Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
SOC Code: 17-3029.00
Architecture & EngineeringEngineering technologists and technicians serve as the practical bridge between engineering theory and real-world application, supporting engineers in design, testing, manufacturing, and quality assurance across diverse industries. With a median salary of $77,390, these versatile technical professionals apply specialized knowledge to solve hands-on engineering challenges that keep projects moving from concept to completion. This broad category encompasses specialists not classified elsewhere, reflecting the wide range of technical expertise needed across modern engineering disciplines.
Salary Overview
Median
$77,390
25th Percentile
$59,700
75th Percentile
$97,760
90th Percentile
$114,630
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+1.5%
New Openings
5,700
Outlook
Slower than average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
- Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
- Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
- Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
- Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
- Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
- Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics.
- Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Associate's Degree
Related Careers
Top Career Pivot Targets
View all 46 →Careers with the highest skill compatibility from Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
A Day in the Life
A typical day for an engineering technologist or technician involves a dynamic mix of laboratory work, field testing, data analysis, and collaboration with engineering teams. Morning tasks might include calibrating test equipment, setting up experimental apparatus, or reviewing engineering drawings and specifications for ongoing projects. Technicians conduct tests on materials, components, or systems, carefully recording data on strength, durability, electrical performance, or environmental resistance according to standardized procedures. They operate specialized equipment such as coordinate measuring machines, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, or environmental test chambers depending on their particular engineering discipline. Data analysis occupies a significant portion of the day, with technicians using spreadsheets, statistical software, and engineering databases to process test results and identify trends or anomalies. Technical report writing documents findings, compares results against specifications, and recommends corrective actions or design modifications to the engineering team. Field work may involve visiting construction sites, manufacturing facilities, or customer locations to install, inspect, or troubleshoot equipment and systems. Communication with engineers, project managers, and vendors ensures that technical information flows accurately between design intent and practical implementation throughout the project lifecycle.
Work Environment
Engineering technologists and technicians work in varied environments including laboratories, manufacturing floors, offices, and field locations, with the specific mix depending on their specialization and employer. Laboratory settings provide controlled conditions for testing and experimentation, typically equipped with specialized instruments and safety infrastructure. Manufacturing environments involve proximity to production processes, requiring adherence to quality systems and safety protocols appropriate to the industry. Office time is devoted to data analysis, report writing, and collaborative meetings with engineering teams using computer-aided design and analysis tools. Most positions follow standard weekday business hours, though shift work may be required in facilities with continuous operations such as power plants or semiconductor fabrication cleanrooms. The culture generally values precision, systematic methodology, and practical problem-solving, with technicians taking pride in producing reliable data and functional solutions. Physical demands vary by specialization but may include standing for extended periods, lifting moderate loads, and working in confined spaces or elevated positions during field assignments. Safety training and compliance with OSHA regulations and company-specific protocols are fundamental aspects of the work environment across all specializations.
Career Path & Advancement
Most engineering technologists hold a bachelor's degree in engineering technology, while technicians typically enter with an associate degree or certificate from an accredited technical program. Programs accredited by ABET in engineering technology provide the strongest foundation and are preferred by many employers for positions at the $77,390 median salary level. Entry-level positions involve performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and assisting senior technologists with data collection under close supervision. With experience, technicians take on increasingly complex and independent assignments, eventually leading test programs, supervising junior staff, or managing laboratory operations. Professional certification through organizations like the American Society for Quality, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, or discipline-specific bodies enhances credibility and advancement prospects. Some technologists pursue engineering degrees to transition into full engineering roles, leveraging their practical experience as a significant advantage in both coursework and subsequent employment. Leadership advancement can lead to technical manager, quality director, or operations management positions where hands-on expertise informs strategic decision-making.
Specializations
Materials testing and evaluation technicians specialize in assessing the physical and chemical properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites used in manufacturing and construction. Environmental engineering technicians focus on pollution monitoring, remediation systems, and regulatory compliance testing for air, water, and soil quality. Calibration and metrology technicians maintain the accuracy and traceability of measurement instruments across manufacturing, healthcare, and research environments. Fire protection engineering technicians design, inspect, and test fire suppression, detection, and alarm systems for buildings and industrial facilities. Nuclear engineering technicians support reactor operations, radiation monitoring, and waste management at power plants and research facilities. Nanotechnology engineering technicians work with materials and devices at the nanoscale, supporting research and production in semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical development, and advanced materials. Acoustical engineering technicians measure and analyze sound and vibration in architectural, industrial, and environmental contexts, supporting noise control and product design projects.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓The median salary of $77,390 provides comfortable earnings with opportunities for advancement through experience, certification, and specialization.
