How much does a mechanical technician make?
Answer: A typical mechanical technician in the United States makes $74,510 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 36,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Mechanical technician pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $48,400 | $74,510 | $106,050 | about 36,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $92,150 | about 800 |
| California | $87,390 | about 4,000 |
| Washington | $79,410 | about 890 |
| Maryland | $79,180 | about 640 |
| Ohio | $78,500 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, useful skills, and optional certifications. It also varies by employer industry and location, and more complex duties or greater responsibility can pay more.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a mechanical technician do?
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
What's a typical day like?
They may read a blueprint, assemble or adjust a machine part, then test it and record measurements in a factory or lab. They share problems and results with engineers while following safety steps around machinery.
How to get this job
In the U.S., study math, science, and computer science, then earn an associate degree or certificate in mechanical engineering technology at a community or vocational school. Some certifications are optional, and a supervisor may verify your skills.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out.
Did you know?
Some U.S. mechanical technicians help prepare car crash tests by setting up instruments that measure what happens.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Architecture and Engineering jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/print/mechanical-engineering-techni
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/17-3027.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY