Mechanical Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed to equip students with the technical expertise needed to support engineering teams in the development and refinement of mechanical systems, this program emphasizes hands-on application of engineering fundamentals across diverse industrial contexts. Graduates emerge with a robust skill set in system analysis, testing, and validation, ready to contribute effectively in dynamic, real-world engineering environments.
- Principles of Mechanics: Explores the foundational laws governing motion, forces, and energy transfer within physical systems, forming the basis for analyzing and predicting mechanical behavior.
- Engineering System Applications: Focuses on applying mechanical theory to real-world systems such as HVAC, robotics, and power transmission, bridging theory with practical implementation.
- Design Testing Procedures: Teaches systematic approaches to evaluating design concepts through simulation, modeling, and iterative refinement to ensure functionality and reliability.
- Prototype and Operational Testing: Involves the evaluation of early-stage models and fully functional units under real-world conditions to identify performance issues and validate design integrity.
- Manufacturing System-Testing Procedures: Covers methods for assessing production processes and equipment to ensure efficiency, safety, and consistency in mass-scale manufacturing environments.
- Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Provides training in the proper use, calibration, and upkeep of instruments and diagnostic tools essential for accurate data collection and system evaluation.
- Technical Report Preparation: Develops the ability to document findings, test results, and engineering recommendations clearly and professionally for stakeholders and project teams.
Mechanical Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Mechanical Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Mechanical Engineering Technology degrees, including Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians and Mechanical Drafters. 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 92,030 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians 17-3024 | $70,760 | $47,770 - $109,580 | 14,680 | $34.02 |
| 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 |
Salary Comparison
Mechanical Engineering Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,375 in South Dakota to $86,510 in New Mexico—a 68% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, Washington, and Louisiana. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 92,030 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 Mechanical Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineering Technology is found at Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (151 graduates), ECPI University (ECPI) (149 graduates), CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) (133 graduates), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (89 graduates), and Ferris State University (FSU) (85 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,792 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University (PU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
151 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| ECPI University (ECPI) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
149 | N/A | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Private | ecpi.edu |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
133 | SAT: 880-1200 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | citytech.cuny.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
89 |
SAT: 1280-1460 ACT: 29-33 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Residency
|
85 |
SAT: 890-1120 ACT: 18-26 |
Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
|
66 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-28 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) |
Bachelor's
|
65 |
SAT: 1210-1470 ACT: 25-32 |
Newark, New Jersey | Public | njit.edu |
| Farmingdale State College (FSC) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
65 |
SAT: 1020-1200 ACT: 19-27 |
Farmingdale, New York | Public | farmingdale.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
|
65 |
SAT: 1020-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
61 | N/A | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | waketech.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
54 |
SAT: 1110-1320 ACT: 21-27 |
Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| University of Akron |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
51 |
SAT: 950-1190 ACT: 18-25 |
Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
|
50 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| Edison State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
49 | N/A | Piqua, Ohio | Public | edisonohio.edu |
| California State Polytechnic University (CPP) |
Bachelor's
|
43 | N/A | Pomona, California | Public | cpp.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (Alfred State) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
41 |
SAT: 970-1170 ACT: 16-23 |
Alfred, New York | Public | alfredstate.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
40 |
SAT: 1110-1320 ACT: 23-28 |
Erie, Pennsylvania | Public | behrend.psu.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
|
38 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| County College of Morris (CCM) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
38 | N/A | Randolph, New Jersey | Public | ccm.edu |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
37 |
SAT: 960-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
Fort Wayne, Indiana | Public | pfw.edu |
| Montana State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
37 |
SAT: 1060-1270 ACT: 20-27 |
Bozeman, Montana | Public | montana.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Bachelor's
|
37 |
SAT: 1050-1300 ACT: 22-28 |
Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Wayne Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
36 | N/A | Goldsboro, North Carolina | Public | waynecc.edu |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
35 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 24-27 |
Utica, New York | Public | sunypoly.edu |
| Indiana State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
33 | N/A | Terre Haute, Indiana | Public | indstate.edu |
| North Central State College |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
33 | N/A | Mansfield, Ohio | Public | ncstatecollege.edu |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) |
Bachelor's
|
32 |
SAT: 880-1110 ACT: 17-23 |
Denver, Colorado | Public | msudenver.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Associate's
|
32 | N/A | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | N/A | Springfield, Massachusetts | Public | stcc.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Purdue University Northwest (PNW) |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 920-1140 ACT: 16-25 |
Hammond, Indiana | Public | pnw.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
|
26 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | N/A | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Pitt Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | N/A | Winterville, North Carolina | Public | pittcc.edu |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Gurabo) |
Associate's
|
26 | N/A | Gurabo, Puerto Rico | Private | uagm.edu |
| Youngstown State University (YSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
25 |
SAT: 940-1210 ACT: 17-24 |
Youngstown, Ohio | Public | ysu.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | N/A | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWO) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | ACT: 18-24 | Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Public | uwosh.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Bachelor's
|
23 | SAT: 960-1190 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| University of Dayton (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
23 |
SAT: 1195-1370 ACT: 26-31 |
Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Bachelor's
|
22 | N/A | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) |
Bachelor's
|
21 |
SAT: 960-1180 ACT: 19-29 |
New Britain, Connecticut | Public | ccsu.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
