Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technician and Technologist

Overview and Key Facts

Education

Associate's degree

Median Pay

$70,760

Job Growth

1.10%

(Below US Average)

Jobs in 2034

15,100

What Do They Do?

 

Test and maintain electrical and mechanical portions of robotic equipment.

Operate robotic systems that build your favorite car.

Help engineers operate unmanned aircraft to check on crop fields.

Repair circuitry for a broken-down machine.

 

Overview Listen to this section

Do you like working with robotics and cutting-edge machines? Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologist and technician help engineers in designing and testing robotics equipment. They use testing tools to test performance of electromechanical equipment. They may analyze diagrams to determine order of assembly. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians test and operate some of the most advanced equipment available. They may work with unmanned aircraft to get visual information on crop fields or operate unmanned submarines to do deep ocean exploration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3GjrJG6Ds8

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technician and Technologist?

1. Operations Monitoring: ? Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
2. Troubleshooting: ? Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
3. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
4. Repairing: ? Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
5. Quality Control Analysis: ? Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

6. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
7. Operation and Control: ? Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
8. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
9. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
10. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Core Tasks

• Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
• 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.
• Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Inspect parts for surface defects.
• Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.
• Verify part dimensions or clearances to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
• Fabricate or assemble mechanical, electrical, or electronic components or assemblies.
• Align, fit, or assemble component parts, using hand or power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.
• Produce electrical, electronic, or mechanical drawings or other related documents or graphics necessary for electromechanical design, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Select electromechanical equipment, materials, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
• Establish and maintain inventory, records, or documentation systems.
• Assist engineers to implement electromechanical designs in industrial or other settings.
• Consult with machinists to ensure that electromechanical equipment or systems meet design specifications.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state

No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technician and Technologist Jobs Grow by 2034?

Projected % Growth

Rapid growth
(10% or higher)

Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)

Faster than average
(5% - 7%)

About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)

Slower than average
(0% - 3%)

Decreasing

Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technician and Technologist jobs (1.10%)

Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming an Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technician and Technologist

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.

Math

Algebra 1

Geometry

Algebra 2

Pre-Calculus

Calculus

Statistics

Science

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Environmental Science

Physiology

Bio-Medical / Biotech

IT &
Engineering

Computer Science

Applied Technology

Drafting & CAD Training

Core

English

Foreign Language

Business

Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Training, pre-employment, will come from certification or associate's degree in industrial engineering technology.

Nearly all workers in the field of industrial engineering technology need some on-the-job training to prepare them to meet the specific needs of their employers.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree

Post
high school credential

AA

Bachelor's

Master's

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Associate's degree ?

Associate's degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are offered at vocational—technical schools and community colleges.

Employers may prefer to hire graduates of programs accredited by an organization such as ABET. Associate's degree programs usually include courses in subjects such as algebra, trigonometry, and sciences. Depending on the program, students may have the option of concentrating in a field such as electromechanics, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance.

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Build a Robot Hand

20-30 minutes 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Build a Bristlebot, a Tiny Toothbrush Robot

30-45 minutes 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Junkbots: Robots from Recycled Materials

45 minutes to 1 hour 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Lift a Load using Liquids

 

 

4 STEM Activity Results

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Build a Simple Electric Motor!

Very Short (≤ 1 day) 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Lift a Load Using Hydraulics

Long (2-4 weeks) 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Build a Levitating Water Fountain with the Stroboscopic Effect

Short (2-5 days) 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Build a Model Mass Driver for Launching Objects into Space

Short (2-5 days) 

Add Favorite Remove Favorite

Make a Glitter Surprise Package

Short (2-5 days) 

 

5 Science Project Idea Results

On the Job

Role Models

My Future Career - Electro-Mechanical

I was able to help out here installing reflectors for self-guided vehicles. I feel like I'm making a difference here because when the line is down, nothing is getting made and fixing things and seeing them get back up and running is a great experience. 

- Kevin McCaffrey, Electro-Mechanical

Nature of the Work

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians test and operate machines in factories and at other worksites. They also document the tests they performed. They analyze and record the results of those tests.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians install, maintain, and repair electrical and mechanical systems. These systems may be automated machines that they control by programming computers. It may also be electrical units of the machine that they build and repair. They test electromechanical assemblies using test instruments. For example, they may use test instruments to measure voltage. They can measure mechanical parts and inspect parts for surface defects. They may also use a solder to install and repair electrical parts.

They also test, operate, or maintain robotic equipment at a worksite. This may include unmanned submarines or unmanned aircraft. Unmanned submarines or aircraft can be used for many different reasons. A few reasons include oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal.

Work Environment

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work with electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. They work primarily in manufacturing industries, including those of computer and electronic products and of machinery, and in professional, scientific and technical services. They often work both at production sites and in offices.

More Information

Ask Questions

Do you have a specific question about a career as an Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technician and Technologist that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

Additional Resources

• International Society of Automation
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS (2024). Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2024 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
• National Center for O*NET Development O*Net Online (2024). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved August 25, 2025
• National Center for O*NET Development. (n.d.). Electro-Mechanical & Mechatronics Technologists & Technicians. My Next Move. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
• myFUTURE. (n.d.). Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians. U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved April 21, 2023.