Become A Mechanical Technician

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Working As A Mechanical Technician

Getting Information
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Make Decisions
$47,785
Average Salary

What Does A Mechanical Technician Do

Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.

Duties

Electro-mechanical technicians typically do the following:

Read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine the method and sequence of assembly of a part, machine, or piece of equipment
Verify dimensions of parts, using precision measuring instruments, to ensure that specifications are met
Operate metalworking machines to make housings, fittings, and fixtures
Inspect parts for surface defects
Repair and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies
Test the performance of electro-mechanical assemblies, using test instruments
Install electronic parts and hardware, using soldering equipment and hand tools
Operate, test, or maintain robotic equipment
Analyze and record test results, and prepare written documentation

Electro-mechanical technicians test and operate machines in factories and other worksites. They also analyze and record test results, and prepare written documentation to describe the tests they did and what the test results were.

Electro-mechanical technicians install, maintain, and repair automated machinery and equipment in industrial settings. This kind of work requires knowledge and training in the application of photonics, the science of light. The technological aspects of the work have to do with the generating, controlling, and detecting of the light waves so that the automated processes can proceed as designed by the engineers.

Electro-mechanical technicians also test, operate, or maintain robotic equipment at worksites. This equipment may include unmanned submarines, aircraft, or similar types of equipment for uses including oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal.

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How To Become A Mechanical Technician

Electro-mechanical technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.

Education

Associate’s degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electro-mechanical technicians are offered at vocational–technical schools and community colleges. Vocational–technical schools include postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize teaching the skills needed by local employers. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes, but they may include more theory-based and liberal arts coursework.

ABET accredits associate’s and higher degree programs. Most associate’s degree programs that are accredited by ABET include at least college algebra and trigonometry, as well as basic science courses.

ABET-accredited programs offer training in engineering technology specialties. In community college programs, prospective electro-mechanical technicians can concentrate in fields such as the following:

Electro-mechanics
Industrial maintenance
Computer-integrated manufacturing
Mechatronics

Earning an associate’s degree in electronic or mechanical technology facilitates entry into a bachelor’s degree programs in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. For more information, see the profiles on electrical and electronics engineers and mechanical engineers.

Training in mechatronics provides an understanding of four key systems on which this occupation works: mechanical systems, electronic systems, control systems, and computer systems.

Important Qualities

Detail oriented. Electro-mechanical technicians must make and keep the precise, accurate measurements that mechanical engineers need.

Dexterity. Electro-mechanical technicians must be able to use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to create detailed electronic components by hand.

Interpersonal skills. Electro-mechanical technicians must be able to take instruction and offer advice when needed. In addition, they often need to coordinate their work with that of others.

Logical-thinking skills. To carry out engineers’ designs, inspect designs for quality control, and assemble prototypes, electro-mechanical technicians must be able to read instructions and follow a logical sequence or a specific set of rules.

Math skills. Electro-mechanical technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Mechanical skills. Electro-mechanical technicians must be able to apply the theory and instructions of engineers by creating or building new components for industrial machinery or equipment. They must be adept at operating machinery, including drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes.

Writing skills. Electro-mechanical technicians must write reports that cover onsite construction, the results of testing, or problems they find when carrying out designs. Their writing must be clear and well-organized so that the engineers they work with can understand the reports.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Electro-mechanical technicians can gain certification as a way to demonstrate professional competence.

The International Society of Automation offers certification as a Certified Control Systems Technician. This requires, at a minimum, 5 years of experience on the job, or 3 years of work experience if the technician has completed 2 years of postsecondary education.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers certification in electrical power testing, industrial instrumentation, and other specialties.

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Mechanical Technician jobs

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Mechanical Technician Career Paths

Mechanical Technician

Manufacturing Technician Technician Engineer

Chief Engineer

10 Yearsyrs

Driver Field Supervisor Construction Manager

Commissioning Manager

11 Yearsyrs

Manufacturing Technician Engineering Technician Project Engineer

Construction Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Operator Foreman

Construction Superintendent

9 Yearsyrs

Maintenance Manager Construction Manager Quality Control Manager

Controls Project Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Engineering Technician Project Engineer Engineering Manager

Engineering Director

13 Yearsyrs

Engineering Technician Engineer Project Engineer

Engineering Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Maintenance Manager Driver Field Supervisor