|
20 | N/A | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Pensacola State College (PSC) |
Other Award
|
20 | N/A | Pensacola, Florida | Public | pensacolastate.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
|
20 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Onondaga Community College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
20 | N/A | Syracuse, New York | Public | sunyocc.edu |
| SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) |
Associate's
|
20 | SAT: 990-1170 | Cobleskill, New York | Public | cobleskill.edu |
| Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | N/A | Washington, North Carolina | Public | beaufortccc.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Associate's
|
19 | N/A | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
|
19 |
SAT: 1000-1230 ACT: 18-25 |
Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Associate's
|
19 | N/A | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| University of New Hampshire |
Bachelor's
|
18 | SAT: 1030-1250 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Public | manchester.unh.edu |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | N/A | Asheville, North Carolina | Public | abtech.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
18 | N/A | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Colorado Mesa University (CMU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
17 |
SAT: 930-1180 ACT: 19-26 |
Grand Junction, Colorado | Public | coloradomesa.edu |
| Pittsburg State University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
17 | ACT: 18-24 | Pittsburg, Kansas | Public | pittstate.edu |
| Instituto Tecnologico de Puerto Rico (ITPR) |
Associate's
|
17 | N/A | Guayama, Puerto Rico | Public | de.gov |
| CUNY Queensborough Community College (QCC) |
Associate's
|
16 | N/A | Bayside, New York | Public | qcc.cuny.edu |
| New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
16 | N/A | East Greenwich, Rhode Island | Private | neit.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 21-28 |
Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| NHTI-Concord's Community College (NHTI) |
Associate's
|
15 | N/A | Concord, New Hampshire | Public | nhti.edu |
| Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | N/A | Hudson, North Carolina | Public | cccti.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Associate's
|
15 | N/A | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1058-1175 ACT: 19-24 |
Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Hickory, North Carolina | Public | cvcc.edu |
| Vermont State University (VTSU) |
Associate's
|
14 | N/A | Randolph, Vermont | Public | vermontstate.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UA Little Rock) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 890-1170 ACT: 18-23 |
Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | ualr.edu |
| Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) |
Associate's
|
13 | N/A | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augustatech.edu |
| Triton College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | River Grove, Illinois | Public | triton.edu |
| Gaston College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Dallas, North Carolina | Public | gaston.edu |
| Mitchell Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Statesville, North Carolina | Public | mitchellcc.edu |
| Sam Houston State University (SHSU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 940-1140 ACT: 19-25 |
Huntsville, Texas | Public | shsu.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRC) |
Associate's
|
13 | SAT: 785-1019 | Carolina, Puerto Rico | Public | uprc.edu |
| Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | Flushing, New York | Private | vaughn.edu |
| Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) |
Associate's
|
12 | N/A | Buffalo, New York | Public | ecc.edu |
| Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | N/A | Troy, New York | Public | hvcc.edu |
| Isothermal Community College (ICC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | Spindale, North Carolina | Public | isothermal.edu |
| Stark State College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Tarleton State University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 960-1150 ACT: 19-24 |
Stephenville, Texas | Public | tarleton.edu |
| Bluefield State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 870-1080 ACT: 17-22 |
Bluefield, West Virginia | Public | bluefieldstate.edu |
| Fairmont State University |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 830-1040 ACT: 17-23 |
Fairmont, West Virginia | Public | fairmontstate.edu |
| Instituto Tecnologico de Puerto Rico |
Associate's
|
12 | N/A | Manati, Puerto Rico | Public | itec.pr |
| College of Lake County (CLC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
11 | N/A | Grayslake, Illinois | Public | clcillinois.edu |
| Northern Michigan University (NMU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | N/A | Marquette, Michigan | Public | nmu.edu |
| Monroe Community College |
Associate's
|
11 | N/A | Rochester, New York | Public | monroecc.edu |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11 | N/A | Salisbury, North Carolina | Public | rccc.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Associate's
|
11 | N/A | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| South Carolina State University (SCSU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | N/A | Orangeburg, South Carolina | Public | scsu.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 21-27 |
Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Middlesex College (MCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | N/A | Edison, New Jersey | Public | middlesexcollege.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (SUNY Canton) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
10 | N/A | Canton, New York | Public | canton.edu |
| Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) |
Associate's
|
10 | N/A | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Public | forsythtech.edu |
| Alamance Community College (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | N/A | Graham, North Carolina | Public | alamancecc.edu |
| Lakeland Community College (LCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | N/A | Kirtland, Ohio | Public | lakelandcc.edu |
| Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1045-1300 ACT: 22-26 |
Klamath Falls, Oregon | Public | oit.edu |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) |
Associate's
|
10 | SAT: 1020-1215 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Public | stevenscollege.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Associate's
|
10 | N/A | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Delaware Technical Community College |
Associate's
|
9 | N/A | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
| Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) |
Associate's
|
9 | N/A | Utica, New York | Public | mvcc.edu |
| Clark State College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | N/A | Springfield, Ohio | Public | clarkstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Mechanical Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $70,760 annually, while Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn around $68,730. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $86,510 compared to $51,375 in South Dakota. Approximately 92,030 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 Mechanical Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 191 accredited institutions offer Mechanical Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (151 graduates), ECPI University (ECPI) (149 graduates), and CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) (133 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 Mechanical Engineering Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2,685 in 2010 to a peak of 3,814 in 2020, before declining slightly to 3,162 in 2023-24. This represents a 18% 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 Mechanical Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and Mechanical Drafters. Related occupations employ approximately 92,030 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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