Post job

Mechanical system technician education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a mechanical system technician. Mechanical system technicians usually study business, electrical engineering technology, or electrical engineering. 42% of mechanical system technicians hold a associate degree, and 29% hold an bachelor's degree. We analyzed 208 real mechanical system technician resumes to see exactly what mechanical system technician education sections show.

The most common colleges for mechanical system technicians are the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

The most common degree for mechanical system technicians is associate degree, with 42% of mechanical system technicians earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are bachelor's degree degree at 29% and bachelor's degree degree at 11%.
  • Associate, 42%
  • Bachelor's, 29%
  • High School Diploma, 11%
  • Diploma, 10%
  • Other Degrees, 8%

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

You should major in business to become a mechanical system technician. 14% of mechanical system technicians major in business. Other common majors for a mechanical system technician include electrical engineering technology and electrical engineering.

Most common colleges for mechanical system technicians

Mechanical system technicians often get their degrees at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Colorado Technical University, and San Jose State University. Here are the most common colleges for mechanical system technicians in the US based on their resumes.
Mechanical system technician common collegePercentages
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania8.33%
Colorado Technical University8.33%
San Jose State University8.33%
Florida State College at Jacksonville8.33%
Faulkner University4.17%

Best majors for mechanical system technicians

Best colleges for mechanical system technicians

The best colleges for mechanical system technicians are Northwestern University, Stanford University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A mechanical system 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 mechanical system 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 mechanical system technicians.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

2. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

3. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,570

Enrollment

3,721

4. Wentworth Institute of Technology

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$33,950

Enrollment

4,254

5. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

6. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Enrollment

9,394

7. Siena Heights University

Adrian, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$27,124

Enrollment

2,035

8. University of Akron

Akron, OH • Private

In-state tuition

$11,463

Enrollment

13,676

9. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Enrollment

33,495

10. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

In-state tuition

$10,118

Enrollment

3,558

20 best online courses for mechanical system 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. Data Center Essentials: Mechanical & Cooling

udemy
4.5
(892)

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

4. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

udemy
4.5
(263)

Engineering Solid Mechanics / Engineering Statics...

5. 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...

6. 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!...

7. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)

udemy
4.6
(374)

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

8. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians

udemy
4.2
(306)

Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...

9. Mechanical design and Product development process

udemy
4.2
(604)

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

10. Flight Mechanics - From Theory to Certification of Aircraft

udemy
4.5
(403)

Modeling theory, aircraft 6DOF simulation, flight dynamics, flight simulators and aircraft certification...

11. 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...

12. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

udemy
4.2
(1,443)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

13. Electrical Control & Protection Systems

udemy
4.6
(1,763)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

14. Python for Mechanical Engineers

udemy
4.3
(444)

Learn Python to solve problems in mechanical fields...

15. 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...

16. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp

udemy
4.5
(1,653)

Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...

17. 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...

18. Engineering Mechanics: Statics

udemy
4.8
(611)

The Study of Objects in Equilibrium...

19. 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!...

20. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Systems and Avionics

udemy
4.6
(960)

Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Systems of Airplanes - Hydraulics, Avionics, Electric, Propulsion...

Top 10 most affordable universities for mechanical system technicians

The most affordable schools for mechanical system technicians are SUNY Farmingdale, university of florida, and california state university - bakersfield.

If the best universities for mechanical system 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 mechanical system 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. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

4. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

5. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

6. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

7. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

8. California State University - Fresno

Fresno, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,587

Cost of attendance

16,915

9. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

10. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,238

Cost of attendance

21,567

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for mechanical system technicians

The hardest universities for mechanical system technicians to get into are Northwestern University, Stanford University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for mechanical system 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 mechanical system 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. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

4. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

8. Bentley University

Waltham, MA • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,338

9. Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,407

10. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

Admissions rate

40%

SAT average

1,376

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

The easiest schools for mechanical system technicians to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, notre dame de namur university, and notre dame college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a mechanical system 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 mechanical system technicians.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

3. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

4. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

5. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

6. Pennsylvania State University - DuBois

DuBois, PA • Private

Admissions rate

85%

SAT average

1,079

7. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

8. Presentation College

Aberdeen, SD • Private

Admissions rate

97%

SAT average

1,050

9. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,072

10. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

Average mechanical system technician salary by education level

Mechanical system technicians with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $52,222 annually. With a Associate degree, mechanical system technicians earn a median annual income of $50,718 compared to $50,187 for mechanical system technicians with an Bachelor's degree.
Mechanical system technician education levelMechanical system technician salary
Master's Degree$52,222
High School Diploma or Less$48,588
Bachelor's Degree$50,187
Some College/ Associate Degree$50,718

Mechanical system technician education FAQs

Search for mechanical system 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