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Mechanical Engineering Technology

22 schools compared · Average earnings $43,887/yr

Quick Facts: Mechanical Engineering Technology Training

Where it's offered

Mechanical Engineering Technology programs are offered at 22 schools across 13 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.

Earnings expectations

Graduates earn approximately $43,887/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.

Apprenticeship pathways

The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 49 registered apprenticeship pathways related to Mechanical Engineering Technology — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.

Program quality benchmark

Across the 22 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 48/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.

What Mechanical Engineering Technology Graduates Do

Your skills will put you at the heart of how things work, whether in a bustling auto shop or a high-tech manufacturing lab. On any given day, you might be using diagnostic scanners and wrenches to pinpoint an engine problem in a modern vehicle, getting your hands dirty to make the fix. Alternatively, you could be working alongside engineers, using precision instruments and CAD software to test a new aerospace component or calibrate the robotic arms on an assembly line. This hands-on expertise is your career's foundation, tackling real-world problems that can't be solved from a desk or automated away.

Your career path is one of steady advancement. You'll likely start as an apprentice, building skills on routine jobs. With experience and certifications, you’ll become a trusted, independent technician handling complex diagnostics. From there, you can specialize to become a master tech, a shop foreman, or even open your own business. While thousands of openings exist for automotive technicians, fast-growing fields like aerospace offer higher earning potential for specialists. Your starting salary is solid, but with expertise, your income can climb significantly.

Students considering Mechanical Engineering Technology also weigh Electromechanical Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Engineering Technology — see each trade's earnings and school count side by side.

Schools Offering

Avg Grad Earnings

$43,887/yr

Avg TradeSchoolOutlook Score

48/100

Apprenticeship Paths

View pathways ↓

Registered Apprenticeship Pathways

The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 49 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Mechanical Engineering Technology. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.

