by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,453 U.S. colleges awarded 99,047 degrees and certificates in Engineering Technologies. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 40% of graduates. College Factual ranks 967 schools in its 2027 Best Engineering Technologies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $54,232 one year after completing, rising to $70,301 after four years.
Technology is forever changing. Whether it is crafting bridges or programming new software, we are always demanding newer, better and faster processes. Engineers are the sources of this change; they examine and redesign existing machinery as well as come up with new products to make the world a better place.
A major in Engineering Technology will provide you with knowledge of engineering principles and technical skills in order to assist engineers with various projects. Students will focus on the technological aspects of engineering. There are many different elements to this field, with opportunities for students interested in electronics, building structures, designing machinery or even preserving nature. A fondness of architecture and engineering can be united with a degree in Architectural Engineering Technology; while an interest in engineering and the environment can lead to a degree in Environmental Control Technology.
Within this field you will be taking courses in Technical drawing, Computers for engineering technology, Processes of industry, and Structural Systems. The majority of these majors, within this field, are offered as an Associate's degree, however depending on the institution this major could be offered as a Bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's may present you with more job opportunities and higher pay, while an Associate's might be recommended for those who already have job experience.
A major in Engineering Technologies explores Engineering/engineering-Related Technologies/technicians. Instructional Programs That Prepare Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineering And Related Projects Or To Prepare For Engineering-Related Fields.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, engineering technologies draws strong interest, with 99,047 degrees awarded annually. 1,453 colleges award engineering technologies degrees, an average of 68 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 2,166.
By level, the 99,047 awards include 15,713 certificates, 22,362 associate degrees, 18,402 bachelor’s degrees, 39,895 master’s degrees and 225 doctorates.
Women earned 18% of engineering technologies degrees and certificates in the latest year (18,308 of 99,047). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (48,742) and Hispanic or Latino (21,690), and international students earned 7,490.
College Factual ranks 967 schools in its 2027 Best Engineering Technologies Schools ranking, including 403 for associate degrees, 241 for bachelor’s degrees, 150 for master’s degrees and 5 for doctorates. It also ranks engineering technologies schools within 47 states. In all, 1,453 colleges offer engineering technologies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Engineering Technologies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common engineering technologies credential is the master’s degree: 39,895 of the 99,047 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to engineering technologies call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Computers and Electronics and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Oral Comprehension.
Mathematical and Scientific skills are critical in order to be successful in any of these majors. Engineering Technology focuses on the modernization of products; therefore problem solving and creativity are two vital skills. Students interested in this field are advised to take prior courses in mathematics and science. Students may also want to gain work experience through part-time jobs, internships or co-op positions. There is a lot of hands-on learning involved in this field.
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How long an engineering technologies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 15,713 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 22,362 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 18,402 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 39,895 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 225 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to engineering technologies, at 24.4%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 24.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 21.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 18.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 12.6% |
| Some college courses | 8.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 4.8% |
| Master’s degree | 4.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.5% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.3% |
| Post-doctoral training | 1.2% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.0% |
| First professional degree | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
30 occupations are related to Engineering Technologies, with an average median salary of $83,505; the strongest outlook belongs to Architectural and Civil Drafters, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Test Technician and Photonics Engineer.
Graduates with a degree in Engineering Technology can enter into many different careers. Most graduates become Technicians in whichever concentration they chose; for example, if you majored in Civil Engineering Technology you could become a Civil Engineering Technician. Technicians aid engineers and other project managers in order to complete their assignments.
Others may choose careers in Quality Control. This job involves conducting tests, inspecting products and processes, and collecting data in order to maintain and improve the profitability and regulations of industries.
Most technicians work full 40 hour weeks in offices, construction sites, manufacturing or industrial plants, or laboratories. As technology continues to improve and get more sophisticated, the demand for skilled technicians will grow.
The occupation related to engineering technologies with the most projected jobs is Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,297,204.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Semiconductor Processing Technicians | 812,716 | 7.8% |
| Power Plant Operators | 808,707 | 10.6% |
| Traffic Technicians | 767,409 | 9.7% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | 588,041 | -4.4% |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 523,745 | -1.2% |
Engineering Technologies graduates earn a median $54,232 one year after completing their program, $70,301 after four years and $66,767 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $54,232 |
| 4 years | $70,301 |
| 5 years | $66,767 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to engineering technologies is Engineers, All Other, with a median salary of $136,628.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $134,632 |
| Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists | $128,495 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $109,781 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $108,923 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
Engineering Technologies includes 19 concentrations that together award 99,047 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians (13,228), Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (12,892) and Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (12,771). Browse the full list of college majors.
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