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Job outlook for research mechanics in the United States
Are research mechanic jobs in demand?
Research mechanic job and salary trends over time
Research mechanic jobs over time
Research mechanic job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 160 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 158 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 170 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 165 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 172 | 0.00% |
Average research mechanic salary over time
Research mechanic salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,679 | $35.42 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $72,097 | $34.66 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $71,173 | $34.22 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $70,047 | $33.68 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | $68,934 | $33.14 | +1.1% |
Research mechanic jobs by state
Most common states for research mechanics
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 145 | 23% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 687 | 22% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 224 | 21% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 180 | 21% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 155 | 21% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 379 | 20% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 195 | 20% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 113 | 20% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,053 | 19% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 746 | 18% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 239 | 18% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 196 | 18% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 956 | 17% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 513 | 17% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 351 | 17% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,103 | 16% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,327 | 16% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 974 | 15% |
| 19 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 402 | 14% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 193 | 14% |
Research Mechanic job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of research mechanic experts
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
East Tennessee State University
Denison University
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor, MPA Program DirectorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
School of Public Affairs and Administration
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Mechanics?
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.: The courses or certifications that have the greatest impact on a person's public service job prospects are highly dependent on that person's career goals. Some of the courses that are helpful for nearly all public servants include topics like grant writing, administrative ethics, leadership of organizations, equity and diversity, and evidence-based decision making.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Mechanics?
Paul Trogen Ph.D.: Some surveys suggest that as many as half of local government jobs may be filled by business graduates. One should take courses similar to what those business students study. One of our graduate students surveyed local governments, and found the skills most in demand included accounting, human resource management, budgeting, public relations, and risk management. The ability to use spreadsheets and communicate clearly with tables and graphs helps. Quantitative skills like linear programming, PERT/CPM, inventory models, and queuing theory will make you an indispensable problem solver. Some high demand niches that are unique to the public sector include geographic information systems (GIS), city planning, and economic development. Hard skills will increase your chances of landing an interview.
What soft skills should all Research Mechanics possess?
Shiri Noy Ph.D.: I am not particularly fond of the term "soft skills" since it's often gendered and I think in a lot of ways is not easily distinguishable from so-called "hard" or technical skills. However, I think that what people mean when they talk about soft skills is deeply important: communication, time management, organization, teamwork, approaches to problem-solving, etc. This affects not just how effectively you can use your "hard" skills, but also about communicating your work and ideas to your peers and supervisors. What good is technical knowledge if you don't know how to approach a problem critically, from diverse vantages, and while being open to feedback and others' ideas when you hit a dead end? In this way, and especially in today's world, I think patience and communication are key. With a liberal arts education our Denison University students are used to having to approach a topic from different lenses and perspectives, and work and learn from diverse peers, Professors, and community members. In this way, they have experience with clearly communicating their ideas but also with different ways of thinking about and approaching both practical and theoretical problems. No one will know every technology, system, and skill they will encounter in their first job, so what's most important is knowing how to learn--this means knowing yourself but also knowing how to ask for help, communicate challenges, and be willing to adapt!
Sara Church
Lecturer of PsychologySaint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Mechanics?
Sara Church: Absolutely, yes. We may not even know all the ways this pandemic will impact graduates professionally and personally. Students have experienced tremendous stress because of this pandemic. Classes have gone virtual, loved ones or they themselves have gotten sick, some are battling anxiety and depression-all the while they are trying to complete their coursework and stay engaged. I think it's important for us to acknowledge that along with this collective traumatic experience has come some incredible resilience. Graduates will have become flexible and adaptable; they will be ready to use technology in the field. Also, empathy! There is a depth of compassion for others that comes from living this together.
I will also say that qualified helping professionals are needed now more than ever. Counselor caseloads are packed, and people are reaching out for help at high rates. People were universally stressed before this pandemic happened. This sent some people over the edge and straight to their local therapist. We are working to get our psychology and human services students ready to make an immediate impact in this field.