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)
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.
Related Eng. Technologies Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Eng. Technologies field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Computer Systems Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of professionals who use computer systems. Includes instruction...
Computer Hardware Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to support engineers in designing computer hardware and peripheral systems....
Computer Software Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to support engineers in developing, implementing, and evaluating computer software...
Computer Engineering Technologies
Any instructional program in computer engineering technologies not listed above.
Drafting and Design Technology
A program that prepares individuals to generally apply technical skills to create working drawings and computer simulations for a variety of applications. Includes...
CAD and CADD Drafting and Design Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware to the creation of graphic representations and simulations...