How much does a mechanical technician make?
a year · about $36 an hour
A typical mechanical technician in the United States makes $74,510 a year, about $36 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some U.S. mechanical technicians help prepare car crash tests by setting up instruments that measure what happens.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $48,400 and $106,050How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Missouri ($92,150), lowest in Utah ($61,870).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
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