by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 5 U.S. colleges awarded 82 degrees and certificates in Metallurgical Technology. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 45% of graduates. College Factual ranks 2 schools in its 2027 Best Metallurgical Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $59,570 one year after completing, rising to $77,765 after four years.
A degree in Metallurgical Technology involves the study of Metallurgical Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Metallurgists Engaged In Developing And Using Industrial Metals And Manufacturing Processes. Includes Instruction In Principles Of Metallurgy, Related Manufacturing Systems, Laboratory Techniques, Testing And Inspection Procedures, Instrument Calibration, System And Equipment Maintenance And Repair, Applications To Specific Processes, And Report Preparation.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, metallurgical technology draws strong interest, with 82 degrees awarded annually. 5 colleges award metallurgical technology degrees, an average of 16 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 43.
By level, the 82 awards include 30 certificates, 37 associate degrees and 15 master’s degrees.
Women earned 13% of metallurgical technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (11 of 82). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (55) and Hispanic or Latino (13), and international students earned 2.
College Factual ranks 2 schools in its 2027 Best Metallurgical Technology Schools ranking, including 1 for associate degrees. It also ranks metallurgical technology schools within 1 state. In all, 5 colleges offer metallurgical technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Metallurgical Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common metallurgical technology credential is the associate degree: 37 of the 82 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to metallurgical technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Quality Control Analysis and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Computers and Electronics and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a metallurgical technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 30 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 37 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 15 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to metallurgical technology, at 47.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 47.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 25.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.9% |
| Some college courses | 6.8% |
| Master’s degree | 2.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
3 occupations are related to Metallurgical Technology, with an average median salary of $95,412; the strongest outlook belongs to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, at 3.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Photonics Technician (Photonics Tech) and Optoelectronic Technician (Optoelectronic Tech).
The occupation related to metallurgical technology with the most projected jobs is Photonics Technicians, at 306,018.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
Metallurgical Technology graduates earn a median $59,570 one year after completing their program, $77,765 after four years and $73,754 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $59,570 |
| 4 years | $77,765 |
| 5 years | $73,754 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to metallurgical 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 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
Metallurgical Technology has 8 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 12,810 degrees a year; the largest are Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician (5,260), Industrial Technology/Technician (4,214) and Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians, Other (2,286). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
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