Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $80,526 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Engineering Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $80,526 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 261 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 4,002 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$60,529
Median Earnings · 4yr
$80,526
Colleges Offering
261
Graduates / Year
4,002
Avg Net Price / yr
$13,748
How Much Do Engineering Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?
Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $80,526 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,398 and $99,228.
$60,529
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$80,526
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$79,055
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$62,39825th pct.
$80,526Median
$99,22875th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $80,526 against an estimated $54,992 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 74 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 4,002 students who complete Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (48%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
36%48%
Bachelor's48%
Associate's36%
Master's8%
What Can You Do With an Engineering Technologies/Technicians Degree?
Engineering Technologies/Technicians connects to 5 occupations in the job market. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians leads at $82,890/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Critical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringReading ComprehensionActive Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
Top Colleges for Engineering Technologies/Technicians
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Engineering Technologies/Technicians students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Engineering Technologies/Technicians is one of 19 specializations within Engineering Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Engineering Technologies/Technicians program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Engineering Technologies/Technicians a solid option. The 4 strengths and 0 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $80,526 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $60,529 at graduation to $80,526 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 22,400 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
How much do Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a national median of $80,526 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,398 and $99,228. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree?
One year after graduation, Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree holders earn a median of $60,529. That climbs to $80,526 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree?
Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, which pays a median of $82,890/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Engineering Technologies/Technicians program take?
A Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Engineering Technologies/Technicians?
261 colleges and universities in the United States offer Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $80,526 and an average net price of roughly $13,748/yr, a Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Engineering Technologies/Technicians and Engineering Tech?
Engineering Technologies/Technicians is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Engineering Technologies/Technicians-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Employers hiring Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
The job outlook for Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Engineering Tech Programs
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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