Career-PathGPS
← All education and training
Career

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Typical education: Master's degreeLower pressure

What they do

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

Kinds of work

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

Lower 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 $66,120 Median per year · $31.79/hr Most earn $47,300–$99,150

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Develop or modify wet chemical or industrial laboratory experimental techniques for nanoscale use.
  • Prepare detailed verbal or written presentations for scientists, engineers, project managers, or upper management.
  • Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
  • Repair nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submit work orders for equipment repair.
  • Assist nanoscientists or engineers in writing process specifications or documentation.
  • Implement new or enhanced methods or processes for the processing, testing, or manufacture of nanotechnology materials or products.

Job outlook

United States
3% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 6,600 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

  • Motor vehicle parts manufacturing7.8%
  • Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing7.5%
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing5.6%
  • Plastics product manufacturing5.4%
  • Machinery manufacturing5.0%

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

Career path

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

Typical education: Master's degreeExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

This is not a true entry-level job. Most people need a master's degree and about 2 to 4 years of related work before they reach this role, so the full path usually takes 6 to 8 years or more after high school.

  1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering

    4 years

    You build the science and math base and learn lab methods, which you need before you can work with nanoscale materials.

  2. Laboratory or Chemical Technician

    1-2 years

    You run lab tests, keep careful records, and operate instruments under supervision, which builds the hands-on experience employers look for.

  3. Master's degree in nanotechnology, nanoscience, or materials science

    2 years

    You gain advanced knowledge of nanoscale materials and microscopy, which is the training this role typically requires.

  4. Nanotechnology Engineering Technologist and Technician

    Ongoing, after 2-4 years of related experience

    You run production equipment and advanced microscopes to make and test nanoscale materials and devices, working under nanoengineering staff.

Where it can lead

  1. Nanosystems Engineer

    2-4 years of experience first

    You move from running equipment to designing nanoscale systems and planning projects, which usually requires a doctoral or professional degree.

  2. Senior Nanofabrication Technician

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on more complex fabrication work, train newer staff, and handle more independent decisions about processes. Job ads for this title vary, so check what each employer expects.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take chemistry, physics, and advanced mathThese classes are the foundation for every science and engineering path that leads to nanotechnology.
  • Join a science fair or robotics clubBuilding and testing projects teaches you how experiments work and gives you something to show later.
  • Get a starter job or volunteer in a labMany hospitals, universities, and local labs accept high school helpers, and this builds early lab habits.
  • Practice careful record-keepingWriting clear lab notes and following step-by-step procedures are core skills for technicians.

In college

  • Major in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineeringA strong science major prepares you for a master's program in nanotechnology.
  • Get a research assistant job in a campus labWorking with instruments and professors gives you hands-on experience that employers and graduate programs value.
  • Take a lab safety or cleanroom training course if your school offers oneCleanroom and lab safety skills are needed for working with production equipment.
  • Join a student science or engineering clubClubs build teamwork skills and connect you with people already working in research or industry.
  • Look for a summer internship at a materials or electronics companyInternships show you how commercial production works and help you decide whether this path fits you.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for lab jobs or research assistant positions while you study, since hands-on lab time is what employers look for in this field.
  • Take the most math, chemistry, and physics classes you can, and pick a college or graduate program that offers nanotechnology or materials science courses.

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.

Related careers