Field Operation Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Driver Delivery Driver Electrician

General Contractor

6 Yearsyrs

Electrical Technician Field Service Technician Network Administrator

Information Technology Director

10 Yearsyrs

Field Service Technician Technical Support Specialist Systems Administrator

Information Technology Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Maintenance Supervisor Production Manager

Manufacturing Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Operator Electrician General Foreman

Mechanical Superintendent

9 Yearsyrs

Field Service Technician Service Manager General Manager

Operations Director

9 Yearsyrs

Maintenance Technician Field Service Technician Service Manager

Operations Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Maintenance Technician Maintenance Manager Operations Manager

Plant Manager

11 Yearsyrs

Electrical Technician Electrical Engineer Software Engineer

Product Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Shop Foreman Service Manager

Production Manager

6 Yearsyrs

Lead Technician Engineer Project Engineer

Project Superintendent

10 Yearsyrs

Lead Technician Senior Consultant Product Manager

Research And Development Technician

6 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Master Mechanic 5.6 years
Senior Maintenance Technician 5.4 years
Mechanics Supervisor 5.0 years
Senior Mechanical Technician 4.7 years
Mechanical Foreman 4.6 years
Industrial Mechanic 4.5 years
Maintenance Lead Technician 4.5 years
Lead Mechanical Technician 4.3 years
Equipment Technician 4.3 years
Lead Mechanic 4.3 years
Plant And Maintenance Technician 4.2 years
Operations And Maintenance Technician 4.2 years
Electrical Mechanical Technician 4.1 years
Industrial Maintenance Technician 4.1 years
Mechanical Technician 4.0 years
Electrical Maintenance Technician 4.0 years
Maintenance Technician 3.9 years
Facilities Technician 3.8 years
Mechanical Spreader Operator 3.6 years
Machines Technician 3.6 years
Electromechanical Technician 3.6 years
Machine Maintenance Technician 3.4 years
Industrial Technician 3.4 years
Preventive Maintenance Technician 2.7 years
Shop Technician 2.5 years
Assembly Technician 2.5 years
Generation Technician 2.5 years

Top Careers Before Mechanical Technician

Top Careers After Mechanical Technician

Mechanical Technician Demographics

Gender

Male
91.8%
Female
6.6%
Unknown
1.6%

Ethnicity

White
75.9%
Hispanic or Latino
13.7%
Asian
7.7%
Unknown
2.0%
Black or African American
0.7%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
59.3%
French
7.9%
Portuguese
4.7%
Arabic
4.7%
German
4.2%
Japanese
2.3%
Mandarin
1.9%
Chinese
1.9%
Polish
1.9%
Korean
1.4%
Russian
1.4%
Carrier
1.4%
Tagalog
1.4%
Vietnamese
0.9%
Greek
0.9%
Italian
0.9%
Cantonese
0.9%
Urdu
0.9%
Turkish
0.5%
Romanian
0.5%

Mechanical Technician

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Mechanical Technician Education

Schools

Universal Technical Institute
19.1%
University of Phoenix
13.3%
Community College of the Air Force
8.8%
Lincoln Technical Institute
6.3%
A-Technical College
5.5%
Northeastern University
5.0%
Central Texas College
3.8%
University of Houston
3.3%
Vincennes University
3.3%
University of Northwestern Ohio
3.3%
Houston Community College
3.0%
Palomar College
3.0%
Lansing Community College
3.0%
Monroe Community College
3.0%
Trident Technical College
2.8%
New England Institute of Technology
2.8%
Rochester Institute of Technology
2.8%
Greenville Technical College
2.8%
Nashville Auto Diesel College Inc
2.8%
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
2.5%

Majors

Automotive Technology 15.9%
Electrical Engineering 14.7%
Electrical Engineering Technology 11.6%
Business 8.8%
Mechanical Engineering 7.6%
Industrial Technology 5.1%
Mechanical Engineering Technology 4.7%
General Studies 3.3%
Computer Science 3.2%
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians 3.1%
Criminal Justice 2.7%
Precision Metal Working 2.5%
Education 2.5%
Heating And Air Conditioning 2.4%
Aviation 2.3%
Engineering 2.3%
Drafting And Design 2.0%
Information Technology 1.9%
Management 1.8%
Liberal Arts 1.5%

