Manufacturing Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Manufacturing Engineering Technology equips students with the technical expertise and engineering fundamentals needed to optimize and troubleshoot modern production systems. This program focuses on the integration of mechanical, electrical, and digital systems to enhance efficiency, precision, and scalability across industrial manufacturing environments.
- Machine Operations: Mastery of industrial machinery and equipment used in machining, forming, and assembly processes, including setup, operation, and maintenance protocols.
- Production Line Operations: Understanding of workflow design, sequencing, and coordination within automated and semi-automated assembly environments to ensure continuity and throughput.
- Engineering Analysis: Application of analytical methods to assess mechanical performance, material behavior, and structural integrity in manufactured components.
- Systems Analysis: Evaluation of manufacturing processes as interconnected systems to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
- Instrumentation: Use of sensors, measurement devices, and data acquisition tools to monitor and control physical parameters during production.
- Physical Controls: Implementation and troubleshooting of mechanical and electromechanical control systems that govern machine behavior and operational safety.
- Automation: Design and integration of automated systems, including robotics and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), to reduce manual labor and increase consistency.
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Utilization of software to generate toolpaths and control CNC machines for precise, repeatable production of complex parts.
- Manufacturing Planning: Development of production schedules, resource allocation strategies, and workflow blueprints to align output with demand and capacity.
- Quality Control: Application of statistical methods, inspection techniques, and compliance standards to ensure products meet required specifications and industry benchmarks.
- Informational Infrastructure: Deployment and management of digital platforms, data networks, and enterprise systems that support real-time monitoring, reporting, and decision-making in manufacturing.
Manufacturing Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Manufacturing Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Manufacturing Engineering Technology degrees, including 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 73,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3026 | $64,790 | $46,370 - $97,670 | 73,410 | $31.15 |
Salary Comparison
Manufacturing 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 $94,110 in Alaska—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Washington, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 73,410 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 Manufacturing Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Manufacturing 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 Manufacturing Engineering Technology is found at John C Calhoun State Community College (498 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (285 graduates), Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (108 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (107 graduates), and J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State) (96 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3,737 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 | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John C Calhoun State Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
498 | N/A | Tanner, Alabama | Public | calhoun.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
285 | N/A | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
108 | N/A | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
107 |
SAT: 1140-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
96 | N/A | Huntsville, Alabama | Public | drakestate.edu |
| Ogden-Weber Technical College |
Residency
|
88 | N/A | Ogden, Utah | Public | otech.edu |
| Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) |
Other Award
|
87 | N/A | Topeka, Kansas | Public | washburntech.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville |
Bachelor's
|
78 | ACT: 21-27 | Platteville, Wisconsin | Public | uwplatt.edu |
| Mesa Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
72 | N/A | Mesa, Arizona | Public | mesacc.edu |
| Goodwin University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
68 | N/A | East Hartford, Connecticut | Private | goodwin.edu |
| Kankakee Community College (KCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
62 | N/A | Kankakee, Illinois | Public | kcc.edu |
| Shoreline Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
61 | N/A | Shoreline, Washington | Public | shoreline.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
61 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
60 | N/A | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
| ITI Technical College (ITI) |
Associate's
|
53 | N/A | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Private | iticollege.edu |
| Erie Institute of Technology Inc (EIT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52 | N/A | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | erieit.edu |
| H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
49 | N/A | Montgomery, Alabama | Public | trenholmstate.edu |
| Central Arizona College (CAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
49 | N/A | Coolidge, Arizona | Public | centralaz.edu |
| Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
49 | N/A | Alexandria, Louisiana | Public | cltcc.edu |
| Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
49 | N/A | Reno, Nevada | Public | tmcc.edu |
| Crowder College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
46 | N/A | Neosho, Missouri | Public | crowder.edu |
| Tidewater Community College (TCC) |
Other Award
|
40 | N/A | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | tcc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
39 | N/A | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
|
35 | N/A | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
35 |
SAT: 1280-1460 ACT: 29-33 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| New River Community College (NRCC) |
Other Award
|
35 | N/A | Dublin, Virginia | Public | nr.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
35 | N/A | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | N/A | Sanford, North Carolina | Public | cccc.edu |
| Reedley College |
Other Award
|
33 | N/A | Reedley, California | Public | reedleycollege.edu |
| State Fair Community College (SFCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
33 | N/A | Sedalia, Missouri | Public | sfccmo.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | N/A | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
| Pearl River Community College (PRCC) |
Associate's
|
32 | N/A | Poplarville, Mississippi | Public | prcc.edu |
| Lorain County Community College (LCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | N/A | Elyria, Ohio | Public | lorainccc.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | N/A | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | N/A | Waco, Georgia | Public | westgatech.edu |
| Macomb Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
30 | N/A | Warren, Michigan | Public | macomb.edu |
| Pine Technical & Community College (PTCC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
30 | N/A | Pine City, Minnesota | Public | pine.edu |
| Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | N/A | Lynchburg, Virginia | Public | centralvirginia.edu |
| Butte College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | N/A | Oroville, California | Public | butte.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
