Automotive Engineering Technicians earn a median of $74,510 per year ($35.82/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 1.3% through 2035, with about 3,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 17-3027
- Architecture and Engineering
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Automotive Engineering Technician in four numbers
- Median pay
- $74,510a year, or $35.82/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $48KTop 10% $106K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +1.3%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+1.3%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +1.3% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,10036,900 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202536.9K
- Projected 203537.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 36.9K Projected 2035 37.4K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school3.7%
- Certificate14.8%
- Some college3.7%
- Associate's37%
- Bachelor's29.6%
- Master's11.1%
Highest education held by automotive engineering technicians Segment Value High school 3.7% Certificate 14.8% Some college 3.7% Associate's 37% Bachelor's 29.6% Master's 11.1%
Also advertised as: Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician), Research Technician.
Pay
How much do Automotive Engineering Technicians make?
Every automotive engineering technician in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$74,510
Middle half earn $59,510 to $88,110
- 10th
- $48,400
- 25th
- $59,510
- 75th
- $88,110
- 90th
- $106,050
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $48,400 |
| 25th | $59,510 |
| Median | $74,510 |
| 75th | $88,110 |
| 90th | $106,050 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $74,510
- Median hourly wage
- $35.82/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $76,380
- People employed
- 36,190
Versus all US occupations
At $74,510, Automotive Engineering Technicians earn 46% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $23,530 a year.
Versus architecture and engineering occupations
Inside the Architecture and Engineering group, where the middle occupation pays $104,110, this is 28% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $106,050 or more while the bottom 10% earn $48,400, a gap of 2.2×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 49% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Louisiana pays the most at $102,800, and still leads at $116,544 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Automotive Engineering Technicians the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Louisiana | $102,800 | $116,544 | 270 |
| 2New Mexico | $97,560 | $105,800 | 320 |
| 3Missouri | $92,150 | $101,468 | 800 |
| 4California | $87,390 | $78,929 | 3,660 |
| 5Connecticut | $82,660 | $79,780 | 350 |
| 6Rhode Island | $81,600 | $79,781 | 30 |
| 7Oregon | $80,840 | $78,211 | 260 |
| 8Nebraska | $80,050 | $88,843 | 250 |
| 9Washington | $79,410 | $74,206 | 890 |
| 10Maryland | $79,180 | $75,439 | 640 |
Job outlook
Is Automotive Engineering Technician a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +1.3% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | +1.3% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Automotive Engineering Technicians to change 1.3% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 500 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,100 openings are projected each year, 8.4% of the 36,900 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Despite limited employment growth, about 3,100 openings for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians will continue to be needed to help engineers plan for and design increasingly complex mechanical products, equipment, and systems. However, automation of routine engineering and design tasks also may reduce the need for workers in this occupation.
Getting in
How to become an Automotive Engineering Technician
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree or other postsecondary training to enter the occupation.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as automotive engineering technicians.
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree37%
- Bachelor's Degree29.6%
- Post-Secondary Certificate14.8%
- Master's Degree11.1%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)3.7%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 37% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 29.6% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 14.8% |
| Master's Degree | 11.1% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 3.7% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Automotive Engineering Technician do?
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture tools, engines, machines, and other devices. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, and report their findings.
Day-to-day tasks
- Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
- Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
- Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
- Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
- Install equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces.
- Order new test equipment, supplies, or replacement parts.
- Recommend tests or testing conditions in accordance with designs, customer requirements, or industry standards to ensure test validity.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work full time.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where automotive engineering technicians work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Architectural, engineering, and related services20%
- Machinery manufacturing14%
- Transportation equipment manufacturing14%
- Scientific research and development services7%
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 20% |
| Machinery manufacturing | 14% |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 14% |
| Scientific research and development services | 7% |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.6
- Speaking3.5
- Critical Thinking3.5
- Active Listening3.3
- Writing3.3
- Mathematics3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Active Learning3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.6 |
| Speaking | 3.5 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.5 |
| Active Listening | 3.3 |
| Writing | 3.3 |
| Mathematics | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Active Learning | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.3
- Operations Monitoring3.3
- Quality Control Analysis3.3
- Repairing3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Social Perceptiveness3.0
- Coordination3.0
- Equipment Maintenance3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.3 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 |
| Repairing | 3.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Development environment software
- Electronic mail software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Automotive Engineering Technician?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Automotive Engineering Technician |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Realistic7.0
- Investigative5.4
- Conventional4.5
- Artistic1.4
- Enterprising1.3
- Social1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Automotive Engineering Technician
O*NET related occupations
- Architecture and Engineering
- Architecture and Engineering
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician
$82,890median a year
Most earn $59K to $125K
+11.9%Associate's - Architecture and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technologist and Technician
$74,510median a year
Most earn $48K to $106K
+1.3%Associate's - Architecture and Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician
$78,190median a year
Most earn $50K to $116K
+2.4%Associate's - Architecture and Engineering
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic
$50,620median a year
Most earn $35K to $82K
+5.0%Certificate
More architecture and engineering careers
Median annual pay, with automotive engineering technicians highlighted
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960
- Electrical Engineer$120,630
- Environmental Engineer$107,110
- Mechanical Engineer$104,110
- Automotive Engineer$104,110
- Industrial Engineer$102,440
- Civil Engineer$100,840
- Architect$99,280
- Automotive Engineering Technician$74,510
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 |
| Electrical Engineer | $120,630 |
| Environmental Engineer | $107,110 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 |
| Automotive Engineer | $104,110 |
| Industrial Engineer | $102,440 |
| Civil Engineer | $100,840 |
| Architect | $99,280 |
| Automotive Engineering Technician | $74,510 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Automotive Engineering Technician appears on
Questions
Automotive Engineering Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Automotive Engineering Technicians make?
Automotive Engineering Technicians earn a median of $74,510 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 46% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $35.82/hr. The middle half earn between $59,510 and $88,110. The top 10% earn $106,050 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Automotive Engineering Technician?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Automotive Engineering Technicians. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 37.0% hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree.
Is Automotive Engineering Technician a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 1.3% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Automotive Engineering Technician do?
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture tools, engines, machines, and other devices. A core O*NET task: document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools. Employers most often ask for Enterprise resource planning ERP software, Office suite software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Automotive Engineering Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Automotive Engineering Technicians are Louisiana ($102,800), New Mexico ($97,560), Missouri ($92,150) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Automotive Engineering Technician?
O*NET scores Automotive Engineering Technicians highest on the Realistic, Investigative and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.