by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 212 U.S. colleges awarded 3,790 degrees and certificates in General Engineering Technology. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 37% of graduates. College Factual ranks 95 schools in its 2027 Best General Engineering Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $60,327 one year after completing, rising to $80,495 after four years.
Do you enjoy building things and solving problems? Ever wonder how things work? The many objects we take for granted every day are a direct result of the work of many dedicating Engineering Technicians working to assist Engineers by testing materials, drafting reports and creating plans. Engineering Technology focuses on the technical aspects of engineering. A curiosity for the way things operate is what inspires engineering technology. Collecting data and conducting experiments, building and designing new ideas for products are all things that a student in engineering technology would learn.
Course load for this field includes automated manufacturing technology, computers for engineering technology, construction methodology and procedures, and technical drawing. This major can be completed as an Associates or Bachelors.
Studying General Engineering Technology involves the study of Engineering Technologies/technicians, General.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., general engineering technology is a widely-pursued major, with 3,790 degrees awarded annually. 212 colleges award general engineering technology degrees, an average of 18 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 189.
By level, the 3,790 awards include 171 certificates, 1,051 associate degrees, 1,398 bachelor’s degrees, 1,151 master’s degrees and 6 doctorates.
Women earned 18% of general engineering technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (665 of 3,790). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (2,054) and Hispanic or Latino (636), and international students earned 246.
College Factual ranks 95 schools in its 2027 Best General Engineering Technology Schools ranking, including 34 for associate degrees, 42 for bachelor’s degrees and 9 for master’s degrees. It also ranks general engineering technology schools within 23 states. In all, 212 colleges offer general engineering technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value General Engineering Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common general engineering technology credential is the bachelor’s degree: 1,398 of the 3,790 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to general engineering technology call most for Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Computers and Electronics and Mechanical, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Deductive Reasoning.
An absorbing interest in the way things work is crucial for success, as well as creativity and a hands-on approach to learning. Knowledge of mathematics and science are essential for this major. Heavily focused on these two foundations, an individual with a love for analyzing and problem solving could be very successful in this field.
Although not required, you can prepare for the major by taking classes in high school on electronics, physics, computer science, and calculus; this allows you to get a taste of what engineering technology encompasses.
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How long a general engineering technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 171 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,051 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,398 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,151 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 6 |
Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to general engineering technology, at 26.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 26.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 20.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 19.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 12.9% |
| Some college courses | 11.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 3.7% |
| Master’s degree | 3.1% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.6% |
Source: O*NET Online.
10 occupations are related to General Engineering Technology, with an average median salary of $91,635; the strongest outlook belongs to Robotics Technicians, at 12.2% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Field Service Technician, Instrumentation Technician and Tester.
A degree in Engineering Technology provides students with a broad set of skills. Entering the workforce, students will be prepared to assist engineers to develop and manufacture new products and services. Engineer technicians will draw up drafts for projects; conduct lab experiments and solve complex problems and make new discoveries.
The occupation related to general engineering technology with the most projected jobs is Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians, at 376,668.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | 376,668 | -2.8% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 266,539 | 2.0% |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 261,905 | 11.0% |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | 214,833 | 10.6% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 150,615 | 0.3% |
General Engineering Technology graduates earn a median $60,327 one year after completing their program, $80,495 after four years and $68,665 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $60,327 |
| 4 years | $80,495 |
| 5 years | $68,665 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to general engineering technology, with a median salary of $134,632.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $134,632 |
| Robotics Technicians | $131,252 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $88,689 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $86,216 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $77,835 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,455 |
General Engineering Technology includes 2 concentrations that together award 3,790 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (3,599) and Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians (191). It has 18 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 95,257 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 |
|---|---|
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians | 3,599 |
| Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 191 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
