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Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3GjrJG6Ds8.
Quick Facts: Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
2021 Median Pay $60,360 per year
$29.02 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Associate's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2021 12,100
Job Outlook, 2021-31 -4% (Decline)
Employment Change, 2021-31 -400

What Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians Do

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians operate, test, and maintain electromechanical or robotic equipment.

Work Environment

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work with electrical and mechanical engineers. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become an Electro-mechanical or Mechatronic Technologist or Technician

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.

Pay

The median annual wage for electro-mechanical technologists and technicians was $60,360 in May 2021.

Job Outlook

Employment of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians is projected to decline 4 percent from 2021 to 2031.

Despite declining employment, about 1,100 openings for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians Do About this section

Electro-mechanical technicians
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians install, repair, upgrade, and test electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuitry. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.

Duties

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians typically do the following:

  • Read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine the method and sequence of assembly of a machine or a piece of equipment
  • Verify dimensions of parts, using precision measuring instruments
  • Operate metalworking machines to make housings, fittings, and fixtures
  • Inspect parts for surface defects
  • Repair and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies
  • Use instruments to test the performance of electromechanical assemblies
  • Use soldering equipment and handtools to install electronic parts and hardware
  • Operate, test, or maintain robotic equipment
  • Analyze and record test results

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians test and operate machines in factories and at other worksites. They also document the tests they performed and analyze and record the results of those tests.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians install, maintain, and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled mechanical systems in industrial settings.

They also test, operate, or maintain robotic equipment at worksites. This equipment may include unmanned submarines, aircraft, or similar types of equipment for uses that include oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal.

Work Environment About this section

Electro-mechanical technicians
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians test the performance of electro-mechanical assemblies, using test instruments.

Electro-mechanical technologists and technicians held about 12,100 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of electro-mechanical technologists and technicians were as follows:

Engineering services 10%
Machinery manufacturing 9
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing 6
Transportation equipment manufacturing 5
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing 3

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work with electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. They work primarily in manufacturing industries, including those of computer and electronic products and of machinery, and in professional, scientific, and technical services. They often work both at production sites and in offices.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are sometimes exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials. However, incidents are rare as long as workers follow safety procedures.

Work Schedules

Most electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become an Electro-mechanical or Mechatronic Technologist or Technician About this section

Electro-mechanical technicians
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.

Education

Associate’s degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are offered at vocational–technical schools and community colleges.

Employers may prefer to hire graduates of programs accredited by an organization such as ABET. Associate’s degree programs usually include courses in subjects such as algebra, trigonometry, and sciences. Depending on the program, students may have the option of concentrating in a field such as electromechanics, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must be able to follow instructions from engineers. They also need to clearly convey problems to engineers.

Detail oriented. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must take and record the precise measurements that engineers need.

Dexterity. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must be adept in using handtools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to create electronic components.

Logical-thinking skills. To carry out engineers’ designs, inspect designs for quality control, and assemble prototypes, electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must follow a specific sequence or a set of rules.

Math skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their tasks.

Mechanical skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must create components for industrial machinery or equipment. They must be able to operate equipment such as drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes.

Problem-solving skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must be able to identify and fix problems that arise with engineering designs and prototypes.

Writing skills. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians must write clear, well-organized reports that describe onsite construction, testing results, and problems they found in carrying out designs.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians may earn optional certification to demonstrate professional competence.

The International Society of Automation offers the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) and Certified Automation Professional (CAP) designations. Both require a written exam, and recertification is required after a specified number of years.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers certification in electrical power testing and other specialties. The technologist certification requires a 4-year engineering technology degree.

Pay About this section

Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Median annual wages, May 2021

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians

$60,360

Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians

$60,290

Total, all occupations

$45,760

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

The median annual wage for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians was $60,360 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,070.

In May 2021, the median annual wages for electro-mechanical technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing $61,030
Transportation equipment manufacturing 60,910
Machinery manufacturing 60,220
Engineering services 49,260
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing 47,690

Most electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Job Outlook About this section

Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31

Total, all occupations

5%

Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians

0%

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians

-4%

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Employment of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians is projected to decline 4 percent from 2021 to 2031.

Despite declining employment, about 1,100 openings for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Many of these technologists and technicians are employed in manufacturing industries, for which employment projections vary. Automation in manufacturing could affect this occupation in both positive and negative ways. While automation may replace certain responsibilities, electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians will still be needed to operate and maintain the robotic equipment.

Employment projections data for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians, 2021-31
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2021 Projected Employment, 2031 Change, 2021-31 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians

 17-3024 12,100 11,600 -4 -400 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2021 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Drafters Drafters

Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.

 Associate's degree $60,290
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help engineers design and develop equipment that is powered by electricity or electric current.

 Associate's degree $63,640
Electrical and electronics engineers Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.

 Bachelor's degree $101,780
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment.

 See How to Become One $61,760
Machinists and tool and die makers Machinists and Tool and Die Makers

Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.

 See How to Become One $47,940
Mechanical engineering technicians Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices.

 Associate's degree $60,460
Mechanical engineers Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

 Bachelor's degree $95,300

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

IEEE

Technology Student Association (TSA)

For more information on accredited programs, visit

ABET

For more information about certification, visit

International Society of Automation (ISA)

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

For information about working in automation, visit

Automation Federation

O*NET

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Robotics Technicians

Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electro-mechanical-technicians.htm (visited February 22, 2023).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, September 8, 2022

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2021 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2021, the median annual wage for all workers was $45,760.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2021

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2021, which is the base year of the 2021-31 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2021-31

The projected percent change in employment from 2021 to 2031. The average growth rate for all occupations is 5 percent.

Employment Change, 2021-31

The projected numeric change in employment from 2021 to 2031.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2021-31

The projected numeric change in employment from 2021 to 2031.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2021 to 2031.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2021 to 2031.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2021 to 2031.

2021 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2021, the median annual wage for all workers was $45,760.