Engineering Technicians

At a Glance

Help engineers solve technical problems
Often assemble prototypes for testing
Work in most areas of engineering
May work overtime to meet deadlines
Work indoors in laboratories, offices, or manufacturing plants
Have at least an associate degree

Career summary

Engineering technicians help engineers solve technical problems.

Engineering technicians usually specialize in a specific engineering field and may be called civil, aerospace, industrial, electrical, electronic, environmental, electro-mechanical, structural, or mechanical engineering technicians.

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Technicians draw sketches and blueprints of engineer designs. They also make prototypes (or models) of the designs. They read blueprints or get directions from their supervisors about what to build. Prototypes are tested to see if the designs perform as expected and meet standards.

To complete the testing cycle, technicians must:

Operate machinery and equipment
Read dials and meters
Evaluate drawing designs and project instructions
Compare results to specifications
Record results

Technicians help engineers figure out how to improve designs or fix problems. They may help to estimate production costs.

Engineering technicians help determine how best to implement designs. They set up equipment and make sure that it is used efficiently. They also make sure equipment is maintained and repaired as needed.

They may monitor and evaluate a product or project through completion. They write reports to update supervisors. Engineering technicians also supervise the work of production workers and oversee manufacturing or construction activities.

Technicians work in most areas of engineering:

Aerospace technicians build, install, and test parts and systems of aircraft.
Civil technicians help plan and build roadways and structures.
Electrical and electronic technicians design, repair, and manufacture equipment.
Electromechanical technicians install, test, and repair electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems.
Industrial technicians plan ways to improve production and reduce costs.
Mechanical technicians help design, build, and inspect machinery or mechanical parts.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to engineering technicians.

Read and review blueprints and instructions for projects.
Draw or design projects following specifications.
Set up and test products or prototypes.
Analyze, interpret, and record test data on computers.
Develop testing techniques and set up testing equipment.
Modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications or test findings.
Discuss design or manufacturing changes or problems with staff.
Estimate materials needed and draw diagrams to illustrate how work is to be done.
Make or assemble prototypes following engineering specifications.
Maintain and repair test instruments.
Evaluate prototypes or products to see if they meet quality standards.
Prepare reports about test results.
Recommend modifications based on test results.
Use computers to run tests, collect data, and calculate results.

Common work activities

Engineering technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Get information needed to do the job
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Make decisions and solve problems
Use computers
Evaluate information against standards
Identify objects, actions, and events
Process information
Update and use job-related knowledge
Document and record information
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Analyze data or information
Establish and maintain relationships
Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
Think creatively
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Explain the meaning of information to others
Communicate with people outside the organization
Schedule work and activities
Control machines and processes
Repair and maintain electronic equipment
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Provide advice and consultation to others
Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, engineering technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of social contact with others. Communicate in person, over the phone, or via email daily. Occasionally write letters and memos.
May be responsible for the work of others, especially civil engineering technicians.
Are somewhat responsible for the work and safety of others.
Frequently work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Often work indoors in laboratories, offices, or manufacturing plants. Civil and electrical engineers sometimes work outdoors at construction sites. Indoor locations may not always be temperature-controlled.
Sometimes wear protective attire.
Are occasionally exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, especially civil and electrical engineers.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment, especially if working in electronic or mechanical engineering.
May share office and work space with others.

Work performance

Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could seriously endanger workers or users of products.
Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
Sometimes make decisions that affect others. They often act independently, but may seek input from others before making large decisions.
Set most of their daily tasks and goals without consulting another first.

Hours/travel

May work overtime when trying to meet a deadline.
May travel to construction sites. This is more likely for civil engineering technicians.
May work day, evening, or night shifts in manufacturing companies.
Work schedules are generally established.

Physical demands

Engineering technicians frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for engineering technicians to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for engineering technicians to be able to:

See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Determine the distance between objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Skills and abilities

Engineering technicians need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Understand written information.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Think of new ideas about a topic.

Use math and science

Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as an engineering technician, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
have an associate degree in engineering technology.

Education after high school

Most people prepare for this occupation by getting an associate degree. Many schools offer two-year programs in engineering technology. You can also get a four-year degree in engineering technology from a university.

Many vocational schools offer engineering technology programs. However, the kind and quality of these programs varies greatly. Carefully select your program. Check with employers to see which schools they prefer. In addition, ask the schools for the names of employers where they have placed graduates. Make sure the school has the type of training you want, up-to-date equipment, and qualified instructors.