Degrees

Other
39.5%
Associate
22.7%
Bachelors
18.7%
Certificate
11.1%
Diploma
4.2%
Masters
2.9%
License
0.7%
Doctorate
0.2%

Mechanical Technician

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Real Mechanical Technician Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Mechanical Technology Engineer	HH Technology Corp	Beverly, MA	Sep 30, 2014	$93,900
Mechanical Technical Engineer (Staff Engineer 2)	USG Corporation	Chicago, IL	Mar 16, 2016	$83,700 - $95,513
Mechanical Technician	Translucent, Inc.	Wilmington, NC	Jul 20, 2016	$75,000
Electro-Mechanical Technician	Benjoy America LLC.	Doral, FL	Mar 18, 2016	$70,000
Mechanical Technician	Sugar Technology International	Plano, TX	Sep 16, 2016	$69,000
Electro-Mechanical Technician	I-Master Corporation	LaGrange, GA	Nov 19, 2015	$65,728
Electro Mechanical Technicians	Brooks Automation, Inc.	Chelmsford, MA	May 02, 2008	$65,000
Electro-Mechanical Technician	Asturies Manufacturing Co., Inc.	Corona, CA	Apr 16, 2015	$63,814
Mechanical Technician	Element Plastics Mfg LLC	Sugar Land, TX	Sep 27, 2016	$63,100
Mechanical Technician	Ablecom Computer, Inc.	San Jose, CA	Mar 17, 2016	$63,000
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Dematic Corp	Adelanto, CA	Aug 08, 2013	$61,984
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Mark VII Equipment, Inc.	Arvada, CO	Nov 15, 2007	$60,184
Mechanical Technician	Sugar Technology International	Plano, TX	Sep 16, 2013	$60,008
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Meta Control, LLC	Montgomery, AL	Oct 21, 2009	$60,000 - $62,000
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Guyoungtech Tech USA, Inc.	Evergreen, AL	Dec 01, 2010	$59,000 - $63,000
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Stanislaus Food Products Company	Modesto, CA	Aug 29, 2012	$58,645
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Stanislaus Food Products Company	Modesto, CA	Aug 31, 2012	$58,645
Electro-Mechanical Technician	Yesac Alabama Corporation	Tallassee, AL	May 20, 2010	$57,500 - $60,000
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Kuka Robotics Corporation	Vance, AL	May 19, 2010	$57,205
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	National Oilwell Varco, L.P.	Houston, TX	Sep 25, 2014	$57,179
Electro-Mechanical Technician	WIZ Tech, Inc.	Opelika, AL	Jul 21, 2015	$55,000
Electro-Mechanical Technician-Thermoelectrics	GMZ Energy, Inc.	Waltham, MA	Oct 01, 2011	$55,000
Mechanical Technician	Aurex Laboratories LLC	East Windsor, NJ	Aug 31, 2016	$47,570
Electro-Mechanical Technician	Integration Technology, Ltd.	Chicago, IL	May 13, 2010	$47,000
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	HACO-Atlantic, Inc.	Houston, TX	Feb 06, 2014	$46,488 - $55,000
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Jungheinrich Lift Truck	Elk Grove Village, IL	Aug 29, 2008	$45,000
Electro-Mechanical Technicians	Daewon America, Inc.	Opelika, AL	Aug 29, 2012	$44,117
Mechanical Technician	Palmetto Ford Truck Sales, Inc.	Miami, FL	May 01, 2008	$43,827
Electro Mechanical Technician	Fish Oven & Equipment Corp.	FL	Nov 17, 2009	$43,702
Mechanical Enginneering Technician	Krebs Inc.	Falls City, NE	Dec 12, 2009	$43,407

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Top Skills for A Mechanical Technician

Top Mechanical Technician Skills

Safety Procedures
Electric Motors
Vehicle

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Reported unusual or unacceptable circumstances and manufacturing procedures, observed regulations, and safety procedures.
Diagnosed and restored industrial sized electric motors, vacuum pumps, and oscilloscope.
Service, repair and troubleshooting of city buses and staff vehicles
Replaced sensors and cables and wires on pressure pumping equipment and preformed regularly scheduled preventive maintenance.
Work includes drilling, riveting, using all hand tools to install and remove components per blue prints and drawings.