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Job outlook for mechanical technicians in the United States
Mechanical technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected mechanical technician job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 900 new jobs for mechanical technicians are projected over the next decade.
Mechanical technician salaries have increased 7% for mechanical technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 36,682 mechanical technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 106,997 active mechanical technician job openings in the US.
The average mechanical technician salary is $51,367.
Are mechanical technician jobs in demand?
Mechanical Technician job and salary trends over time
Mechanical Technician jobs over time
Mechanical Technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 36,682 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 36,711 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 39,447 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 38,136 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 39,711 | 0.01% |
Average mechanical technician salary over time
Mechanical Technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,367 | $24.70 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $50,264 | $24.17 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $49,620 | $23.86 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $48,835 | $23.48 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | $48,059 | $23.11 | +1.1% |
Mechanical Technician jobs by state
Most common states for mechanical technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 184 | 27% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 794 | 25% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 316 | 24% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 142 | 23% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,477 | 22% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,199 | 22% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,173 | 21% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 153 | 21% |
| 9 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,175 | 20% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 379 | 20% |
| 11 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 270 | 20% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,237 | 19% |
| 13 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 952 | 19% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 587 | 19% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 184 | 19% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,891 | 18% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,869 | 18% |
| 18 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,528 | 18% |
| 19 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,104 | 18% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 138 | 18% |
Most common cities for mechanical technicians
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pittsburgh | 9 | 3% | $53,083 |
| 2 | Davenport | 3 | 3% | $44,580 |
| 3 | Tampa | 5 | 1% | $47,147 |
| 4 | Irvine | 3 | 1% | $60,204 |
| 5 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $46,866 |
| 6 | Jacksonville | 4 | 0% | $46,424 |
Mechanical Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of mechanical technician experts
Old Dominion University
University of Florida
Michigan Technological University
What Mechanical Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Evren Koptur PhD: First of all invest in your education and consider obtaining relevant certifications. Higher degrees and specialized certifications can make you stand out and command higher salaries. Here at Kent State Aeronautics and Engineering, we design majority of our engineering and engineering tech courses according to industry standard certifications. I have witnessed this on multiple occasions. Resumes or CVs featuring certifications consistently rise to the top of the stack during the job application review process. Secondly, focus on specializations that are in high demand. Research the current and future trends in the industry and tailor your skills accordingly. Fields like AI, cybersecurity(Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2022 to 2032 according to a recent study), and data science often come with higher earning potential. Additionally, gain practical experience through internships or co-op programs during your studies. Real-world experience is highly valued by employers and can lead to better-paying job offers upon graduation. Moreover, you should build a strong portfolio. Highlighting tangible examples of your work can demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers and justify a higher salary. Finally, networking. Build a strong professional network. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and engage in conversations. Networking can lead to valuable opportunities and insights into salary expectations.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Technician?
Dr. Vukica Jovanovic: In the forthcoming 3-5 years, the field of engineering technology will likely continue to value industry-based credentialing and certifications due to its dynamic nature.
What will help Mechanical Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Vukica Jovanovic: To optimize your salary potential at the onset of your career, consider obtaining a P.E. license or certifications like Six Sigma Green Belt. These qualifications often open doors to higher-paying job opportunities. Pursuing an M.S. in Engineering Management can provide you with a competitive advantage over other candidates.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Technician?
Andreas Enqvist: Know your worth, and explore multiple employment opportunities, even if there is a specific company or job-location on the top of your list, you have a much better understanding of your negotiating power and worth in your career if you apply for and engage with a wider network of employers and career opportunities as you are looking to start your career.
What Mechanical Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andreas Enqvist: Versatility in skills and tools used in their field. Ranging from simple tools that can save time of simple tasks, to incorporating more advanced software and AI applications that can elevate productivity even in very specific engineering tasks and jobs.
What will help Mechanical Technicians increase their earning potential?
Andreas Enqvist: Embrace opportunities and challenges! We see a lot of our graduates gaining opportunities that might be at the periphery of that they have studies at university etc, but that is normally a testament to their skills and the ability to excel in multiple different roles. Believing in yourself and accepting and pursuing some of those career opportunities that might be near the edge of our comfort zones, can often lead to very exciting career opportunities. There is a tremendous need for graduates in our field, and each graduate should not hesitate to explore multiple options and the opportunities that comes with their degree.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Technician?
John Irwin EdD: 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.
What Mechanical Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Irwin EdD: They like that the job market is very strong. Companies that are implementing industry 4.0 technologies are in need of Engineering Technology graduates because they are well prepared to meet these challenges. Employers like their problem-solving and hands-on experience with modern industry tools. ET graduates with 4-yr degrees dislike that some company recruiters do not recognize them as engineers and confuse them with 2-yr associate degree technicians.
What will help Mechanical Technicians increase their earning potential?
John Irwin EdD: Engineering technology graduates develop, design, and implement engineering and technology solutions, typically pursuing engineering careers in design, construction, and product improvement. They work both in an office setting with design and simulation software as well as on the production/onsite setting troubleshooting issues for continuous improvements.