by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 258 U.S. colleges awarded 6,005 degrees and certificates in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 43% of graduates. College Factual ranks 140 schools in its 2027 Best Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $57,919 one year after completing, rising to $73,481 after four years.
Want 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.
Studying Mechanical Engineering Technology covers Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/technicians.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, mechanical engineering technology is a popular field of study, with 6,005 degrees awarded annually. 258 colleges award mechanical engineering technology degrees, an average of 23 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 352.
By level, the 6,005 awards include 413 certificates, 1,604 associate degrees, 2,586 bachelor’s degrees and 1,335 master’s degrees.
Women earned 14% of mechanical engineering technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (808 of 6,005). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (3,534) and Hispanic or Latino (1,004), and international students earned 208.
College Factual ranks 140 schools in its 2027 Best Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools ranking, including 56 for associate degrees, 64 for bachelor’s degrees and 2 for master’s degrees. It also ranks mechanical engineering technology schools within 32 states. In all, 258 colleges offer mechanical engineering technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common mechanical engineering technology credential is the bachelor’s degree: 2,586 of the 6,005 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to mechanical engineering technology call most for Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Mechanical, Engineering and Technology and Computers and Electronics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Deductive Reasoning.
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.
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How long a mechanical engineering technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 413 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,604 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2,586 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,335 |
Postsecondary certificate is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to mechanical engineering technology, at 24.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 24.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 24.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 21.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 18.3% |
| Some college courses | 6.9% |
| Master’s degree | 2.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.6% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
11 occupations are related to Mechanical Engineering Technology, with an average median salary of $90,782; the strongest outlook belongs to Mechanical Drafters, at 12.6% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Mechanical Designer, Test Technician (Test Tech), Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech) and Engineering Aide.
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.
The occupation related to mechanical 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% |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 361,883 | -1.1% |
| Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians | 350,797 | 10.0% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | 214,833 | 10.6% |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | 193,201 | 0.6% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates earn a median $57,919 one year after completing their program, $73,481 after four years and $76,013 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $57,919 |
| 4 years | $73,481 |
| 5 years | $76,013 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to mechanical 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 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $108,923 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | $89,794 |
| Mechanical Drafters | $78,252 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $77,835 |
Mechanical Engineering Technology includes 6 concentrations that together award 6,005 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician (3,360), Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician (1,292) and Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician (810). It has 18 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 93,042 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.
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