Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Also called: Electro-Mechanic, Electromechanical Technician (EM Technician), Electronics Technician (Electronics Tech), Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech)Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
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What the data says: AI could halve the time on 11 of its 28 tasks, and jobs are projected to grow 2.6% by 2035. How to think about this →
About this projection
BLS builds AI into its projections where the research supports it: “BLS generally applies adjustments based on this research conservatively, where there is convincing evidence for a change.”
It also notes a limit: “BLS projection methods are not designed to capture extremely rapid technological change.”
On its AI exposure groups, BLS says exposure “does not imply job loss.”
BLS figures cover the broader occupation “Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians”, which includes this one and others.
Recent conditions
- In 2024, 2.6% of people in this work were unemployed, against 3.8% across all occupations Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Other engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters”
- From Sep 2025 to Aug 2026, 5.4 hires for every 10 job openings in durable goods manufacturing, which employs about 45% of people in this work, against 7.3 across all industries BLS JOLTS
One box per opening, filled for each hire; hires beyond the openings are added in a lighter shade. Higher can mean openings get filled, or that people leave often; lower, that jobs go unfilled, or hiring is slow.5.4 this industry7.3 all industries
Median pay by state BLS OEWS May 2025, state estimates
Tap a state for its figures.
Median pay in every state
| State | Median | Middle half earn | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $66,660 | $49,220 to $85,280 | 70 |
| Alaska | $80,290 | $61,450 to $122,450 | 40 |
| Arizona | $80,930 | $71,190 to $89,830 | 120 |
| California | $81,550 | $71,090 to $105,510 | 1,850 |
| Colorado | $74,730 | $61,080 to $76,760 | 570 |
| Connecticut | $81,860 | $68,630 to $100,630 | 140 |
| Florida | $75,450 | $61,160 to $80,640 | 500 |
| Georgia | $68,720 | $56,270 to $85,070 | 170 |
| Idaho | $70,830 | $60,220 to $75,300 | 120 |
| Illinois | $79,400 | $77,850 to $95,740 | 250 |
| Indiana | $47,440 | $41,120 to $72,910 | 290 |
| Iowa | $73,010 | $57,040 to $80,680 | 180 |
| Kentucky | $65,270 | $58,810 to $86,960 | 70 |
| Louisiana | $75,410 | $65,150 to $84,880 | 120 |
| Maine | $82,510 | $68,800 to $83,260 | not published |
| Maryland | $75,330 | $65,270 to $101,760 | 90 |
| Massachusetts | $73,630 | $60,240 to $85,770 | 920 |
| Michigan | $62,460 | $59,330 to $76,850 | 850 |
| Minnesota | $61,670 | $54,770 to $75,950 | 400 |
| Mississippi | $71,420 | $66,590 to $75,820 | 70 |
| Missouri | $65,360 | $59,180 to $78,970 | 230 |
| Montana | $77,340 | $63,780 to $82,480 | 70 |
| Nebraska | $72,800 | $66,120 to $77,910 | 130 |
| Nevada | $82,010 | $59,720 to $100,120 | 220 |
| New Hampshire | $75,780 | $56,460 to $97,930 | 80 |
| New Jersey | $60,040 | $55,640 to $79,800 | 200 |
| New Mexico | $119,320 | $101,580 to $123,240 | 670 |
| New York | $68,010 | $60,730 to $83,860 | 410 |
| North Carolina | $63,330 | $57,810 to $76,930 | 800 |
| North Dakota | $82,820 | $73,350 to $100,190 | 90 |
| Ohio | $73,050 | $61,070 to $83,540 | 350 |
| Oklahoma | $65,100 | $55,660 to $71,050 | 140 |
| Oregon | $67,140 | $45,450 to $74,430 | 160 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,710 | $59,460 to $82,290 | 650 |
| South Carolina | $67,610 | $51,720 to $78,640 | 270 |
| Tennessee | $64,720 | $58,710 to $72,050 | 190 |
| Texas | $54,460 | $44,720 to $76,330 | 1,800 |
| Virginia | $74,880 | $60,550 to $97,070 | 570 |
| Washington | $81,220 | $70,890 to $110,650 | 570 |
| Wisconsin | $76,290 | $63,620 to $84,330 | 580 |
Nationally: $73,900. Shades run from the lowest state median to the highest; a territory below that range takes the lightest. How to read this
How AI touches the work
What AI could speed up, task by task, and where people already use it.
