Engineering Technician

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Engineering technicians solve technical problems. Some help engineers and scientists do research and development. They build or set up equipment. They do experiments. They collect data and calculate results. They might also help to make a model of new equipment. Some technicians work in quality control. They check products, do tests, and collect data. In manufacturing, they help to design and develop products. They also find ways to produce things efficiently.

Most technicians focus on one type of engineering. For example, some focus on civil engineering. They help engineers to plan bridges and roads. They might also get data about traffic.

Other technicians focus on electrical engineering. They help to design or test electronics.

Most engineering technicians work about 40 hours a week. They work in labs, offices, factories, or on construction sites. Some might be exposed to dangerous materials.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

People who have a 2-year college degree in engineering technology have the best chance of getting a job. But some people train in the Armed Forces. And some people get a job after taking some college classes in science, engineering, and math. High school students who want this job should take as many science and math courses as they can.

Many engineering technicians help with design. This takes creativity. Technicians often work as part of a team. So, they must be able to work well with others.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

The middle half of all electrical and electronics engineering technicians earned between $39,270 and $60,470 in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $30,120. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $73,200.

The middle half of all civil engineering technicians earned between $31,310 and $51,230. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $25,250. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $62,920.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

There were 511,000 engineering technician jobs in 2006. More than half were in electrical and electronics engineering or civil engineering. About 35 percent of all engineering technicians worked in manufacturing industries.

What about the future?		Back to Top

Employment of engineering technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Companies will hire technicians to improve their products.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators
• Drafters
• Science technicians
• Surveyors

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about engineering technicians can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008