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Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Typical education: Associate degreeHigh pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $73,900 Median per year · $35.53/hr Most earn $47,840–$109,890

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Fabricate or assemble mechanical, electrical, or electronic components or assemblies.
  • Develop, test, or program new robots.
  • 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.
  • Produce electrical, electronic, or mechanical drawings or other related documents or graphics necessary for electromechanical design, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Job outlook

United States
3% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 1,400 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Engineering services13.4%
  • Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences10.2%
  • Machinery manufacturing10.1%
  • Aerospace product and parts manufacturing4.4%
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing4.4%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

This is usually not an entry-level job straight out of high school. Most people earn an associate degree (about 2 years) and then spend roughly 2 to 4 years in related technical work before stepping into this role.

  1. High School Diploma with strong math, physics, and shop classes

    4 years

    Building a solid base in algebra, physics, and hands-on technical classes prepares you for the harder electronics and mechanics work in a technical degree.

  2. Associate Degree in Mechatronics or Electromechanical Technology

    2 years

    This program teaches circuits, motors, sensors, programmable controllers, and hands-on troubleshooting, which is the core of this career.

  3. Electrical and Electronics Repairer

    2-4 years

    Working on real industrial equipment in a repair or maintenance role builds the diagnosis and testing experience employers look for before hiring you as a technician.

  4. Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technician

    Career

    You install, test, maintain, and adjust automated and electromechanical systems, and you may help engineers test new robotics equipment.

Where it can lead

  1. Robotics Technician

    2-4 years of experience first

    You focus more on robots and automated systems, including programming, calibrating, and keeping complex robotic lines running.

  2. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist

    2-4 years of experience first

    You take on more design, testing, and development work that supports engineers, which usually requires deeper knowledge of electronics and more independent problem-solving.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take algebra, geometry, physics, and any electronics or drafting classesThese courses build the math and science skills used every day in electromechanical work.
  • Join a robotics or engineering clubBuilding and testing a robot with a team shows you what this work feels like and gives you something to talk about with employers or colleges.
  • Get a starter job or volunteer fixing thingsHelping with repairs at a repair shop, farm, or community workshop builds troubleshooting habits and a reliable work record.
  • Tinker with electronics at homeSimple projects with circuit kits, motors, or microcontrollers help you learn how components work together.
  • Talk to a technician or visit a local technical collegeAsking questions about the daily work and program options helps you decide whether this path fits you.

In college

  • Enroll in an electromechanical, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance programA focused associate degree or certificate covers the exact skills this career needs, from electrical systems to programmable controllers.
  • Take math, physics, and programming coursesCalculus-based physics and basic coding help you understand how sensors, motors, and automated controls are designed and tested.
  • Seek a co-op, internship, or campus technical jobHands-on work with real equipment gives you experience that employers look for, and it can count toward the 2 to 4 years of related work.
  • Join a student engineering, robotics, or technical clubCompetitions and team projects build teamwork skills and show employers you can apply what you learned.
  • Ask about industry certificationsYour school may offer certifications in areas like PLCs, electrical safety, or industrial maintenance, which can strengthen your resume.

Tips for getting started

  • Take every math and physics class you can, since circuits, motion, and control systems all depend on them.
  • Look for hands-on experience early, like building robots, fixing small machines, or joining a robotics team, because employers value practical skills as much as grades.
  • Ask technician programs whether they offer co-op or internship placements, since working with real equipment while you study makes you a much stronger job candidate.

Related jobs that often lead here

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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