AI could halve the time on 11 of its 28 tasks
| AI rating | Its main tasks | Share of Claude conversations May 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Not much | Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges. | Not published |
| AI alone | Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly. | Not published |
| Not much | Inspect parts for surface defects. | Not published |
| Not much | Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools. | Not published |
| Not much | Align, fit, or assemble component parts, using hand or power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes. | Not published |
| Not much | Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning. | Not published |
See all 28 tasks
| AI + software | Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems. | 0.01% |
| Not much | Verify part dimensions or clearances to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments. | Not published |
| Not much | Fabricate or assemble mechanical, electrical, or electronic components or assemblies. | Not published |
| AI + software | Select electromechanical equipment, materials, components, or systems to meet functional specifications. | Not published |
| AI + software | Establish and maintain inventory, records, or documentation systems. | Not published |
| Not much | Produce electrical, electronic, or mechanical drawings or other related documents or graphics necessary for electromechanical design, using computer-aided design (CAD) software. | Not published |
| Not much | Select and use laboratory, operational, or diagnostic techniques or test equipment to assess electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems, or subsystems. | Not published |
| Not much | Repair, rework, or calibrate hydraulic or pneumatic assemblies or systems to meet operational specifications or tolerances. | Not published |
| AI + software | Prepare written documentation of electromechanical test results. | Not published |
| AI + software | Analyze engineering designs of logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition for implementation into new or existing automated, servomechanical, or other electromechanical systems. | 0.01% |
| Not much | Determine whether selected electromechanical components comply with environmental standards and regulations. | Not published |
| AI + software | Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality-control or quality-assurance programs and procedures. | Not published |
| Not much | Operate metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures. | Not published |
| AI alone | Translate electromechanical drawings into design specifications, applying principles of engineering, thermal or fluid sciences, mathematics, or statistics. | Not published |
| Not much | Develop, test, or program new robots. | Not published |
| Not much | Identify energy-conserving production or fabrication methods, such as by bending metal rather than cutting and welding or casting metal. | Not published |
| AI + software | Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs. | Not published |
| Not much | Operate, test, or maintain robotic equipment used for green production applications, such as waste-to-energy conversion systems, minimization of material waste, or replacement of human operators in dangerous work environments. | Not published |
| Not much | Train others to install, use, or maintain robots. | Not published |
| AI alone | Develop or implement programs related to the environmental impact of engineering activities. | Not published |
| AI + software | Assist engineers to implement electromechanical designs in industrial or other settings. | Not published |
| Not much | Consult with machinists to ensure that electromechanical equipment or systems meet design specifications. | Not published |
Ordered by how important O*NET's respondents rate each task (1 to 5) times the share who say it is part of their job. The ordering is ours. O*NET hasn't rated 2 of the tasks, so they come last, in O*NET's own order. 2 of the 28 have a published share of Claude conversations; “not published” means too few conversations for Anthropic to publish a figure.
Where people already use AI
The tasks above say what AI could speed up. This shows what people are using it for. Its 28 tasks fall under 27 work activities that many occupations share, and Microsoft counted how often each one came up in 200,000 conversations with its Copilot assistant in 2024.
- #8 Read documents or materials to inform work processes
- #14 Create visual designs or displays
- #15 Evaluate the characteristics, usefulness, or performance of products or technologies
- and 5 more, in the table below
| Work activity | This occupation's tasks under it | People asked AI for help in 10,000 conversations |
AI did it for them in 10,000 conversations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test performance of equipment or systems | |||
| Maintain tools or equipment | |||
| Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data | |||
| Inspect completed work or finished products | |||
| Assemble equipment or components | |||
| Fabricate devices or components | |||
| Design electrical or electronic systems or equipment | |||
| Read documents or materials to inform work processes |
Show all 27 activities
| Create visual designs or displays | |||
| Evaluate the characteristics, usefulness, or performance of products or technologies | |||
| Implement procedures or processes | |||
| Communicate with others about specifications or project details | |||
| Program computer systems or production equipment | |||
| Determine operational methods or procedures | |||
| Select materials or equipment for operations or projects | |||
| Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance | |||
| Develop operational or technical procedures or standards | |||
| Develop technical specifications for products or operations | |||
| Design computer or information systems or applications | |||
| Document technical designs, procedures, or activities | |||
| Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment | |||
| Maintain operational records | |||
| Manage control systems or activities | |||
| Train others on operational or work procedures | |||
| Develop sustainable organizational or business policies or practices | |||
| Install commercial or production equipment | |||
| Operate industrial processing or production equipment |
How people in this work use Claude
What people in this work made with Claude % of conversations
- A script or snippet24%
- An explanation or answer14%
- An app or website10%
- A document or report9%
- A chart or visualization8%
How they worked with Claude
37% of these conversations were about work. Anthropic Economic Index, May 2026.