In addition, make sure the school's program offers courses related your engineering specialty. For example, mechanical technician programs should offer courses in fluid mechanics and mechanical design.

Training programs approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) meet standards set by the industry. Graduating from an ABET accredited program can give you an advantage with employers.

Pre-engineering programs are not the same as technology programs. Pre-engineering programs stress classroom theory. In contrast, engineering technology programs stress hands-on training.

Work experience

Working in jobs that give you practical experience in the areas you wish to work is good background for this occupation. For instance, repairing, installing, or assembling electronic devices is good experience for electronics technician jobs.

On-the-job training

As a new technician, you perform routine tasks while closely supervised by an experienced technician or engineer. As you gain experience, you work on tasks that are more difficult. Training may last up to a year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be unmanned vehicle (UV) operations specialists. This occupation requires knowledge of science and engineering. Training lasts three to 30 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training is on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum (external link) may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Engineering technicians need a strong background in math and science. Try to take science through Physics and math through Trigonometry.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Blueprint Reading
Computer Applications
Computer Science
Drafting
Electricity
Electronics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for engineering technicians who have at least a two-year degree in engineering technology. Employers rarely require applicants to be certified. However, those who are certified may have a competitive edge over other applicants. When there are few trained workers available, some employers may hire applicants who do not have training in engineering technology.

Employers look for applicants who can assist with design work. Good communication skills are important because technicians work with engineers and other team members. An interest in math and science is also important.

Tips

Obtaining a solid educational background in engineering related studies is very important. Volunteer work or an internship in this field is helpful.

Costs to workers

Some workers may join a professional association and pay annual dues. Electronics technicians who desire to be certified may have to pay for additional education, certification testing, and continuing education in order to maintain certification.

Licensing/certification

Most states require engineering technicians be registered as engineering interns or work under the supervision of a professional engineer. Requirements vary by state.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians (SOC 17-3021)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$21.84	$28.61	$42.83	$52.39	$74.71
	Monthly	$3,785	$4,958	$7,422	$9,079	$12,947
	Yearly	$45,430	$59,510	$89,090	$108,970	$155,400
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$22.21	$29.12	$43.61	$53.45	$76.12
	Monthly	$3,849	$5,046	$7,558	$9,263	$13,192
	Yearly	$46,188	$60,564	$90,695	$111,187	$158,337
Vancouver	Hourly	$22.41	$25.94	$32.01	$44.36	$48.59
	Monthly	$3,884	$4,495	$5,547	$7,688	$8,421
	Yearly	$46,613	$53,971	$66,582	$92,270	$101,060
United States	Hourly	$20.49	$25.57	$32.22	$38.96	$48.23
	Monthly	$3,551	$4,431	$5,584	$6,752	$8,358
	Yearly	$42,610	$53,180	$67,010	$81,030	$100,310

Civil engineering technicians (SOC 17-3022)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$23.91	$27.51	$31.97	$35.97	$40.42
	Monthly	$4,144	$4,767	$5,540	$6,234	$7,005
	Yearly	$49,730	$57,210	$66,500	$74,810	$84,080
Bellingham	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$27.97	$31.61	$33.57	$36.63	$38.47
	Monthly	$4,847	$5,478	$5,818	$6,348	$6,667
	Yearly	$58,165	$65,741	$69,826	$76,194	$80,014
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$18.06	$23.14	$24.76	$25.30	$29.72
	Monthly	$3,130	$4,010	$4,291	$4,384	$5,150
	Yearly	$37,573	$48,126	$51,504	$52,625	$61,816
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$20.46	$24.15	$30.38	$36.09	$39.66
	Monthly	$3,546	$4,185	$5,265	$6,254	$6,873
	Yearly	$42,551	$50,243	$63,182	$75,054	$82,493
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$26.31	$28.65	$31.49	$33.54	$38.90
	Monthly	$4,560	$4,965	$5,457	$5,812	$6,741
	Yearly	$54,734	$59,584	$65,489	$69,771	$80,893
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$24.33	$28.20	$31.13	$33.54	$37.93
	Monthly	$4,216	$4,887	$5,395	$5,812	$6,573
	Yearly	$50,604	$58,665	$64,765	$69,762	$78,888
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$25.57	$28.95	$33.53	$38.88	$46.22
	Monthly	$4,431	$5,017	$5,811	$6,738	$8,010
	Yearly	$53,180	$60,212	$69,761	$80,866	$96,142
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$24.71	$26.95	$30.10	$33.77	$37.41
	Monthly	$4,282	$4,670	$5,216	$5,852	$6,483
	Yearly	$51,400	$56,065	$62,602	$70,231	$77,817
Vancouver	Hourly	$22.96	$27.31	$32.27	$36.58	$39.46
	Monthly	$3,979	$4,733	$5,592	$6,339	$6,838
	Yearly	$47,768	$56,809	$67,125	$76,085	$82,074
Wenatchee	Hourly	$26.89	$29.65	$33.53	$35.16	$39.06
	Monthly	$4,660	$5,138	$5,811	$6,093	$6,769
	Yearly	$55,929	$61,659	$69,751	$73,141	$81,250
United States	Hourly	$16.01	$19.31	$25.28	$31.43	$38.27
	Monthly	$2,775	$3,346	$4,381	$5,447	$6,632
	Yearly	$33,290	$40,160	$52,580	$65,370	$79,600

