist and how to become one

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

Engineering is one of the subjects with many disciplines under it. People who study engineering specialize in any of these disciplines, such as civil, industrial, electronics, and mechanical, among others. These people choose a specialization based on their skill and their interest -- people who take up mechanical engineering work mainly with machines. Mechanical engineers often work in manufacturing or production plants. They work with mechanical engineering technologists on requirements.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists help mechanical engineers by providing technical assistance and support. They help in designing, building, and testing machines. They may also work on the maintenance of existing machines and equipment. Sometimes, they may work independently or with a contractor to provide the aforementioned services to any mechanical engineering-related projects. They may work in different project sites such as production plants, manufacturing firms, power plants, and power generators, among others.

This role calls for someone who is adept with technology and can work on any technical aspect of machines and equipment. If you fit this description and have an interest in mechanical engineering, this role is worth trying.

What general advice would you give to a mechanical engineering technologist?

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 Engineering TechnologistUS Average
Salary
4.5

Avg. Salary $57,409

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.9

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.69%

Asian 9.16%

Black or African American 9.47%

Hispanic or Latino 16.70%

Unknown 4.88%

White 59.11%

Gender

female 9.36%

male 90.64%

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
6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Mechanical engineering technologist career paths

Key steps to become a mechanical engineering technologist

  1. Explore mechanical engineering technologist education requirements

    Most common mechanical engineering technologist degrees

    Bachelor's

    45.8 %

    Associate

    35.2 %

    Master's

    5.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific mechanical engineering technologist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CAD7.78%
    Solidworks6.63%
    Prototype6.41%
    Engineering Drawings4.66%
    Hand Tools4.46%
  3. Complete relevant mechanical engineering technologist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical engineering technologists 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 engineering technologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical engineering technologist resumes.
  4. Research mechanical engineering technologist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and coordinate a company wide transition from 2D AutoCAD to a 3D modeling environment.
    • Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
    • Test, troubleshoot, disassemble and repair mechanical equipment supporting the U.S. navy's MK30 underwater target program.
    • Certify parts and write reports to the ASME, ASTM, and CSA standards.
  5. Prepare your mechanical engineering technologist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical engineering technologist 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 engineering technologist 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 engineering technologist resume templates

    Build a professional mechanical engineering technologist 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 engineering technologist resume.
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
    Mechanical Engineering Technologist Resume
  6. Apply for mechanical engineering technologist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mechanical engineering technologist 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 engineering technologist job

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Average mechanical engineering technologist salary

The average mechanical engineering technologist salary in the United States is $57,409 per year or $28 per hour. Mechanical engineering technologist salaries range between $43,000 and $76,000 per year.

Average mechanical engineering technologist salary
$57,409 Yearly
$27.60 hourly

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Learn much about different systems. Project management and worthy salary.


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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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