29 | N/A | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | N/A | Roanoke, Virginia | Public | virginiawestern.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | N/A | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | N/A | Weyers Cave, Virginia | Public | brcc.edu |
| Lake Land College |
Other Award
|
27 | N/A | Mattoon, Illinois | Public | lakelandcollege.edu |
| Clark State College |
Residency
Other Award
|
26 | N/A | Springfield, Ohio | Public | clarkstate.edu |
| Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
25 | N/A | Hazard, Kentucky | Public | hazard.kctcs.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | N/A | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) |
Other Award
|
25 | N/A | Hampton, Virginia | Public | vpcc.edu |
| Rogue Community College (RCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | N/A | Grants Pass, Oregon | Public | roguecc.edu |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
22 |
SAT: 916-1133 ACT: 19-25 |
Highland Heights, Kentucky | Public | nku.edu |
| State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) |
Associate's
|
22 | N/A | Linn, Missouri | Public | statetechmo.edu |
| Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
22 | N/A | Paterson, New Jersey | Private | hohokus.edu |
| Southern Illinois University |
Master's
|
21 |
SAT: 910-1140 ACT: 20-27 |
Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| Manchester Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | N/A | Manchester, New Hampshire | Public | mccnh.edu |
| Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | N/A | Phenix City, Alabama | Public | cv.edu |
| Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | N/A | Florence, Kentucky | Public | gateway.kctcs.edu |
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin) |
Associate's
|
20 | N/A | Wesson, Mississippi | Public | colin.edu |
| Arkansas Tech University (ATU) |
Associate's
|
19 |
SAT: 940-1150 ACT: 17-24 |
Russellville, Arkansas | Public | atu.edu |
| East Central College (ECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | N/A | Union, Missouri | Public | eastcentral.edu |
| North Carolina A & T State University (NC A&T) |
Bachelor's
|
19 |
SAT: 960-1190 ACT: 16-22 |
Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | ncat.edu |
| Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico |
Master's
|
19 | N/A | Hato Rey, Puerto Rico | Private | pupr.edu |
| Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) |
Other Award
|
19 | N/A | Wadley, Alabama | Public | suscc.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
18 | N/A | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 980-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 860-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
18 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Itawamba Community College (ICC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
18 | N/A | Fulton, Mississippi | Public | iccms.edu |
| Fresno City College (FCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | N/A | Fresno, California | Public | fresnocitycollege.edu |
| Jackson College |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
17 | N/A | Jackson, Michigan | Public | jccmi.edu |
| Missouri State University (MSU‑WP) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | N/A | West Plains, Missouri | Public | wp.missouristate.edu |
| Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) |
Residency
|
17 | N/A | Pendleton, South Carolina | Public | tctc.edu |
| Vincennes University (VU) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | N/A | Vincennes, Indiana | Public | vinu.edu |
| Mid Michigan College (Mid) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | N/A | Harrison, Michigan | Public | midmich.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 1050-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Terra State Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | N/A | Fremont, Ohio | Public | terra.edu |
| Florida State College (FSCJ) |
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Jacksonville, Florida | Public | fscj.edu |
| Joliet Junior College (JJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Joliet, Illinois | Public | jjc.edu |
| Western Illinois University (WIU) |
Master's
|
14 | N/A | Macomb, Illinois | Public | wiu.edu |
| Murray State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 950-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
Murray, Kentucky | Public | murraystate.edu |
| University of Cincinnati |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Batavia, Ohio | Public | ucclermont.edu |
| Portland Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Portland, Oregon | Public | pcc.edu |
| Norco College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Norco, California | Public | norcocollege.edu |
| Rock Valley College (RVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Rockford, Illinois | Public | rockvalleycollege.edu |
| University of Southern Indiana (USI) |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 1020-1220 ACT: 22-28 |
Evansville, Indiana | Public | usi.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 820-1010 ACT: 16-20 |
Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Bossier City, Louisiana | Public | bpcc.edu |
| Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Mount Pleasant, Texas | Public | ntcc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
13 | N/A | Nashville, Tennessee | Public | tcatnashville.edu |
| Fullerton College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | Fullerton, California | Public | fullcoll.edu |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | N/A | Sacramento, California | Public | caj.scusd.edu |
| Black Hawk College (BHC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | Moline, Illinois | Public | bhc.edu |
| Monroe County Community College (MCCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | Monroe, Michigan | Public | monroeccc.edu |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Associate's
|
12 | N/A | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
12 | ACT: 22-25 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Arkansas State University (ASUN) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | Newport, Arkansas | Public | asun.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
|
11 | N/A | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) |
Associate's
|
11 |
SAT: 1000-1170 ACT: 18-24 |
Joplin, Missouri | Public | mssu.edu |
| Nashville State Community College (NSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | N/A | Nashville, Tennessee | Public | nscc.edu |
| Ocean County Vocational-Technical School (OCVTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | N/A | Toms River, New Jersey | Public | ocvts.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Manufacturing Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Manufacturing Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $64,790 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $94,110 compared to $50,390 in South Dakota. Approximately 73,410 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 Manufacturing Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 259 accredited institutions offer Manufacturing Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include John C Calhoun State Community College (498 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (285 graduates), and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (108 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.
Is enrollment in Manufacturing Engineering Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2,090 in 2010 to a peak of 5,061 in 2020, before declining slightly to 4,498 in 2023-24. This represents a 115% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 73,410 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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