For those with a passion for technology, problem-solving, and practical application, a career as an engineering technologist or technician offers a rewarding path that blends hands-on work with scientific principles. But beyond job satisfaction, what is the earning potential? This field provides a strong and stable career with a competitive salary that can be highly lucrative, with top earners commanding six-figure incomes.
This guide will break down what you can expect to earn as an engineering technologist or technician, the key factors that drive your salary, and the promising future of this essential profession.
What Does an Engineering Tech Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to understand the role. Engineering technologists and technicians are the indispensable partners of engineers. They work in virtually every industry—from aerospace and civil engineering to electronics and manufacturing—to turn engineering concepts into reality.
While the titles "technician" and "technologist" are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle distinction. Engineering technicians typically assist engineers with tasks like drafting, testing, and equipment maintenance, often holding an associate's degree. Engineering technologists focus more on applying engineering principles to design, modify, and implement technology, usually requiring a bachelor's degree.
Their core responsibilities often include:
- Setting up, calibrating, and operating lab equipment.
- Conducting tests and experiments to analyze design feasibility.
- Collecting data and preparing detailed reports for engineering teams.
- Assisting with computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting.
- Troubleshooting and repairing complex systems and machinery.
Average Engineering Tech Salary
The earning potential for engineering technologists and technicians is strong and reflects their critical role in the industry.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for engineering technologists and technicians was $71,080 in May 2023.
This median figure provides a great benchmark, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The salary range is quite broad:
- The lowest 10% earned less than $42,610, typical for entry-level positions or roles in lower-paying industries.
- The highest 10% earned more than $110,130, representing senior-level professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills.
Other major salary aggregators provide a similar picture. For instance, Salary.com reports the average U.S. salary for an Engineering Technician to be around $68,300, while Glassdoor places the total pay average closer to $76,000 per year when factoring in bonuses and other compensation. This variance highlights that your individual earnings will depend on a specific set of factors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary isn't just one number; it's a dynamic figure influenced by your unique background, skills, and location. Here are the primary drivers of an engineering tech's salary.
### Level of Education
Education is the foundation of your career and a significant determinant of your starting salary.
- Associate's Degree: This is the most common entry point for engineering technicians. It provides the essential hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge to assist engineers.
- Bachelor's Degree: This degree is typically required for engineering technologist roles. It involves a more in-depth study of engineering theory and principles, preparing you for higher-level responsibilities in design and project management. A bachelor's degree almost always leads to a higher starting salary and a faster track to senior positions.
- Certifications: Professional certifications can significantly boost your earning potential. Credentials from organizations like the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) demonstrate proven expertise in a specific domain (e.g., civil, electrical, or fire protection) and are highly valued by employers.
### Years of Experience
As with any profession, experience is a powerful driver of salary growth. As you accumulate skills and a track record of success, your value to an employer increases.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Professionals starting their careers can expect a salary in the range of $45,000 to $60,000, depending on their degree and specialization.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): With solid experience, technicians and technologists can expect to earn closer to the national median and beyond, typically in the $65,000 to $85,000 range.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Highly experienced professionals with specialized skills or management responsibilities often earn well above $90,000, with many breaking the $100,000 barrier.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries for engineering techs vary significantly based on state and metropolitan area, often driven by the cost of living and the concentration of key industries.
According to BLS data, some of the top-paying states for this profession include:
- Washington, D.C.: ~$95,000 (Median)
- Alaska: ~$87,000 (Median)
- California: ~$85,000 (Median)
- Washington: ~$84,000 (Median)
Conversely, states with a lower cost of living may offer salaries below the national median. However, the take-home pay might feel comparable when factoring in lower housing, food, and transportation costs.
### Company Type
The type of organization you work for can also impact your paycheck and benefits package.
- Large Corporations: Major companies in sectors like aerospace, defense, and technology (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Intel) often offer the highest salaries and most comprehensive benefits packages to attract top talent.
- Government Agencies: Federal, state, and local government roles provide competitive salaries, excellent job security, and robust retirement and health benefits.
- Engineering & Architectural Firms: These firms are major employers of engineering techs and offer salaries that are generally in line with the national average.
- Manufacturing: Companies in advanced manufacturing, particularly in electronics and industrial machinery, are another primary employer and offer solid, competitive wages.
### Area of Specialization
Not all engineering disciplines are created equal when it comes to pay. Your area of focus is one of the most significant factors in determining your salary. Based on BLS data, here’s how median salaries compare across different specializations:
- Aerospace Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $78,920
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $72,600
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians: $68,090
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $65,190
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $61,810
Specializing in a high-demand, high-tech field like aerospace or electronics is a clear path to maximizing your earning potential.
Job Outlook
The future for engineering technologists and technicians is stable. The BLS projects employment for this group to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032. While this is slightly slower than the average for all occupations, it translates to about 35,500 job openings each year.
Much of this demand will come from the need to replace workers who are retiring or transferring to different occupations. Furthermore, growth in fields like renewable energy, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and rebuilding national infrastructure will ensure a steady need for skilled technicians who can implement these new technologies.
Conclusion
A career as an engineering technologist or technician is a smart choice for those seeking a stable, engaging, and financially rewarding profession. With a median salary well above the national average for all occupations and a clear path for advancement, the field offers significant long-term potential.
To maximize your earnings, focus on these key takeaways:
- Invest in Education: A bachelor's degree for a technologist role generally leads to higher pay.
- Specialize Wisely: High-tech fields like aerospace and electronics often offer the highest salaries.
- Gain Experience: Your value and salary will grow significantly as you build a strong professional track record.
- Pursue Certifications: Earning credentials like a NICET certification can make you a more competitive and higher-paid candidate.
By strategically navigating these factors, you can build a successful and lucrative career as a vital link in the chain of modern innovation.