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Engineering Technicians

Engineering technicians support engineers and scientists by creating detailed technical drawings, testing equipment, and implementing engineering solutions across diverse industries. These professionals use computer-aided design software, specialized testing equipment, and technical knowledge to develop blueprints, maintain complex systems, and ensure projects meet safety and performance standards. They work in fields ranging from aerospace and automotive to environmental engineering and robotics.

Median Annual Pay
$65,449
Range: $35,080 - $113,970
Training Time
4-5 years
AI Resilience
🟑AI-Augmented
Education
Bachelor's degree

🎬Career Video

πŸ€–AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 3/6: balanced factors means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟑AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Medium+1

50% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+5% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Moderate+1

EPOCH score: 17/25

Total Score3/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

πŸ“‹Key Responsibilities

  • β€’Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
  • β€’Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
  • β€’Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
  • β€’Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
  • β€’Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
  • β€’Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
  • β€’Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
  • β€’Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.

πŸ’‘Inside This Career

Engineering technicians bridge the gap between theoretical engineering concepts and practical implementation, spending their days transforming designs into reality through hands-on technical work. Their morning might begin reviewing project specifications and engineering drawings, then shift to operating sophisticated testing equipment, calibrating instruments, or conducting field measurements. Whether working in climate-controlled laboratories, bustling manufacturing floors, construction sites, or research facilities, they apply scientific principles to solve real-world problems. A civil engineering technician might collect soil samples and survey terrain for a highway project, while an electronics technician troubleshoots circuit boards and tests component performance in a development lab.

Collaboration forms a cornerstone of their daily routine, as engineering technicians work closely with engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople to ensure projects meet specifications and safety standards. They frequently document their findings through detailed reports, update technical drawings using CAD software, and maintain accurate records of tests, measurements, and procedures. Their work often involves both routine maintenance tasks and complex problem-solving when unexpected issues arise during testing or implementation phases.

The variety in their workday keeps engineering technicians engaged across diverse projects and industries. One week might involve supporting the development of aerospace components through precision testing, while the next could focus on environmental monitoring or robotics programming. They regularly use cutting-edge technology, from 3D modeling software and automated testing systems to specialized measurement tools and diagnostic equipment. This blend of technical expertise, practical application, and continuous learning makes each day dynamic as they contribute to innovations spanning infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and scientific research.

πŸ“ˆCareer Progression

What does this mean?

This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$35,080
$31,572 - $38,588
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$39,790
$35,811 - $43,769
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$48,940
$44,046 - $53,834
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$62,540
$56,286 - $68,794
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$79,150
$71,235 - $87,065

πŸ“šEducation & Training

Requirements

  • β€’Entry Education: Bachelor's degree
  • β€’Experience: One to two years
  • β€’On-the-job Training: One to two years
  • !License or certification required

Time & Cost

Education Duration
4-5 years (typically 4)
Estimated Education Cost
$48,762 - $182,070
Public (in-state):$48,762
Public (out-of-state):$100,926
Private nonprofit:$182,070
Source: college board (2024)
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πŸ’»Technology Skills

CAD software (AutoCAD)BIM software (Revit)Civil 3DAdobe Creative SuiteMicrosoft Office3D modeling toolsElectrical schematic softwareCAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)BIM softwareTechnical illustration softwareCAD software (AutoCAD, CATIA)Project management tools (JIRA)Testing softwareData analysis toolsSimulation software

⭐Key Abilities

β€’Oral Comprehension
β€’Written Comprehension
β€’Written Expression
β€’Visualization
β€’Near Vision
β€’Deductive Reasoning
β€’Oral Expression
β€’Fluency of Ideas
β€’Originality
β€’Inductive Reasoning

🏷️Also Known As

Engineering TechniciansArchitectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter)Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician (Architectural CAD Technician)Architectural DesignerArchitectural DrafterArchitectural DraftsmanArchitectural TechnicianArchitectural TechnologistArchitecture DesignerArchitecture Drafter+20 more

πŸ“‘Specializations

This career includes 19 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.

πŸ”—Related Careers

Other careers in engineering

πŸ”—Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-09

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