by our College Data Analytics TeamWant to build the next fastest car? Or do you want to develop the most innovative aircraft? A degree in mechanical engineering technology will lead you in that direction. This major prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing of mechanical systems. Students will learn the basics of mechanics, energy, and materials. They will gain skills in computer-aided design and engineering and learn how to test parts and different materials for efficient quality. The course work for this major includes Machine design and kinematics, Technical communications, Electronic circuit and electrical analysis, and Statics.
Some of the concentrations of this major include Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering. This major is offered as an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree.
In 2020-2021, mechanical engineering technology was the 132nd most popular major nationwide with 6,013 degrees awarded. This represents a 11.5% reduction in ME tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 6,707.
Our 2023 Best Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes 88 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for mechanical engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of ME tech programs later in this article.
If you are strong in math and science courses this major would be a good fit for you. There is a large amount of lab work and experimentation, which is great for students with a hands-on approach to learning. Students should try to take classes in algebra, geometry and chemistry prior to college. If you enjoy working with technology and state-of-the-art computer methods this major would be suited for you.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most ME tech degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic mechanical engineering technology program qualifications, to serve in some ME tech careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
ME Tech degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in mechanical engineering technology to the highest ME tech degree, a . The time it takes to complete a ME tech degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to ME tech, with approximately 22.1% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for ME tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 32.6% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 21.6% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 21.6% |
| High School Diploma | 18.0% |
| Some College Courses | 3.9% |
The chart below shows what degree level those who work in mechanical engineering technology have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which ME tech career you choose.
There are many opportunities for those who study Mechanical Engineering Technology. The majority of graduates enter into the workforce as Mechanical Engineer Technicians. In this job you will draw up layouts and make sketches, analyze and record data, estimate and calculate data and report findings. Graduates can also go into the fields of automotive and transportation, climate control, food handling, machine design, power generation, and automation. There is not a large demand for these technicians, so competition for some types of jobs may be high. Prior work experience or an internship may give you the competitive edge you need.
Want a job when you graduate with your ME tech degree? Mechanical Engineering Technology careers are expected to grow 6.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mechanical engineering technology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 795,800 | 6.1% |
| Mechanical Engineering Technicians | 48,400 | 5.0% |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians | 12,900 | 6.6% |
Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $54,623 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $21,047 to as high as $95,733. As you might expect, salaries for ME tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for mechanical engineering technology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers ME tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians | $68,970 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technicians | $58,240 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $43,730 |
With over 536 different ME tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased ME tech school rankings to help you with this.
One of 18 majors within the Engineering Technologies area of study, Mechanical Engineering Technology has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | 11,906 |
| Electromechanical Engineering Technology | 10,593 |
| Drafting & Design Engineering Technology | 8,964 |
| Environmental Control Technology | 8,690 |
| Electronics Engineering Technology | 8,592 |
