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Mechanical Engineering Technologies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering Technologies prepares students to design, analyze, and implement mechanical systems using advanced engineering principles and modern manufacturing techniques. This program emphasizes hands-on application, integrating core engineering concepts with practical problem-solving skills essential for innovation in industrial and technological environments.

  • Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer: Study of energy conversion processes and the movement of heat within systems, critical for optimizing performance in engines, HVAC systems, and industrial equipment.
  • Materials Science and Engineering: Exploration of the properties, selection, and behavior of metals, polymers, and composites under various operational conditions.
  • Mechanical Design and CAD: Application of computer-aided design tools to develop precise technical drawings and 3D models for mechanical components and assemblies.
  • Mechanics of Materials: Analysis of how solid materials deform and fail under different loads, supporting safe and efficient structural design.
  • Motion and Kinematics: Examination of the movement of mechanical systems, including linkages, gears, and actuators, to ensure smooth and controlled operation.
  • Manufacturing Processes: In-depth study of production techniques such as machining, casting, welding, and additive manufacturing to bring designs to life.
  • Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics: Investigation of fluid behavior in motion and at rest, essential for designing pumps, turbines, and fluid control systems.
  • Automation and Control Systems: Integration of sensors, actuators, and programmable logic controllers to enable intelligent operation of mechanical systems.

Mechanical Engineering Technologies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

478
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
19
Universities & Colleges
1
Career Pathways

Mechanical Engineering Technologies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Mechanical Engineering Technologies degrees, including Mechanical 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 37,450 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 Engineering Technologies Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,480 in South Dakota to $100,430 in Louisiana—a 95% difference. The highest-paying states include Louisiana, New Mexico, and Indiana. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 37,450 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 Technologies by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 19 institutions offering Mechanical Engineering Technologies 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 Technologies is found at Tidewater Community College (TCC) (228 graduates), International Air and Hospitality Academy (IAHA) (62 graduates), Western New England University (WNE) (60 graduates), Cleveland State University (CSU) (27 graduates), and Virginia State University (VSU) (16 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 478 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
Tidewater Community College (TCC)
Associate's
Other Award
228 Norfolk, Virginia Public tcc.edu
International Air and Hospitality Academy (IAHA)
Other Award
62 Vancouver, Washington Private aha.edu
Western New England University (WNE)
Bachelor's
Master's
60 Springfield, Massachusetts Private wne.edu
Cleveland State University (CSU)
Bachelor's
27 Cleveland, Ohio Public csuohio.edu
Virginia State University (VSU)
Bachelor's
16 Petersburg, Virginia Public vsu.edu
University of Massachusetts
Bachelor's
13 Lowell, Massachusetts Public uml.edu
University of Central Missouri (UCM)
Bachelor's
Other Award
12 Warrensburg, Missouri Public ucmo.edu
Brightpoint Community College
Associate's
12 Chester, Virginia Public brightpoint.edu
Columbus State Community College (CSCC)
Other Award
10 Columbus, Ohio Public cscc.edu
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC)
Associate's
7 Hampton, Virginia Public vpcc.edu
Glen Oaks Community College (GOCC)
Associate's
6 Centreville, Michigan Public glenoaks.edu
Terra State Community College
Other Award
6 Fremont, Ohio Public terra.edu
Macomb Community College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
5 Warren, Michigan Public macomb.edu
Northwest State Community College (NSCC)
Associate's
4 Archbold, Ohio Public northweststate.edu
Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico
Associate's
3 Hato Rey, Puerto Rico Private pupr.edu
Edison State Community College
Associate's
2 Piqua, Ohio Public edisonohio.edu
LeTourneau University (LETU)
Bachelor's
2 Longview, Texas Private letu.edu
Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC)
Associate's
2 Weyers Cave, Virginia Public brcc.edu
Bristol Community College
Other Award
1 Fall River, Massachusetts Public bristolcc.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Mechanical Engineering Technologies programs

How much can I earn with a Mechanical Engineering Technologies degree?

Salaries for Mechanical Engineering Technologies graduates vary by role and location. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $68,730 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Louisiana average $100,430 compared to $51,480 in South Dakota. Approximately 37,450 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 Technologies programs?

Currently 19 accredited institutions offer Mechanical Engineering Technologies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Tidewater Community College (TCC) (228 graduates), International Air and Hospitality Academy (IAHA) (62 graduates), and Western New England University (WNE) (60 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 Technologies growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 592 in 2010 to a peak of 614 in 2020, before declining slightly to 478 in 2023-24. This represents a 19% 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 Mechanical Engineering Technologies degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 37,450 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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