- ✓Hands-on work with advanced equipment and technology creates an engaging daily experience for those who enjoy practical problem-solving.
- ✓The broad scope of the category means diverse opportunities exist across nearly every engineering industry and specialization.
- ✓Accessible education requirements through associate or bachelor's degree programs allow relatively quick entry into productive technical careers.
- ✓Retirement-driven workforce attrition is creating favorable hiring conditions and accelerated advancement opportunities for qualified candidates.
- ✓The systematic and procedure-driven nature of the work provides clear performance expectations and measurable accomplishments.
- ✓Exposure to multiple engineering disciplines and technologies builds versatile skills that remain relevant across industry cycles.
Challenges
- ✗Career advancement may plateau without additional education, as many senior engineering positions require full engineering degrees.
- ✗Repetitive testing and documentation tasks can become monotonous, particularly in high-volume production quality control roles.
- ✗The 'all other' classification can create ambiguity in job searches and professional identity compared to named engineering specializations.
- ✗Exposure to chemicals, radiation, noise, or physical hazards varies by specialization but requires constant safety awareness.
- ✗Shift work and overtime requirements at continuous-operation facilities can disrupt personal schedules and work-life balance.
- ✗Technological automation of routine testing procedures may reduce demand for some traditional technician functions over time.
- ✗Standing for extended periods and performing physically demanding tasks during field work can contribute to fatigue and ergonomic strain.
Industry Insight
The integration of digital tools including IoT sensors, cloud-based data platforms, and automated testing systems is expanding the technician's role from manual data collection to sophisticated data management and analysis. Industry 4.0 concepts are transforming manufacturing environments where many technicians work, requiring new competencies in networked systems, digital twins, and predictive analytics. The growing complexity of products across aerospace, medical devices, and electronics industries is elevating quality and testing requirements, increasing demand for skilled technicians. Workforce demographics show a significant portion of experienced technicians approaching retirement age, creating replacement demand and advancement opportunities for newer entrants at and above the $77,390 median salary. Additive manufacturing and advanced materials are introducing new testing methodologies and quality assurance challenges that require technicians to continuously update their skills. Remote monitoring and augmented reality tools are beginning to enable technicians to support field operations from office locations, changing traditional work patterns. Regulatory requirements across industries continue to tighten, particularly in areas like environmental compliance and product safety, reinforcing the need for meticulous technical professionals.
How to Break Into This Career
Enrolling in an ABET-accredited engineering technology program at a community college or technical university provides the most recognized credential for entering this field. Completing internships or cooperative education placements during the academic program builds practical skills and creates professional connections that frequently lead to job offers. Developing proficiency with testing equipment, data acquisition systems, and analysis software commonly used in engineering laboratories strengthens candidacy for entry-level positions. Pursuing certifications relevant to target industries, such as ASQ Certified Quality Technician, IPC electronics certifications, or AWS welding inspector credentials, demonstrates specialized competence. Joining student chapters of professional societies like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers provides networking and technical development opportunities. Military veterans with technical training in engineering-related military occupational specialties bring highly valued skills and security clearances to civilian engineering technician roles. Building hands-on experience through personal projects, maker spaces, or volunteer technical work demonstrates practical aptitude and initiative that employers find compelling.
Career Pivot Tips
Engineering technologists and technicians build a practical skill set combining hands-on technical ability with data analysis and systematic problem-solving that transfers well across industries. Quality assurance and quality control management is a natural advancement path that leverages testing expertise, documentation skills, and understanding of standards and specifications. Technical sales and applications engineering roles value the technician's ability to understand and demonstrate complex products to customers with technical requirements. Manufacturing engineering positions build on the technician's shop floor experience and process knowledge to optimize production methods and solve manufacturing challenges. Regulatory affairs and compliance roles in medical devices, aerospace, or environmental sectors benefit from the technician's familiarity with testing standards and documentation requirements. Project management in technical industries leverages the technician's understanding of timelines, resource requirements, and cross-functional coordination developed through laboratory and field project experience. Technical training and instructional design careers apply the technician's practical expertise and communication skills to developing workforce education programs for companies or educational institutions.