According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering technicians use the principles and theories of science, engineering and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection and maintenance. Many engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Others work in quality control, inspecting products and processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. In manufacturing, they may assist in product design, development, or production.
Engineering technicians who work in research and development build or set up equipment; prepare and conduct experiments; collect data; calculate or record results; and help engineers or scientists in other ways, such as making prototype versions of newly designed equipment. They also assist in design work, often using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) equipment.
About 35 percent of all engineering technicians work in manufacturing, mainly in the computer and electronic equipment, transportation equipment and machinery manufacturing industries. Another 25 percent work in professional, scientific and technical service industries, mostly in engineering or business services companies that do engineering work on contract for government, manufacturing firms or other organizations.
Most engineering technicians work 40 hours a week in laboratories, offices, manufacturing or industrial plants or on construction sites. Some may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals or toxic materials.
What Skills Do I Need?
- A strong foundation in science and math
- Good interpersonal skills
- The ability to be a flexible, self-directed team player
- Solid computer literacy
- Excellent communication skills
- The desire and ability to stay current in work skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- A sense of responsibility to get the job done right
- An aptitude for technology and electronics
- Good hand-eye coordination
|
Job Descriptions
Engineering Technology provides career-ready skills for immediate entry into a competitive job market; skills sets will vary according to your area of specialization.
America’s Career Infonet and the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2008-09 edition) give detailed information about the skills, abilities and work activities of the following engineering technicians and entry-level positions:
Salaries and Projected Job Growth
According to America’s Career Infonet, these occupations include the following salaries across the nation:
| Job |
Hourly Rate |
Annual Salary |
Projected Growth Through 2014 |
| Aerospace engineering technicians |
$25.62 |
$53,300 |
+10% |
| Architectural and civil drafters |
$20.17 |
$42,000 |
+6% |
| Civil engineering technicians |
$19.50 |
$40,600 |
+10% |
| Electrical and electronic engineering technicians |
$24.35 |
$50,600 |
+4% |
| Electro-mechanical technicians |
$21.50 |
$44,700 |
+3% |
| Environmental engineering technicians |
$19.50 |
$40,600 |
+25% |
| Industrial engineering technicians |
$22.51 |
$46,800 |
+10% |
| Mechanical drafters |
$20.84 |
$43.300 |
+5% |
Engineering-Related Careers Requiring Further Education
If you plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering, please ask your academic advisor about ensuring that you follow a transferrable associate degree plan.
With a bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering-related field, consider these careers:
Salaries and Projected Job Growth
According to America’s Career Infonet, these occupations include the following salaries across the nation:
| Job |
Hourly rate |
Annual Salary |
Projected Growth Through 2014 |
| Architects |
$30.84 |
$64,100 |
+18% |
| Civil engineers |
$32.98 |
$75,900 |
+18% |
| Electrical engineers |
$36.50 |
$73,500 |
+6% |
| Electronics engineers |
$37.52 |
$78,000 |
+10% |
| First-line supervisors and managers of production and operating workers |
$22.74 |
$47,300 |
-5% |
| Industrial engineers |
$32.05 |
$66,700 |
+16% |
| Landscape architects |
$26.51 |
$55,100 |
+16% |
| Mechanical engineers |
$32.49 |
$67,600 |
+11% |
* Source: America’s Career Infonet, with statistics from 2005 and job opening growth rates projected through 2014 across the nation.