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians (SOC 17-3023)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$22.75	$29.13	$34.58	$40.48	$47.18
	Monthly	$3,943	$5,048	$5,993	$7,015	$8,176
	Yearly	$47,330	$60,590	$71,920	$84,190	$98,140
Bellingham	Hourly	$25.87	$30.95	$37.36	$44.89	$50.88
	Monthly	$4,483	$5,364	$6,474	$7,779	$8,818
	Yearly	$53,823	$64,377	$77,706	$93,374	$105,839
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$32.51	$37.27	$42.82	$46.71	$50.61
	Monthly	$5,634	$6,459	$7,421	$8,095	$8,771
	Yearly	$67,622	$77,506	$89,062	$97,145	$105,251
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$16.89	$18.75	$22.43	$24.95	$28.84
	Monthly	$2,927	$3,249	$3,887	$4,324	$4,998
	Yearly	$35,139	$38,993	$46,671	$51,898	$59,985
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$24.01	$33.54	$42.64	$47.36	$50.20
	Monthly	$4,161	$5,812	$7,390	$8,207	$8,700
	Yearly	$49,938	$69,761	$88,693	$98,517	$104,412
Longview	Hourly	$26.18	$30.53	$35.90	$40.63	$48.66
	Monthly	$4,537	$5,291	$6,221	$7,041	$8,433
	Yearly	$54,442	$63,510	$74,689	$84,509	$101,228
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$24.05	$27.25	$30.31	$34.48	$38.51
	Monthly	$4,168	$4,722	$5,253	$5,975	$6,674
	Yearly	$50,037	$56,668	$63,039	$71,709	$80,098
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$25.48	$28.42	$31.70	$35.98	$38.52
	Monthly	$4,416	$4,925	$5,494	$6,235	$6,676
	Yearly	$52,985	$59,105	$65,937	$74,835	$80,129
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$22.77	$29.50	$34.40	$39.37	$46.71
	Monthly	$3,946	$5,112	$5,962	$6,823	$8,095
	Yearly	$47,357	$61,364	$71,545	$81,890	$97,164
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$24.08	$29.20	$34.16	$36.84	$39.80
	Monthly	$4,173	$5,060	$5,920	$6,384	$6,897
	Yearly	$50,100	$60,726	$71,068	$76,618	$82,797
Vancouver	Hourly	$21.76	$26.13	$31.10	$37.26	$44.23
	Monthly	$3,771	$4,528	$5,390	$6,457	$7,665
	Yearly	$45,269	$54,344	$64,700	$77,494	$91,988
Walla Walla	Hourly	$25.65	$30.97	$37.74	$41.59	$46.66
	Monthly	$4,445	$5,367	$6,540	$7,208	$8,086
	Yearly	$53,341	$64,423	$78,497	$86,504	$97,044
Wenatchee	Hourly	$15.87	$29.95	$41.75	$46.80	$50.18
	Monthly	$2,750	$5,190	$7,235	$8,110	$8,696
	Yearly	$33,016	$62,295	$86,849	$97,351	$104,365
United States	Hourly	$18.32	$23.86	$30.93	$37.34	$45.74
	Monthly	$3,175	$4,135	$5,360	$6,471	$7,927
	Yearly	$38,110	$49,630	$64,330	$77,660	$95,140

