Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology equips learners with the technical expertise and engineering fundamentals needed to support the design, operation, and maintenance of fluid-based systems critical to industrial and mechanical applications. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and applied science to prepare individuals for roles in manufacturing, automation, and mechanical systems integration.
- Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Principles: Explores the behavior of liquids under pressure, including flow dynamics, pressure distribution, and energy transfer within confined systems.
- Fluid Power Systems: Focuses on the design, function, and application of hydraulic and pneumatic systems used in industrial machinery and automation.
- Pipeline and Pumping Systems: Covers the configuration, analysis, and operation of piping networks and pumping equipment essential for fluid transport in industrial environments.
- Design and Operational Testing: Teaches methodologies for evaluating system performance, validating designs, and ensuring reliability through controlled testing protocols.
- Inspection and Maintenance Procedures: Provides training in systematic evaluation, preventive care, and troubleshooting of hydraulic components to ensure system longevity and safety.
- Related Instrumentation: Introduces sensors, gauges, and monitoring devices used to measure pressure, flow rate, and system performance in real time.
- Report Preparation: Develops skills in documenting technical findings, system diagnostics, maintenance logs, and operational outcomes with clarity and precision.
Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other and 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 101,860 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3027 | $68,730 | $46,940 - $100,890 | 37,450 | $33.04 |
Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,480 in South Dakota to $97,555 in New Mexico—a 90% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, District of Columbia, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 101,860 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 Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Hydraulics and Fluid Power 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 Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology is found at Hennepin Technical College (HTC) (88 graduates), Spokane Community College (SCC) (11 graduates), Clark State College (8 graduates), Northland Pioneer College (NPC) (2 graduates), and Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
88 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
| Clark State College |
Other Award
|
8 | Springfield, Ohio | Public | clarkstate.edu |
| Northland Pioneer College (NPC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
2 | Holbrook, Arizona | Public | npc.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| Stark State College |
Associate's
|
1 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology degree?
Salaries for Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually, while Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn around $68,730. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $97,555 compared to $51,480 in South Dakota. Approximately 101,860 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 Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Hennepin Technical College (HTC) (88 graduates), Spokane Community College (SCC) (11 graduates), and Clark State College (8 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 Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 85 in 2010 to 112 in 2023-24. This represents a 32% 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 Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 101,860 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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