by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 5 U.S. colleges awarded 147 degrees and certificates in Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology. Certificates are the most popular award, at 39% of graduates. College Factual ranks 1 schools in its 2027 Best Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology 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.
A degree in Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology covers Hydraulics And Fluid Power Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In Developing And Using Fluid Power And Transportation Systems. Includes Instruction In Fluid Mechanics And Hydraulics Principles, Fluid Power Systems, Pipeline And Pumping Systems, Design And Operational Testing, Inspection And Maintenance Procedures, Related Instrumentation, And Report Preparation.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, hydraulics & fluid power technology is a popular field of study, with 147 degrees awarded annually. 5 colleges award hydraulics & fluid power technology degrees, an average of 29 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 132.
By level, the 147 awards include 58 certificates, 37 associate degrees and 52 master’s degrees.
Women earned 16% of hydraulics & fluid power technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (23 of 147). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (107) and Hispanic or Latino (19), and international students earned 1.
College Factual ranks 1 schools in its 2027 Best Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology Schools ranking, including 1 for associate degrees. It also ranks hydraulics & fluid power technology schools within 1 state. In all, 5 colleges offer hydraulics & fluid power technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common hydraulics & fluid power technology credential is the certificate: 58 of the 147 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to hydraulics & fluid power technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Mechanical and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Written Comprehension and Problem Sensitivity.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a hydraulics & fluid power technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 58 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 37 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 52 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to hydraulics & fluid power technology, at 27.3%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 27.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 23.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 21.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 16.5% |
| Some college courses | 6.9% |
| Master’s degree | 3.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology, with an average median salary of $96,991; the strongest outlook belongs to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, at 3.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Engineering Aide, Laser Specialist and Mechanical Inspector.
The occupation related to hydraulics & fluid power technology with the most projected jobs is Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, at 361,883.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology 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 highest-paying occupation related to hydraulics & fluid power technology is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $108,923 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | $89,794 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology has 2 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 1,188 degrees a year; the largest are Surveying Technology/Surveying (1,117) and Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other (71). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Surveying Technology/Surveying | 1,117 |
| Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other | 71 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
