Last Updated on January 17, 2023
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Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate Degree Jobs
Duties of Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Mechanical engineering technicians typically do the following:
- Evaluate design drawings for new or changed tools by measuring dimensions on the drawings and comparing them with the original specifications
- Prepare layouts and drawings of parts to be made and of the process for putting the parts together, often using three-dimensional design software
- Discuss changes with coworkers—for example, in the design of a part and in the way it will be made and assembled
- Review instructions and blueprints for projects in order to ensure that test specifications and procedures are followed and objectives are met
- Plan, produce, and assemble new or changed mechanical parts for products, such as industrial machinery or equipment
- Set up and conduct tests of complete units and their components, and record results
- Compare test results with design specifications and with test objectives and make recommendations for changes in products or in test methods
- Estimate labor costs, equipment life, and plant space
Why Pursue an Online Engineering Associates Degree?
Online engineering associates degree programs allow undergrads to prepare for mechanical engineering technician jobs wholly on the internet. Students can choose from mechanical engineering schools across all 50 states online for a bigger variety. Associates majors can complete assignments and readings any time 24/7 for successful scheduling. Online learners frequently work part- or full-time to easily afford their mechanical engineering degree tuition. Commuting to a physical campus by car or subway is not necessary. Online students can use virtual classrooms from their home office and download cheaper electronic textbooks. Associates majors could even receive a free laptop or iPad for engaging in online mechanical engineering technology studies. Online classes also nurture the technological skills that mechanical engineering technicians need.
Associates degrees are becoming increasingly popular for their flexibility and fast turnarounds. In 2018-19, the National Student Clearinghouse found that 477,813 college-age pupils chose an associate degree first. Undergrads can complete their associate degree in four semesters and become a mechanical engineering technician. While working with a great salary, mechanical engineering technicians can pursue a bachelor’s with transferred associates credits. Collegiate 2+2 transfer pathways require only four extra semesters to become an engineer. Campus-based and online engineering associates degree costs are significantly lower. Community colleges frequently charge one-half or one-third of university tuition to save money. Associates students are also more likely to graduate given the shorter timeline and fewer responsibilities.
Career Information
Graduates of mechanical engineering technology associate degree programs may qualify for positions as mechanical engineering technicians or other entry-level roles designing and testing mechanical equipment; however, they will not qualify for the licensure needed to work as an engineer. Additional education and experience is needed to become a licensed engineer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics (BLS), the median salary for mechanical engineering technicians was about $56,250 in 2018. As of 2018, there were approximately 42,600 of these professionals working in the U.S., and the BLS predicted a three percent increase in employment from 2018-2028, which is slower than average when compared with other occupations. Job prospects should be best for mechanical engineering technicians trained in the latest technology and software programs
What Does an Online Engineering Associates Degree Entail?
Getting an online engineering associates degree requires at least 60-65 credits. Students springboard into the mechanical engineering technology curriculum after high school or GED completion. Associates degrees in mechanical engineering technology require several prerequisites in math and sciences. Freshmen start fundamental, 100-level STEM courses for general education. Most two-year associates programs begin with an orientation before collegiate English, algebra, physics, history, and statistics classes. From there, associates majors dive into major-related mechanical engineering courses. Online or in-person lectures are supplemented with hands-on laboratory projects. Mechanical engineering technicians in training complete class assignments to develop real-world career skills. The following are some common associates degree courses for mechanical engineering technicians.
- Introduction to Programming
- Computer-Aided Design
- Mechanics of Materials
- Thermodynamic Systems
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mechanical Control Technology
- Industrial Instrumentation
- Computer Graphic Applications
- Quality Process Control
- Technical Communications
WHAT IS THE DEMAND FOR A DEGREE IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY?
If you have considered becoming an engineer, you may have wondered about option to major in engineering technology. Engineering technology is related to engineering, but the curricula, job titles, responsibilities and salary potential can be quite different between these two fields. However, like engineers, engineering technicians with the right skills and education are in demand in growing industries across the United States.