Electro-mechanical technicians (SOC 17-3024)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$25.93	$32.83	$42.31	$46.76	$49.43
	Monthly	$4,494	$5,689	$7,332	$8,104	$8,566
	Yearly	$53,940	$68,280	$88,000	$97,260	$102,810
Vancouver	Hourly	$18.20	$22.81	$28.46	$35.78	$44.89
	Monthly	$3,154	$3,953	$4,932	$6,201	$7,779
	Yearly	$37,857	$47,455	$59,186	$74,433	$93,363
United States	Hourly	$17.83	$21.98	$27.78	$34.89	$42.72
	Monthly	$3,090	$3,809	$4,814	$6,046	$7,403
	Yearly	$37,090	$45,720	$57,790	$72,560	$88,860

Industrial engineering technicians (SOC 17-3026)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Vancouver	Hourly	$20.91	$24.18	$28.66	$34.48	$38.92
	Monthly	$3,624	$4,190	$4,967	$5,975	$6,745
	Yearly	$43,494	$50,296	$59,621	$71,728	$80,943
United States	Hourly	$16.79	$21.01	$26.66	$33.84	$42.47
	Monthly	$2,910	$3,641	$4,620	$5,864	$7,360
	Yearly	$34,920	$43,690	$55,460	$70,380	$88,340

Mechanical engineering technicians (SOC 17-3027)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$18.20	$25.34	$30.89	$37.65	$44.77
	Monthly	$3,154	$4,391	$5,353	$6,525	$7,759
	Yearly	$37,850	$52,700	$64,240	$78,300	$93,120
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$19.23	$23.93	$31.45	$37.54	$41.64
	Monthly	$3,333	$4,147	$5,450	$6,506	$7,216
	Yearly	$39,992	$49,766	$65,405	$78,090	$86,606
Longview	Hourly	$16.82	$21.48	$30.95	$35.25	$37.90
	Monthly	$2,915	$3,722	$5,364	$6,109	$6,568
	Yearly	$34,988	$44,677	$64,371	$73,330	$78,838
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$26.35	$29.08	$33.69	$38.35	$41.13
	Monthly	$4,566	$5,040	$5,838	$6,646	$7,128
	Yearly	$54,814	$60,471	$70,074	$79,758	$85,550
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$20.66	$26.79	$32.32	$39.25	$46.98
	Monthly	$3,580	$4,643	$5,601	$6,802	$8,142
	Yearly	$42,981	$55,724	$67,226	$81,645	$97,722
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$21.62	$25.18	$29.46	$35.83	$43.66
	Monthly	$3,747	$4,364	$5,105	$6,209	$7,566
	Yearly	$44,970	$52,373	$61,284	$74,537	$90,798
Vancouver	Hourly	$16.02	$18.50	$25.03	$31.58	$36.99
	Monthly	$2,776	$3,206	$4,338	$5,473	$6,410
	Yearly	$33,327	$38,473	$52,053	$65,691	$76,940
United States	Hourly	$16.78	$21.06	$27.04	$33.96	$41.07
	Monthly	$2,908	$3,650	$4,686	$5,885	$7,117
	Yearly	$34,900	$43,800	$56,250	$70,630	$85,430

Wages for engineering technicians vary by area of engineering. Pay also varies with the worker's level of education, responsibility, and experience. Those who work in manufacturing may belong to a union. When they work overtime or on holidays, they are usually paid more than their usual wage.

Full-time technicians generally receive benefits. Typical benefits are health insurance, a retirement plan, sick leave, and paid vacation. Some companies provide money for continuing education classes.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that for aerospace engineering and operations technicians there will be no openings annually due to new positions and ten openings annually from workers leaving this occupation and it is estimated that for civil engineering technicians there will be 20 openings annually due to new positions and 50 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that for electrical and electronics engineering technicians there will be 35 openings annually due to new positions and 65 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation and it is estimated that for electro-mechanical technicians there will be no openings annually due to new positions and six openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that for industrial engineering technicians there will be no openings annually due to new positions and 41 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation and it is estimated that for mechanical engineering technicians there will be six openings annually due to new positions and 21 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians (SOC 17-3021)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	396	4.3%	16.1%	38
King County	248	5.2%	19.6%	23
Snohomish County	131	-0.8%	12.4%	11
United States	10,500	4.8%	5.2%	1,100

Civil Engineering Technicians (SOC 17-3022)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,734	6.4%	16.1%	173
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	70	7.1%	13.4%	7
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	28	10.7%	8.6%	3
Benton and Franklin Counties	63	-1.6%	15.0%	5
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	83	6.0%	11.9%	8
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	150	8.0%	15.2%	15
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	240	5.8%	14.1%	23
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	91	6.6%	14.6%	9
King County	292	8.2%	19.6%	30
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	66	3.0%	13.8%	6
Pierce County	158	8.2%	15.2%	16
Snohomish County	122	8.2%	12.4%	13
Spokane County	150	6.7%	13.9%	15
United States	73,800	4.9%	5.2%	7,700

