A major in Motorsports Engineering Technology involves the study of A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In The Design, Construction, And Repair Of Vehicles Used In Racing And Motorsports. Includes Instruction In Aerodynamics, Design, Vehicle Dynamics, Performance Engines, Fluid Mechanics, Computer-Aided Design (Cad), Mechanical Engineering, And Welding. Read on to learn the key facts every motorsports engineering technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering motorsports engineering technology programs.
Nationwide, motorsports engineering technology draws strong interest, with 32 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Motorsports Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 1 schools to determine the best overall colleges for motorsports engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of motorsports engineering technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Motorsports Engineering Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations motorsports engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a motorsports engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a motorsports engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several motorsports engineering technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 16 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 16 |
People currently working in careers related to motorsports engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 46.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 20.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 16.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 7.3% |
| Some college courses | 6.6% |
| Master’s degree | 1.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.8% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in motorsports engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying motorsports engineering technology can lead to numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to motorsports engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to motorsports engineering technology.
| 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% |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 168,346 | 6.9% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of motorsports engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $58,128 |
| 4 years | $66,942 |
| 5 years | $75,102 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for motorsports engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers motorsports engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $40,917 |
With 1 different motorsports engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased motorsports engineering technology school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in motorsports engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.