Engineering vs. Engineering Technology
It is just the names engineering and engineering technology that are similar. Both engineers and engineering technicians apply principles of science and math to the practical purpose of solving real-world problems. In fact, due to the overlap between these two fields, especially in their emphasis of math and science coursework, the difference between a degree in engineering and engineering technology might not be easily noticeable at first.
However, there are distinct academic requirements the set engineering and engineering technology degree programs apart. While engineering programs focus on theory and conceptual design, engineering technology programs focus on actual application and implementation of ideas.
When it comes to schooling, engineers usually graduate from four-year programs and consider moving on to graduate-level paths. Those that pursue engineering technology can graduate with an associate’s degree and immediately become a technician working in construction, manufacturing, product design, testing, or technical services and sales. Engineering technicians who continue their education with a bachelor’s degree engineering technology can attain the title of technologist and work in engineering, facilities management, or business administration.
These two paths are accredited by separate commissions within ABET, the Engineering Accreditation Commission and the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission.
The Need for Engineering Technicians
Engineering technicians work in a variety of places. The industries employing the most engineering technicians include the federal government, engineering services, scientific research and development, employment services and navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). All in all, there are about 76,630 engineering technicians employed in the United States.
As a whole, engineering technicians earn a median salary of $62,230. However, this occupation has a huge wage gap, with those in the lowest brackets earning about $62,240 less than the highest paid engineering technicians.
Engineering technology is among the top degrees that are better to earn at a community college than a four-year school, according to U.S. News & World Report. In this field, specific certifications are more valuable than a baccalaureate degree.
Demand in Different Fields of Engineering Technology
The field where engineering technicians are most needed is environmental, where the BLS reports a job growth of 13 percent, almost double the growth rate for all occupations. Environmental engineering technicians work to prevent or clean up environmental pollution. They collect samples to analyze, work to mitigate sources of pollution, and arrange for the disposal of hazardous waste materials. The BLS reports the median salary for environmental engineering technicians as $50,230.
Civil engineering technicians are second in demand, with a nine percent job growth rate, according to the BLS. Civil engineering technicians are often employed by state and local governments to work with civil engineers on projects to improve, repair, and enhance the country’s infrastructure. These technicians work with engineers to plan, design, and build highways, bridges and utilities along with commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects. Civil engineering technicians read and review project drawings, observe project sites, test construction materials and soil samples, and set up and maintain project files and records. The median salary for these technicians is $51,620, according to the BLS.
According to the BLS, aerospace engineering technicians can expect opportunities to increase by seven percent, on par with the job growth rate for all occupations. In addition to the option of preparing for this career path by earning an associate’s degree in aerospace engineering technology, you can also complete vocational-technical education in computer programing or robotics as well as machining. Many aerospace engineering technicians work for the government with projects that involve national defense, so they need to have security clearances. Those that pursue civilian opportunities can find work constructing aircrafts. The median salary for aerospace engineering technicians is $67,240, the highest for engineering technicians, according to the BLS. The top 10 percent of aerospace engineering technicians can earn more than $102,960.
Mechanical engineering technicians should expect a five percent job growth rate, leading to 2,300 new jobs, according to the BLS. Many mechanical engineering technicians are contracted for work rather than hired for in-house positions. Mechanical engineering technicians that work under mechanical engineers might work in growing fields such as automation, 3D printing, robotics, and alternative energies. The BLS reports that mechanical engineering technicians enjoy a median salary of $55,360.
Jobs for electrical and electronics engineering technicians are expected to grow by only two percent, according to the BLS. Electrical and electronics engineering technicians usually need an associate’s degree in their respective field. The reason their job growth is so slow is due these technicians primarily working in traditional manufacturing industries, which are slowly downsizing. However, these engineers still enjoy a median salary of $63,660, according to the BLS.
