by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 90 U.S. colleges awarded 1,335 degrees and certificates in Engineering-Related Technologies. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 34% of graduates. College Factual ranks 35 schools in its 2027 Best Engineering-Related Technologies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $61,962 one year after completing, rising to $75,297 after four years.
The study of Engineering-Related Technologies encompasses two main concentrations: Surveying Technology and Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology. These two focuses are different and both are significant. Survey Technology uses computerized technology known as geometrics to map. You will learn to use survey and mathematic equipment to map, plan, and measure areas of the land, in order to create maps.
Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology is the study of developing and using fluid power and transportation systems. In this major you will learn about pipeline and pumping systems, how to design and operational testing, and gain knowledge of fluid power systems.
While studying Surveying you will take classes in Construction Surveying, Statistics, Calculus, Analytic Geometry, and Fluid Mechanics Applications. If you decide to study Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology you will take courses in Fluid Mechanics Applications, Advanced Hydraulic Circuits, Fluid Power Design, and Electro Hydraulic Systems. These concentrations are offered as both an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree.
A degree in Engineering-Related Technologies involves the study of Engineering-Related Technologies/technicians.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., engineering-related technologies is a popular field of study, with 1,335 degrees awarded annually. 90 colleges award engineering-related technologies degrees, an average of 15 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 132.
By level, the 1,335 awards include 222 certificates, 380 associate degrees, 262 bachelor’s degrees, 457 master’s degrees and 2 doctorates.
Women earned 14% of engineering-related technologies degrees and certificates in the latest year (185 of 1,335). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (989) and Hispanic or Latino (171), and international students earned 37.
College Factual ranks 35 schools in its 2027 Best Engineering-Related Technologies Schools ranking, including 16 for associate degrees and 13 for bachelor’s degrees. It also ranks engineering-related technologies schools within 10 states. In all, 90 colleges offer engineering-related technologies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Engineering-Related Technologies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common engineering-related technologies credential is the master’s degree: 457 of the 1,335 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to engineering-related technologies call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Mathematics and Computers and Electronics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Near Vision and Oral Comprehension.
Mathematic skills are extremely important to possess for both of these concentrations. A grasp of scientific knowledge is critical in order to understand engineering concepts and skills. Students with analytical minds often do well. To prepare for this major, students are advised to take prior courses in Trigonometry, Geometry, Computer applications and Drafting/technical drawing. These courses will help students to prepare for this major.
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How long an engineering-related technologies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 222 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 380 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 262 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 457 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to engineering-related technologies, at 29.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 29.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 22.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 19.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 14.1% |
| Some college courses | 9.9% |
| Master’s degree | 2.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.0% |
Source: O*NET Online.
10 occupations are related to Engineering-Related Technologies, with an average median salary of $103,663; the strongest outlook belongs to Surveyors, at 15.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Engineering Aide, Laser Specialist and Geophysical Prospecting Surveyor.
There are many different career paths that students can follow after graduating with a degree in Engineering-Related Technologies. With a concentration in Surveying you can pursue a career as a Geoscientist, Construction Manager, Drafter, or Architect.
A concentration in Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology could lead to a career as a Fluid Power Engineering Technician and Engineering Technician. These jobs use both technical engineering principles and technical skills to support engineers and other professionals.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to engineering-related technologies, at 397,409.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Surveyors | 397,409 | 15.0% |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 361,883 | -1.1% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | 193,201 | 0.6% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Geodetic Surveyors | 69,858 | -3.5% |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | 55,239 | -4.8% |
Engineering-Related Technologies graduates earn a median $61,962 one year after completing their program, $75,297 after four years and $64,342 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $61,962 |
| 4 years | $75,297 |
| 5 years | $64,342 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to engineering-related technologies, with a median salary of $131,353.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Surveyors | $131,353 |
| Geodetic Surveyors | $125,113 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $123,658 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Drafters, All Other | $114,777 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $108,923 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | $89,794 |
Engineering-Related Technologies includes 3 concentrations that together award 1,335 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Surveying Technology/Surveying (1,117), Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician (147) and Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other (71). It has 18 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 97,712 degrees a year; the largest are Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians (13,228), Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (12,892) and Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (12,771). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Surveying Technology/Surveying | 1,117 |
| Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician | 147 |
| Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other | 71 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
