Applied Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Applied Engineering Technology equips students with practical, hands-on expertise to support engineering teams in real-world industrial and technical environments. This program emphasizes the application of foundational engineering concepts to solve complex problems in design, production, and system optimization across diverse industries.
- Basic Engineering Principles: Core concepts in mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and electrical systems that form the foundation for technical problem-solving in engineering applications.
- Project Management: Strategies and methodologies for planning, executing, and monitoring engineering projects to ensure timely delivery within scope and budget constraints.
- Industrial Processes: In-depth study of manufacturing and production workflows, including machining, assembly, automation, and process control in modern industrial settings.
- Production and Operations Management: Techniques for optimizing resource allocation, workflow efficiency, and output quality within manufacturing and technical operations.
- Systems Integration and Control: Approaches to designing, testing, and managing interconnected systems that operate cohesively in automated and industrial environments.
- Quality Control: Implementation of standards and procedures to monitor, evaluate, and improve product and process consistency and reliability.
- Statistics for Engineering Applications: Data-driven analysis methods used to assess performance, predict outcomes, and support decision-making in technical and manufacturing contexts.
Applied Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Applied Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Applied Engineering Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians and Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 152,500 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians 17-3024 | $70,760 | $47,770 - $109,580 | 14,680 | $34.02 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3026 | $64,790 | $46,370 - $97,670 | 73,410 | $31.15 |
Applied Engineering Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,390 in South Dakota to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 117% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Washington, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 152,500 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Applied Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 15 institutions offering Applied Engineering Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Applied Engineering Technology is found at Wilkes Community College (WCC) (30 graduates), Rogers State University (RSU) (17 graduates), Johnston Community College (JCC) (15 graduates), Mayland Community College (MCC) (14 graduates), and Wilson Community College (WCC) (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 113 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes Community College (WCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | Wilkesboro, North Carolina | Public | wilkescc.edu |
| Rogers State University (RSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
17 | Claremore, Oklahoma | Public | rsu.edu |
| Johnston Community College (JCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Smithfield, North Carolina | Public | johnstoncc.edu |
| Mayland Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Spruce Pine, North Carolina | Public | mayland.edu |
| Wilson Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Wilson, North Carolina | Public | wilsoncc.edu |
| Sam Houston State University (SHSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Huntsville, Texas | Public | shsu.edu |
| Gaston College |
Associate's
|
4 | Dallas, North Carolina | Public | gaston.edu |
| McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
4 | Marion, North Carolina | Public | mcdowelltech.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community and Technical College |
Associate's
|
4 | Martinsburg, West Virginia | Public | blueridgectc.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Wayne State College (WSC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Wayne, Nebraska | Public | wsc.edu |
| Laredo College |
Other Award
|
2 | Laredo, Texas | Public | laredo.edu |
| Lorain County Community College (LCCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Elyria, Ohio | Public | lorainccc.edu |
| Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) |
Associate's
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | ccp.edu |
| Texas Southern University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Houston, Texas | Public | tsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Applied Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Applied Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Applied Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually, while Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians earn around $70,760. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $50,390 in South Dakota. Approximately 152,500 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Applied Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 15 accredited institutions offer Applied Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Wilkes Community College (WCC) (30 graduates), Rogers State University (RSU) (17 graduates), and Johnston Community College (JCC) (15 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Applied Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians, and Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 152,500 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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