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Mechanical Engineering Technologist III Salary in the United States

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

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist III in the United States is $67,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,343
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,100 to $72,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,182
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View as table View as graph 25% $61,100 10% $55,182 90% $77,343 75% $72,700 $67,600 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Mechanical Engineering Technologist III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $72,700 $6,058 $1,398 $35
Average $67,600 $5,633 $1,300 $33
25th Percentile $61,100 $5,092 $1,175 $29
Check out Mechanical Engineering Technologist III Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Engineering Technologist III Salaries

A Mechanical Engineering Technologist III'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 III'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): $58,938
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist III (3-5 years): $67,574
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist IV (5-7 years): $75,166
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Mechanical Engineering Technologist I0-1 years$52,742
Mechanical Engineering Technologist II1-3 years$58,938
Mechanical Engineering Technologist III3-5 years$67,574
Mechanical Engineering Technologist IV5-7 years$75,166
$52,742 Mechanica...
$58,938 Mechanica...
$67,574 Mechanica...
$75,166 Mechanica...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Mechanical Engineering Technologist III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $74,900.
  • California: $74,600.
  • Massachusetts: $73,600.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Engineering Technologist IIIs

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: $85,300
  • San Francisco: $84,300
  • Oakland: $82,600

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 9.44% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Preventive Maintenance (Mentioned in 2.58% 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.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 1.54% Job Postings): In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artefact, such as a metre ruler. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no significant error being noted on the device under test a significant error being noted but no adjustment made an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable levelStrictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison, and does not include any subsequent adjustment. The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national standard held by a national metrological body.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 9.44%
Preventive Maintenance 2.58%
Calibration 1.54%
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 III's salary.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Insight
$76,388
13%
Oral Communication
$75,712
12%
Scheduling
$72,332
7%
Career Development
$71,656
6%
Safety Training
$71,656
6%
Planning
$70,304
4%
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How Education impacts a Mechanical Engineering Technologist III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Engineering Technologist IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $66,821 and $72,291).

Mechanical Engineering Technologist III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Engineering Technologist III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.3%
High School 16.0%
Associates 60.0%
Bachelors 21.3%
Masters 1.3%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Mechanical Engineering Technologist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Engineering Technologist III'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 May 01, 2026

Mechanical Engineering Technologist III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Mechanical Engineering Technologist III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Mechanical Engineering Technologist IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $75,200 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Mechanical Engineering Technologist III

Salaries for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $62,867 in 2023 to around $62,801 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Engineering Technologist III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Mechanical Engineering Technologist III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$62,867
2024
$63,040
2025
$62,801
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $62,867
2024 $63,040
2025 $62,801
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Mechanical Engineering Technologist III

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

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

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FAQ about Mechanical Engineering Technologist III

1. How much do mechanical technicians make in the US?

Mechanical Engineering Technologists in the US earn between $62,800 and $83,100 annually, with a median salary of $72,400. This translates to a monthly pay range of approximately $5,233 to $6,925, with the average salary being around $6,033.

2. What does a mechanical engineer technologist do?

A Mechanical Engineering Technologist applies engineering principles to design, develop, and test mechanical systems and devices. They work on projects ranging from product design to manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency and safety. Salaries for this role typically range from $62,800 to $83,100, with a median salary of $72,400.

3. Is 100k a year good?

A salary of $100,000 a year is significantly above the average for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist. The minimum salary is $62,800, the mid-range is $72,400, and the maximum is $83,100. Therefore, earning $100,000 would be considered excellent in this field, providing a comfortable financial position.

4. Do mechanical engineers make 100k?

Mechanical Engineering Technologists typically earn between $62,800 and $83,100 annually, with a median salary of $72,400. While some experienced professionals may approach or exceed the $100,000 mark, it is not the standard for most in this field.

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

The difference between Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) lies in their focus. ME programs emphasize theoretical principles and design, while MET programs are more hands-on and application-oriented. In terms of salary, Mechanical Engineering Technologists earn between $62,800 and $83,100, with a median salary of $72,400.

6. What is the role of a mechanical engineering technologist?

A mechanical engineering technologist plays a crucial role in selecting tools and equipment, assembling and installing mechanical systems, and estimating material costs. They also perform and direct field and laboratory tests. The salary for this position ranges from $62,800 to $83,100, with a mid-point of $72,400, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.

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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