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Engineering Technologies Salary Guide

Engineering Technologies: Solid Salaries with Strong Growth Potential

Median Earnings: $61,141 | Programs: 3,541 | Colleges: 1,366

Earnings Distribution

Engineering Technologies graduates see a wide range of earnings depending on institution, location, and degree level.

  • Lowest Reported: $19,196
  • 25th Percentile: $48,312
  • Median: $61,141
  • 75th Percentile: $70,620
  • Highest Reported: $144,879

The interquartile range (middle 50% of earners) spans $22,308, a 36% spread around the median. Top earners at the best-paying institutions make 137% more than the median.

Salary Analysis

Graduates in Engineering Technologies (CIP: 15) can expect a median annual salary of $61,141, with a typical range between $48,312 and $70,620. This broad field encompasses numerous specializations, leading to significant salary variations. While an associate's degree might place you at the lower end of this spectrum, a bachelor's degree often opens doors to higher starting salaries and faster career progression. Geographic location plays a crucial role; metropolitan areas with strong industrial bases, such as those in California, Texas, or the Northeast, tend to offer higher compensation due to demand and cost of living. Conversely, rural areas or regions with less industrial activity may see lower average salaries. Top-paying specializations within engineering technologies often include areas like aerospace engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, and computer engineering technology, where specialized skills are highly valued. The career salary trajectory for engineering technologists is generally positive, with experienced professionals earning well above the median. For instance, senior roles or management positions can command salaries exceeding $90,000. Considering the median program cost and the strong earning potential, a degree in Engineering Technologies generally offers a solid return on investment, especially for those who pursue specialized, in-demand areas.

Top Paying Colleges for Engineering Technologies

CollegeStateMedian Earnings
Northwestern UniversityIL$144,879
Wayne State UniversityMI$128,271
Washington State UniversityWA$127,541
George Washington UniversityDC$127,408
Tufts UniversityMA$123,639
Temple UniversityPA$123,016
University of KansasKS$122,538
Texas A&M University-College StationTX$120,911
University of Central FloridaFL$120,323
California State University Maritime AcademyCA$115,589
Oakland UniversityMI$112,624
Southern Methodist UniversityTX$111,319
University of LouisvilleKY$111,299
Duke UniversityNC$110,977
University of Michigan-DearbornMI$110,914

Earnings by Degree Level

  • Master's: $104,028 (161 programs)
  • Bachelor's: $64,831 (519 programs)
  • Associate's: $51,832 (952 programs)
  • Certificate: $40,778 (1,869 programs)
  • Graduate Certificate (37 programs)
  • Doctoral (3 programs)

Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineering Technician: $65,000 — Assists electrical engineers in designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing electrical equipment.
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist: $70,000 — Applies mechanical engineering principles to design, develop, and test mechanical systems and devices.
  • Civil Engineering Technician: $62,000 — Supports civil engineers in planning, designing, and overseeing construction projects.
  • Industrial Engineering Technician: $68,000 — Analyzes and improves production processes and efficiency in manufacturing and other industries.

Salary Negotiation Tips for Engineering Technologies Graduates

Strategies to maximize your earning potential in this field:

  1. Research industry-specific salary benchmarks for your specialization and experience level.
  2. Highlight specific technical skills and projects that align with the employer's needs.
  3. Be prepared to justify your salary expectations with data and examples of your value.

How Engineering Technologies Salaries Compare

Engineering Technologies graduates earn $61,141 at the median, which is 49% above the national median of $40,900 for all college graduates.

FAQ

How much do Engineering Technologies majors make?

Graduates with a degree in Engineering Technologies typically earn a median salary of $61,141 annually. The salary range is quite broad, generally falling between $48,312 for entry-level or less specialized roles and up to $70,620 for those with more experience or in high-demand areas. Associate's degrees may lead to starting salaries at the lower end of this range, while bachelor's degrees often command higher starting pay and faster advancement opportunities. Specialization, location, and the specific industry also significantly influence earning potential.

What is the highest paying job with a Engineering Technologies degree?

The highest paying roles for Engineering Technologies graduates often lie in specialized fields such as aerospace engineering technology, computer engineering technology, or advanced manufacturing technology. Positions like Senior Engineering Technologist, Project Manager in a technical field, or specialized roles in areas like robotics or automation can command salaries significantly above the median, potentially reaching $90,000 to $100,000 or more, especially with several years of experience and in high-demand geographic markets.

Is a Engineering Technologies degree worth the cost?

For most students, an Engineering Technologies degree offers a strong return on investment. The median salary of $61,141, with a clear upward trajectory for experienced professionals, often allows graduates to recoup their educational costs within a few years. The field's broad applicability across various industries ensures consistent demand for skilled technologists. While the cost of education varies, the practical, hands-on skills acquired in these programs are highly valued by employers, leading to stable employment and good earning potential, making it a worthwhile investment for many.

Engineering Technologies Salaries by State

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Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.