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians (SOC 17-3023)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	2,370	5.9%	16.1%	235
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	99	8.1%	13.4%	10
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	18	5.6%	8.6%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	113	6.2%	15.0%	11
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	205	2.4%	11.9%	18
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	234	6.8%	15.2%	23
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	36	2.8%	14.1%	3
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	91	6.6%	14.6%	9
King County	799	8.4%	19.6%	84
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	19	0.0%	13.8%	2
Pierce County	154	9.1%	15.2%	16
Snohomish County	139	2.2%	12.4%	12
Spokane County	111	5.4%	13.9%	10
United States	130,500	0.2%	5.2%	12,700

Electro-Mechanical Technicians (SOC 17-3024)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	126	1.6%	16.1%	11
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	27	0.0%	14.6%	2
King County	74	0.0%	19.6%	6
United States	14,000	0.7%	5.2%	1,400

Industrial Engineering Technicians (SOC 17-3026)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,828	-0.8%	16.1%	151
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	28	14.3%	13.4%	3
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	16	0.0%	11.9%	1
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	87	3.4%	15.2%	8
King County	872	-0.2%	19.6%	73
Pierce County	48	2.1%	15.2%	4
Snohomish County	736	-3.7%	12.4%	55
United States	68,300	-0.7%	5.2%	6,600

Mechanical Engineering Technicians (SOC 17-3027)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,050	6.6%	16.1%	106
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	64	7.8%	13.4%	6
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	167	12.0%	8.6%	19
Benton and Franklin Counties	19	0.0%	15.0%	2
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	61	4.9%	15.2%	6
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	11	9.1%	14.1%	1
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	121	14.9%	14.6%	15
King County	277	6.5%	19.6%	28
Pierce County	18	0.0%	15.2%	2
Snohomish County	180	3.3%	12.4%	17
Spokane County	61	4.9%	13.9%	5
United States	42,600	2.8%	5.2%	4,300

National employment

Nearly half of all engineering technicians are electrical or electronic technicians.

Major employers:

Engineering firms
Federal, state, and local government agencies
Semiconductor and parts manufacturers
Navigational and measuring instrument manufacturers
Aerospace product and parts manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for engineering technicians will be slower than average. There will be some growth for civil engineering technicians as more resources will be devoted to repairing roads, highways, and bridges.

Demand for environmental engineering engineers will be strong due to the increased awareness on water resources and climate change. There is funding to clean up contaminated sites. Demand is also increased due to concern about chemicals entering the water system from shale gas drilling.

Job prospects are best for engineering technicians with a bachelor's degree.

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics
12700 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 200
Reston, VA 20191
800.639.2422
703.264.7500

American Institute of Chemical Engineers
120 Wall Street, Floor 23
New York, NY 10005
800.242.4363

American Society for Nondestructive Testing
PO Box 28518
Columbus, OH 43228-0518

American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians
15621 West 87th Street, Parkway #205
Lenexa, KS 66219

American Society of Civil Engineers
1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA 20191
800.548.2723
703.295.6300

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
1791 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
800.527.4723

American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Two Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
800.843.2763

Careers in Space: A Universe of Options

Discover Engineering

eGFI - Dream Up the Future

Electronics Technicians Association, International
5 Depot Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
800.288.3824
765.653.8262

Engineer Girl!
National Academy of Engineering

IEEE Computer Society
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212.419.7900

Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC) at the University of Delaware

International Society of Automation
67 TW Alexander Drive
PO Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
919.549.8411

MCMA: Motion Control and Motor Association
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.494.6088

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
901 D Street SW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20024
202.488.2200

National Society of Professional Engineers
1420 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
888.285.6773
703.684.2800

Nuclear Careers
(from the American Nuclear Society)

Precision Metalforming Association
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800

Robotic Industries Association
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.994.6088

SAE International
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096

Society of Plastics Engineers
100 Reserve Rd, Suite B310
Danbury, CT 06810
203.703.5400

Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA)
206.433.0991

Society of Women Engineers
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Water Environment Federation
601 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.666.0206

References

Career cluster

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zones

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

Strong Interest Inventory

Engineering Technician

Holland occupational clusters

Investigative/Conventional/Realistic
Investigative/Realistic/Conventional
Realistic/Conventional/Investigative
Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

Technology Skilled