Apprenticeship	Training Hours	Type	Salary RangeSalary	Growth
Additive 3D Printing Technician RAPIDS 2078HY	2000-4000 hrs	Hybrid	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Air Conditioning Mechanic (Auto Serv) RAPIDS 686	2000 hrs ~1.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Assembler, Electromechanical RAPIDS 875	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$59K – $70,760 – $87K	1.1%
Auto Cooling System Diagnostic Tech RAPIDS 836	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Auto, Truck, Trailer Repair Mechanic (Existing Title: Automobile Mechanic) RAPIDS **0023R	7328 hrs ~3.7 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Auto-Radiator Mechanic RAPIDS 784	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Automobile Mechanic (Alternate Title: Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, Truck And Bus Mechanic)) RAPIDS 23	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Automotive Mechanic (Existing Title: Automobile Mechanic) RAPIDS 0023R1	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Automotive Technician Specialist RAPIDS 1034CL	Competency	Competency	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Automotive Technician Specialist (Alternate Title: Light-Weight Vehicle Mech) RAPIDS 1034CB	Competency	Competency	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Automotive Technician Specialist (Existing Title: Undercar Specialist, Ford-Lincoln Certified Technician) RAPIDS 1034CB	Competency	Competency	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Brake Repairer (Auto Serv) RAPIDS 892	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Carburetor Mechanic RAPIDS 896	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Commercial Drone Pilot (Existing Title: Electro-Mechanical Technicians) RAPIDS 167	5580 hrs ~2.8 yrs	Time	$59K – $70,760 – $87K	1.1%
Drafter, Detail RAPIDS 130	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$56K – $68,510 – $86K	-6.5%
Drafter, Mechanical RAPIDS 136	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$56K – $68,510 – $86K	-6.5%
Drafter, Tool Design RAPIDS 140	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$56K – $68,510 – $86K	-6.5%
Electromechanical Technician RAPIDS 167	6000 hrs ~3.0 yrs	Time	$59K – $70,760 – $87K	1.1%
Electromechanical Technician RAPIDS 0167CB	Competency	Competency	$59K – $70,760 – $87K	1.1%
Electronic Industrial Control Mechanic (Existing Title: Electromechanical Tech) RAPIDS 0167R	5840 hrs ~2.9 yrs	Time	$59K – $70,760 – $87K	1.1%
Engineering Assistant RAPIDS 0764CB	Competency	Competency	$56K – $68,510 – $86K	-6.5%
Engineering Assistant, Mechanic Equip RAPIDS 764	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$56K – $68,510 – $86K	-6.5%
Front-End Mechanic RAPIDS 209	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Fuel Injection Servicer RAPIDS 922	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Heat Transfer Technician RAPIDS 257	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$57K – $68,730 – $83K	0.0%
Industrial Manufacturing Technician RAPIDS 2031HY	2736-3000 hrs	Hybrid	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Industrial Manufacturing Technician (Alternate Title: Manafacturing Production Techician) RAPIDS 2031CB	Competency	Competency	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Laboratory Asst, Metallurgical RAPIDS 621	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Mechanical Engineering Technician RAPIDS 777	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$57K – $68,730 – $83K	0.0%
Mechanical Engineering Technician RAPIDS 0777CB	Competency	Competency	$57K – $68,730 – $83K	0.0%
Mold Designer (Plastics Ind) RAPIDS 1030	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$56K – $68,510 – $86K	-6.5%
Motorboat Mechanic RAPIDS 355	6000 hrs ~3.0 yrs	Time	$45K – $54,950 – $65K	6.0%
Non-Destructive Tester RAPIDS 1010	2000 hrs ~1.0 yrs	Time	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Non-Destructive Tester RAPIDS 1010CL	Competency	Competency	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Nondestructive Testing (Ndt) (Existing Title: Non-Destructive Tester) (Military Only) RAPIDS 1010R	5920 hrs ~3.0 yrs	Time	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Optics Manufacturing Technician RAPIDS 2045CB	Competency	Competency	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Optomechanical Technician RAPIDS 368	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$57K – $68,730 – $83K	0.0%
Outboard Motor Mechanic RAPIDS 378	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$45K – $54,950 – $65K	6.0%
Outboard Technician (Alternate Title: Outboard-Motor Mechanic) RAPIDS 0378R	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$45K – $54,950 – $65K	6.0%
Repairer, Heavy RAPIDS 997	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Research Mechanic (Aircraft) RAPIDS 788	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$65K – $79,830 – $102K	8.1%
Spring Repairer, Hand RAPIDS 533	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Test Equipment Mechanic RAPIDS 190	10000 hrs ~5.0 yrs	Time	$65K – $79,830 – $102K	8.1%
Tool Design Checker RAPIDS 587	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$57K – $68,730 – $83K	0.0%
Transmission Mechanic RAPIDS 592	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Tune-Up Mechanic RAPIDS 600	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Undercar Specialist (Alternate Title: Automotive Tech Specialist ) RAPIDS 1034	4000 hrs ~2.0 yrs	Time	$38K – $49,670 – $66K	4.2%
Welding Technician RAPIDS 498	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$60K – $77,390 – $98K	1.5%
Wind Tunnel Mechanic RAPIDS 499	8000 hrs ~4.0 yrs	Time	$65K – $79,830 – $102K	8.1%

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.

Find Mechanical Engineering Technology Programs in Your State

Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Mechanical Engineering Technology is offered at 22 schools across 13 states. Pick your state to see a local comparison (states with fewer programs link to the state hub).

Ohio (5) New Jersey (2) Oklahoma (2) Virginia (2) California (1) Florida (1) Georgia (1) Kansas (1) Massachusetts (1) Michigan (1) Missouri (1) Puerto Rico (1) Washington (1)

View the complete Mechanical Engineering Technology school rankings — 22 programs analyzed →

Top Mechanical Engineering Technology Programs Nationally

For context, here are the highest-scoring Mechanical Engineering Technology programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.

Top 20 of 22 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.

