What Can You Do with an Engineering Technology Degree?

Engineering technology programs teach people how to apply engineering techniques to solve real-world problems. It is a generalized area, so engineering technology majors can pursue a wide range of career paths, including non-engineering roles. 

People with degrees in engineering technology go on to work across diverse fields including manufacturing, production, and design. Keep reading to find out the best jobs for engineering technology majors. 

What Is an Engineering Technology Major?

An engineering technology major is a degree program designed to teach you the hands-on application of engineering techniques for real-world problems. Like regular engineering programs, there is a heavy emphasis on math and physics. 

As an engineering technology student, you’ll focus on practically applying engineering and technology solutions to make our daily lives better. Engineering technology graduates typically go on to work in the manufacturing industry. Some graduates specialize in areas like medical technology or mechatronics engineering.

How to Become an Engineering Technician: Engineering Technology Education Options

There are many different education options if you want to become an engineering technician. The education requirement will depend on what specific career path you want to pursue. Make sure to research your education options so that you are on the right track to get the job you want.

Engineering Technology Associate Degree

If you are interested in a shorter, two-year course, then an associate degree is the path for you. Some jobs only require an associate degree, which means you can start working sooner. You can enroll in an engineering degree program under an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science program.

Best Associate Degree Programs in Engineering Technology

• Engineering Technology, Electromechanical Automation, AAS – Eastern Iowa Community College
• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology – Penn State University
• Associate of Science in Engineering Technology – Penn Foster
• Mechanical Engineering Technology, Associate of Science – New England Institute of Technology
• Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology – ECPI University

Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree

A four-year engineering technology degree program is the most common route. Most companies in this field are looking for undergraduate degree holders for entry-level jobs. With a bachelor’s degree, you’re likely to have a higher annual salary and more responsibilities than if you were to have an associate degree. 

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Engineering Technology

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology – Purdue University
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering Technology – Eastern Michigan University
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology – California State Polytechnic University
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology – New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Technology in Engineering Technology – Texas State University

Engineering Technology Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in engineering technology is ideal if you are looking to advance your career to the next level. They typically take two to three years to complete. Getting a master’s degree is a great way to specialize in your field.

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Engineering Technology

• Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Purdue University
• Master of Science in Technology, Engineering Technology – Indiana University
• Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Capitol Technology University
• Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Wayne State University
• Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Texas A&M University

Engineering Technology Career Overview: Is an Engineering Technology Career Worth It?

Engineering Technology Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a steady job outlook for engineering occupations in general. For the 2020 to 2030 period, there is a projected increase of six percent, which equates to 146,000 new jobs. Some of the industries that will contribute to this rise are robotics, energy, oil, and gas.

The outlook will vary depending on the job you get. For example, industrial engineers and technicians have a job outlook of four percent, and an aerospace engineer has a job outlook of eight percent. 

Engineering Technology Salaries

The median salary for all engineering careers is $83,160, according to BLS. As with the job outlook, the salary will also vary with each job. Engineering technicians mentioned above make an average of $57,320 per year, but an aerospace engineer needs much more education and makes $171,220.

As you get more experience and training, your salary will increase. In general, engineering occupations provide competitive salaries due to the level of education and technical skills needed to perform them.

Best Jobs for Engineering Technology Majors: What Can You Do with an Engineering Technology Degree?

Upon completing your degree, you can apply for any of the engineering jobs available for you. There are career opportunities in fields like mechanical, industrial, or civil engineering. With more engineering jobs projected to be created in the next ten years or so, there will be plenty of opportunities to find a job that’s perfect for you.

Best Jobs for Engineering Technology Associate Degree Grads

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians

• Average Salary: $67,550
• Job Outlook: 2 percent

Electronics engineering technicians, or electrical engineering technicians, work on electrical systems, electronic equipment, or any equipment that requires electrical energy. This includes things like computers, communications equipment, and medical devices. Electrical engineers design and develop equipment, as well performing regular testing and maintenance.   

Electromechanical and Mechatronics Technicians

• Average Salary: $59,800
• Job Outlook: – 2 percent

These technicians typically work on electromechanical equipment. As this combines electricity and mechanics, you need to be an expert in both to address machine problems right away. Their role is to plan, design, test, and maintain electromechanical machines. You could work on anything from washing machines to wind turbines.

Mechanical Engineering Technicians

• Average Salary: $58,230
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

These experts work with mechanical engineers to maintain and develop engines and machines. Some of your duties will include preparing drawings, evaluating specifications, and reading blueprints of machines. You will also help find cost-effective improvements to product designs. Having completed an engineering technology degree program will prepare you well for this role.

