Automotive Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Automotive Engineering Technology equips students with the technical expertise and applied engineering knowledge needed to support the design, development, and testing of self-propelled ground vehicles and their integrated systems. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application, preparing graduates to work effectively alongside engineers in dynamic automotive environments.
- Vehicular Systems Technology: Focuses on the integration and functionality of core vehicle subsystems, including powertrain, chassis, electrical, and electronic control systems.
- Design and Development Testing: Involves evaluating engineering designs under controlled conditions to assess performance, reliability, and compliance with specifications.
- Prototype and Operational Testing: Covers procedures for assessing early-stage models and fully operational vehicles in real-world scenarios to identify and resolve performance issues.
- Inspection and Maintenance Procedures: Teaches systematic methods for diagnosing, servicing, and maintaining vehicle systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
- Instrument Calibration: Provides training in adjusting and verifying measurement tools and sensors to ensure accuracy and consistency in testing environments.
- Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Develops proficiency in using, troubleshooting, and maintaining specialized diagnostic and testing apparatus used in automotive R&D and quality assurance.
- Report Preparation: Emphasizes clear, technical documentation of test results, findings, and recommendations for engineering teams and project stakeholders.
Automotive Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Automotive Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Automotive Engineering Technology degrees, including Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Mechanical Drafters and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. 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 766,190 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3027 | $68,730 | $46,940 - $100,890 | 37,450 | $33.04 |
| Mechanical Drafters 17-3013 | $68,510 | $46,500 - $107,600 | 39,900 | $32.94 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 49-3023 | $49,670 | $33,660 - $80,850 | 688,840 | $23.88 |
Automotive Engineering Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,260 in Wyoming to $75,363 in Colorado—a 53% difference. The highest-paying states include Colorado, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 766,190 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 Automotive Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 48 institutions offering Automotive 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 Automotive Engineering Technology is found at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (68 graduates), H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) (64 graduates), Metropolitan Community College (MCC-KC), Kansas City (56 graduates), Seminole State College of Florida (53 graduates), and Broward College (BC) (49 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,112 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University |
Bachelor's
|
68 | Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
64 | Montgomery, Alabama | Public | trenholmstate.edu |
| Metropolitan Community College (MCC-KC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
56 | Kansas City, Missouri | Public | mcckc.edu |
| Seminole State College of Florida |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
53 | Sanford, Florida | Public | seminolestate.edu |
| Broward College (BC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
49 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Public | broward.edu |
| Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44 | Pasadena, California | Private | artcenter.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
44 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| Stark State College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
42 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Florida State College (FSCJ) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
41 | Jacksonville, Florida | Public | fscj.edu |
| Indian River State College (IRSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
41 | Fort Pierce, Florida | Public | irsc.edu |
| McPherson College |
Bachelor's
|
41 | McPherson, Kansas | Private | mcpherson.edu |
| Hacienda La Puente Adult Education (HLPAE) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
41 | La Puente, California | Public | hlpae.com |
| Lawson State Community College (LSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
39 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | lawsonstate.edu |
| Savannah Technical College |
Residency
|
39 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
37 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| George C Wallace Community College (WCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | Dothan, Alabama | Public | wallace.edu |
| Owens Community College (OCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
31 | Perrysburg, Ohio | Public | owens.edu |
| Brookdale Community College |
Associate's
|
26 | Lincroft, New Jersey | Public | brookdalecc.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
24 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
22 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Union County Vocational Technical School (UCVTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Scotch Plains, New Jersey | Public | ucvts.tec.nj.us |
| Pittsburg State University |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Pittsburg, Kansas | Public | pittstate.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRC) |
Associate's
|
16 | Carolina, Puerto Rico | Public | uprc.edu |
| Coastal Alabama Community College |
Other Award
|
14 | Bay Minette, Alabama | Public | coastalalabama.edu |
| Florida Gateway College (FGC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Lake City, Florida | Public | fgc.edu |
| Santa Fe College (SF) |
Associate's
|
13 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | sfcollege.edu |
| Crowder College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
13 | Neosho, Missouri | Public | crowder.edu |
| Camden County College (CCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Blackwood, New Jersey | Public | camdencc.edu |
| Great Basin College (GBC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Elko, Nevada | Public | gbcnv.edu |
| Mercer County Community College (MCCC) |
Associate's
|
11 | West Windsor, New Jersey | Public | mccc.edu |
| Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Branchburg, New Jersey | Public | raritanval.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Associate's
|
10 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | occc.edu |
| J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Huntsville, Alabama | Public | drakestate.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU Pueblo) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Pueblo, Colorado | Public | csupueblo.edu |
| Terra State Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Fremont, Ohio | Public | terra.edu |
| Indiana State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Terre Haute, Indiana | Public | indstate.edu |
| Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) |
Residency
|
7 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | ogeecheetech.edu |
| Southeastern Technical College (STC) |
Residency
|
6 | Vidalia, Georgia | Public | southeasterntech.edu |
| Navajo Technical University (Navajo Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Crownpoint, New Mexico | Public | navajotech.edu |
| Sussex County Community College (SCCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Newton, New Jersey | Public | sussex.edu |
| University of West Alabama (UWA) |
Associate's
|
2 | Livingston, Alabama | Public | uwa.edu |
| Monroe County Community College (MCCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Monroe, Michigan | Public | monroeccc.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Professional Technical Institution (PTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | ptipr.edu |
| Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) |
Residency
|
2 | Waycross, Georgia | Public | coastalpines.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Automotive Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Automotive Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Automotive Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $68,730 annually, while Mechanical Drafters earn around $68,510. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Colorado average $75,363 compared to $49,260 in Wyoming. Approximately 766,190 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 Automotive Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 48 accredited institutions offer Automotive Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (68 graduates), H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) (64 graduates), and Metropolitan Community College (MCC-KC), Kansas City (56 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 Automotive Engineering Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,929 in 2010 to a peak of 1,170 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,112 in 2023-24. This represents a 62% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Automotive Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Mechanical Drafters, and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. Related occupations employ approximately 766,190 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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