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Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I in the United States is $52,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $63,697
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,900 to $58,480
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,484
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View as table View as graph 25% $47,900 10% $43,484 90% $63,697 75% $58,480 $52,750 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $58,480 $4,873 $1,125 $28
Average $52,750 $4,396 $1,014 $25
25th Percentile $47,900 $3,992 $921 $23
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Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salaries

A Mechanical Engineering Technologist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Mechanical Engineering Technologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist I (0-1 years): $52,742
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist II (1-3 years): $58,937
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist III (3-5 years): $67,570
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist IV (5-7 years): $75,167
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Engineering Technologist I0-1 years$52,742
Mechanical Engineering Technologist II1-3 years$58,937
Mechanical Engineering Technologist III3-5 years$67,570
Mechanical Engineering Technologist IV5-7 years$75,167
$52,742 Mechanica...
$58,937 Mechanica...
$67,570 Mechanica...
$75,167 Mechanica...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Mechanical Engineering Technologist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $58,400.
  • California: $58,180.
  • Massachusetts: $57,400.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Engineering Technologist Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $66,530
  • San Francisco: $65,800
  • Oakland: $64,410

What Skills Can Increase a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 8.42% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Preventive Maintenance (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Preventive maintenance is the act of performing regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures in the future. Put simply, it's about fixing things before they break.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 1.93% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 8.42%
Preventive Maintenance 2.92%
Microsoft Office 1.93%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I's salary.
  • Adaptability: Can increase your salary by up to 33%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Calibration: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Adaptability
$70,158
33%
Time Management
$61,190
16%
Calibration
$59,080
12%
Leadership
$58,025
10%
Continuous Improvement
$57,498
9%
Analysis
$56,970
8%
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Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Engineering Technologist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,051. While startup companies pay approximate $49,955.

Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$49,955
Growth Stage51~500$52,834
Established501~5000$57,024
Enterprise5000+$59,051

Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Engineering Technologist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Engineering Technologist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Engineering Technologist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$65,938$32.025%
Insurance$60,662$29.015%
Aerospace & Defense$58,025$28.010%
Energy & Utilities$58,025$28.010%
Financial Services$58,025$28.010%

How Education impacts a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineering Technologist Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $46,842 and $50,812).

Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Engineering Technologist I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 14.0%
Associates 43.0%
Bachelors 36.8%
Masters 4.4%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Mechanical Engineering Technologist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $58,940 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Mechanical Engineering Technologist I

Salaries for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $52,483 in 2023 to around $51,819 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineering Technologist I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$52,483
2024
$52,252
2025
$51,819
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $52,483
2024 $52,252
2025 $51,819
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Mechanical Engineering Technologist I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Mechanical Engineering Technologist I

Here are companies hiring for Mechanical Engineering Technologist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Mechanical Engineering Technologist I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Engineering Technologist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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    Columbus, OH

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    13 Days Ago

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    Columbus, OH

    CDL

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    13 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

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    14 Days Ago

  • Summit Recruiting Group

    Columbus, OH

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    15 Days Ago

  • Family Dollar

    Columbus, OH

    Family Dollar | Columbus, OH

    Customer Service Associate. We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience for every customer. Duties ... more

    16 Days Ago

  • GO Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    GO Staffing | Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Mechanical Engineering Technologist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Mechanical Engineering Technologist I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Engineering Technologist I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What does a mechanical engineer technologist do?

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians assist mechanical engineers in designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing tools, engines, machines, and other devices. Their responsibilities include creating sketches, recording and analyzing data, and reporting findings. Salaries for this role range from $45,590 to $60,960, with a median salary of $52,490.

3. What kind of mechanical engineer gets paid the most?

The highest-paid mechanical engineers typically hold positions such as automation engineer, research and development engineer, or senior mechanical engineer. Salaries in this field range from a minimum of $45,590 to a mid-level of $52,490, with top earners making up to $60,960 annually. Specializing in advanced roles can significantly enhance earning potential.

4. Can a mechanical engineer make 200k a year?

A mechanical engineering technologist typically earns between $45,590 and $60,960 annually, with a mid-salary of $52,490. While some experienced engineers in specialized fields may approach higher salaries, reaching $200,000 a year is uncommon for this role. Focus on gaining experience and expertise to increase earning potential.

5. What is the difference between mechanical engineer and mechanical engineer technologist?

The difference between a Mechanical Engineer and a Mechanical Engineering Technologist lies in their focus and training. Mechanical Engineers often engage in theoretical design and analysis, while Technologists emphasize practical application and implementation. In terms of salary, Mechanical Engineering Technologists earn between $45,590 and $60,960, with a median salary of $52,490.

6. What is the highest salary for a mechanical engineering technologist?

The highest salary for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist is $60,960. This figure represents the maximum earning potential in the field, with a minimum salary of $45,590 and a mid-range salary of $52,490. Salaries can vary based on location and experience, but these figures provide a solid benchmark for the profession.

7. Can technicians make 100k?

Pay will vary based on ability and experience, but Mechanical Engineering Technologists typically earn between $45,590 and $60,960 annually. While some highly experienced professionals may approach higher salaries, reaching $100k is uncommon in this field. Benefits often include traditional health insurance.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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