Industrial Engineering Technicians

• Average Salary: $57,320
• Job Outlook: 4 percent

Industrial engineering technicians, or industrial engineers, devise and oversee efficient industrial systems, such as manufacturing or production systems. You’ll work with complex processes and workflows to make sure that industrial projects run smoothly and efficiently. Part of your role will be monitoring and reducing production costs. 

Drafters

• Average Salary: $57,960
• Job Outlook: – 2 percent

Drafters assist engineers in converting their designs to technical drawings. You will be using software such as Autocad to work through the sketches and specifications. With the supervision of an engineer, you’ll need to correctly specify the dimensions and materials to use to complete the project.

Best Jobs for Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Grads

Sales Engineer

• Average Salary: $108,830
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

In this role, you’ll be able to use your degree knowledge to sell highly technological products to firms and manufacturing plants. It will be your duty to know a product’s functions and specifications to know how to match them with the needs of your target customer. With a high median salary, this is also a lucrative career option to pursue.

Production Supervisor

• Average Salary: $108,790
• Job Outlook: 5 percent

A production supervisor works in a manufacturing or industrial plant. You will be in charge of the entire production process, including deciding how many people need to be working, production costs, and the equipment to use for a production cycle. You’ll also oversee the performance and progress of your workers and make sure that safety precautions are being followed.

Health and Safety Engineers

• Average Salary: $94,240
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

Health and safety engineers are in charge of coming up with rules and safety precautions to make sure the workers avoid accidents. It’s your responsibility to make sure that the right safety policies and regulations are in place to prevent accidents. It’s a rewarding career path that comes with a good median salary of $94,240.

Surveying Engineering Technologist

• Average Salary: $65,590
• Job Outlook: 2 percent*

A surveying engineering technologist measures and evaluates surfaces to make sure they are appropriate for engineering and construction projects. By using an Autocad software program, you will prepare maps and plots needed for reports with information to help plan out the project.

*BLS categorizes surveying engineering technologists under the umbrella of surveyors.

Mechanical Engineering Technologist

• Average Salary: $58,230
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

This specialist finds technological solutions for manufacturing and machinery technology issues. They provide detailed plans with specifications on how to fix the problem, as well as the correct way to care for the machines. It is also their duty to regularly inspect the machines and carry out any maintenance.

Best Jobs for Engineering Technology Master’s Degree Grads

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Find Your Bootcamp Match

Computer Hardware Engineer

• Average Salary: $119,560
• Job Outlook: 2 percent

As a computer hardware engineer, you will be involved in designing and developing processors, routers, and memory devices. You’ll test whether the hardware fits well with the computer it is intended for, as well as provide analytical test results to further evaluate if there is an issue.

Engineering Technology Professor

• Average Salary: $103,600
• Job Outlook: 12 percent

An engineering technology professor is someone who has earned a four-year degree and then a master’s or doctoral degree. You will be in a university or college where you will teach courses related to engineering technology. You must also produce research work and contribute to the research output production of a university.

Aerospace Engineers

• Average Salary: $118,610
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

Aerospace engineers design equipment to support aerospace operations, such as airplanes, spacecraft, and satellites. You’ll develop expert aerospace engineering skills to design prototypes and make sure that the product is of a high standard and meets engineering principles and qualifications.

Controls Engineer

• Average Salary: $90,160
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

A controls engineer is involved in manufacturing operations, especially in making sure machines and equipment are working properly. You will also be in charge of designing the machine and equipment layout. 

Operations Research Analyst

• Average Salary: $86,200
• Job Outlook: 25 percent

This is a great option for a master’s graduate, as the field of operations research is growing at a whopping speed. This means you’ll have excellent career opportunities and job security. Your main responsibility will be to use your analytical skills to help companies resolve problems and improve their operations.

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Engineering Technology

1. Perform well in school. A good educational background is essential to excel in this field. All of the techniques and skills that you need to excel in the field can be learned during your undergraduate degree.
2. Seek out additional training. If you want to get a higher-paying job in engineering technology, you need to be well trained. Look into certification courses offered by major tech schools if you want to continue learning and validate your skills. 
3. Get hands-on experience. Internships and apprenticeships are a good way to get some work experience as a student. The more prepared you are, the faster you’ll be promoted. 

Engineering technology gives you a chance to contribute to the growth and development of engineering systems that make our daily lives better. A degree in this area will set you up for excellent career opportunities. 

With this long list of jobs for engineering technology majors and projected positive job growth in the years to come, this is a good field to work in. Focusing on your training and getting the right education will help you get that engineering technology job you’ve always wanted.