#	School	Score	Earnings	ROI
1	Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA	77 73–78	$66,574/yr	536.8x
2	Tidewater Community College Norfolk, VA	70 67–71	$54,461/yr	105.0x
3	Owens Community College Perrysburg, OH	66 63–67	$61,021/yr	62.3x
4	Sinclair Community College Dayton, OH	65 63–66	$48,312/yr	69.3x
5	Springfield Technical Community College Springfield, MA	64 61–65	$54,793/yr	56.1x
6	Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OH	64 57–65	$45,873/yr	65.8x
7	Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI	63 61–64	$62,282/yr	44.7x
8	Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Okmulgee, OK	60 58–61	$49,674/yr	46.7x
9	Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI	57 52–58	$56,819/yr	28.3x
10	Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FL	57 55–58	$36,453/yr	55.5x
11	ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA	55 52–56	$64,003/yr	16.3x
12	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH	55 51–56	$52,177/yr	25.4x
13	International Air and Hospitality Academy Vancouver, WA	55 52–56	$46,762/yr	—
14	Crowder College Neosho, MO	55 53–56	$33,816/yr	53.7x
15	Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Tulsa, OK	52 49–53	$42,386/yr	26.9x
16	Brookdale Community College Lincroft, NJ	52 48–54	$35,805/yr	39.7x
17	Stark State College North Canton, OH	52 50–53	$35,362/yr	42.0x
18	Middle Georgia State University Macon, GA	49 47–50	$25,531/yr	56.6x
19	Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Tulsa, OK	47 44–48	$41,370/yr	11.1x
20	Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Wichita, KS	46 40–48	$21,427/yr	69.4x
21	New Community Career & Technical Institute Newark, NJ	37 34–38	$15,085/yr	—
22	University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla Aguadilla, PR	32 29–33	$15,520/yr	12.0x

Highest Earning Mechanical Engineering Technology Programs

Schools where Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.

School	1-Year Earnings	Score
Los Angeles Trade Technical College	$66,574/yr	77
ECPI University	$64,003/yr	55
Ferris State University	$62,282/yr	63
Owens Community College	$61,021/yr	66
Ferris State University	$56,819/yr	57
Springfield Technical Community College	$54,793/yr	64
Tidewater Community College	$54,461/yr	70
University of Akron Main Campus	$52,177/yr	55
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology	$49,674/yr	60
Sinclair Community College	$48,312/yr	65

Best ROI for Mechanical Engineering Technology

Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Mechanical Engineering Technology.

School	ROI Multiple	Earnings	Score
Los Angeles Trade Technical College	536.8x	$66,574/yr	77
Tidewater Community College	105.0x	$54,461/yr	70
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology	69.4x	$21,427/yr	46
Sinclair Community College	69.3x	$48,312/yr	65
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College	65.8x	$45,873/yr	64
Owens Community College	62.3x	$61,021/yr	66
Middle Georgia State University	56.6x	$25,531/yr	49
Springfield Technical Community College	56.1x	$54,793/yr	64
Seminole State College of Florida	55.5x	$36,453/yr	57
Crowder College	53.7x	$33,816/yr	55

Related Majors

Explore similar fields of study.

Considering a 4-Year Degree?

Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Mechanical Engineering Technology degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the typical salary after a Mechanical Engineering Technology program?

Across 22 schools, Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates earn an average of $43,887 per year in their first year after completing the program. Earnings range from $15,085 to $66,574 depending on the school.

How AI-proof is a career in Mechanical Engineering Technology?

Our analysis rates Mechanical Engineering Technology as "Resilient" for automation risk. With 68% of tasks requiring physical presence or manual skill, most the work in this trade remains beyond AI's reach.

Where should I study Mechanical Engineering Technology?

Our data ranks Los Angeles Trade Technical College first among 22 Mechanical Engineering Technology programs. Its score of 77/100 reflects strong outcomes across earnings ($66,574/yr), return on investment, and career durability.

Is Mechanical Engineering Technology worth it?

The average 10-year earnings multiple is 71.2x tuition. This is a strong return on investment. The spread between the best and worst programs is wide, so individual school selection has a major impact.

Data from College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034, and DOL RAPIDS. Methodology & sources →