How to read this
Work activities come from O*NET, which links every task to the broader activities it involves. Microsoft's figures are for the activity across everyone who used Copilot, not for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians specifically. Copilot is a general chat assistant; dedicated coding tools are not included, so programming help is under-counted here. Activities are listed by how many of this occupation's tasks fall under them.
The task ratings say whether AI could halve the time a task takes: on its own (“AI alone”), or with software built on it (“AI + software”). They were made by people in 2023 (Eloundou et al.). Claude's share is the task's share of all Claude.ai conversations in May 2026; Anthropic doesn't publish a task with too few conversations. None of these add up to the BLS exposure group, which combines five research measures.
More in the Guide: task ratings · task order · work activities · Copilot figures · Claude
High exposure doesn't mean fewer jobs
BLS projects most occupations in its two most exposed groups to grow: 141 of 206 rated Very high and 165 of 206 rated High. Each dot is one of the 831 occupations BLS rates.
Career moves into and out of this occupation
From moves between occupations found in online resumes, 2002–2016. Career changes only: a first job after school isn't a move.
Where people moved next
of 25,310 moves out
- 1 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians High +2.4% 9%
- 2 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 5%
- 3 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Low +4.2% 4%
- 4 Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 4%
- 5 Computer User Support Specialists Very high -3.5% 4%
Where people moved in from
of 25,623 moves in
- 1 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians High +2.4% 9%
- 2 Computer User Support Specialists Very high -3.5% 5%
- 3 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 4%
- 4 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Low +4.2% 4%
- 5 Electricians Moderate +9.2% 3%
Resumes over-represent younger, white-collar job-seekers and moves into management. Schubert, Stansbury and Taska (resume data).
Education and training for the occupation
O*NET survey of workers in this occupation
- 1% less than high school
- 10% high school
- 32% postsecondary certificate
- 7% some college
- 30% associate's
- 11% bachelor's
- 6% master's
- 4% research doctorate
O*NET 31.0 survey of workers in this occupation · 38 people answered.
Census survey (American Community Survey)
- 4% less than high school
- 25% high school
- 30% some college
- 18% associate's
- 18% bachelor's
- 4% master's
- 1% doctorate
Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Other engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters” · 4,846 people surveyed.
Why the two can differ
O*NET asks about 20 people in each occupation, which makes its shares uncertain, but it reports the exact occupation and counts certificates. The Census survey reaches thousands, but it groups some occupations together and counts degrees only. More in the Guide
Median pay by highest degree full-time, year-round · Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Other engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters”
10 programs, such as Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General, Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians and Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.
See all
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
- Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
- Instrumentation Technology/Technician
- Robotics Technology/Technician
- Automation Engineer Technology/Technician
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician
- Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
Jobs that require a credential BLS Occupational Requirements Survey 2023
30.6% this occupation
45.3% all occupations
| By kind | This occupation | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| a license | not published | |
| a certification | not published | |
| an educational certificate | not published |
Share of jobs whose employer requires it. BLS doesn't say which credential. How to read this
Look up certifications, training and licenses U.S. Department of Labor
- Certification Finder ↗ certifications CareerOneStop lists for this occupation
- Training Finder ↗ schools and programs, nationwide; narrow the place there
- License Finder ↗ licenses by state
- Apprenticeship Finder ↗ DOL lists 6 registered apprenticeships in this occupation. Apprenticeship.gov can't be linked to one occupation, so search for “Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians” there.
These open in a new tab and send only the occupation's public code. More in the Guide
BLS AI exposure categories (Aug 2026) · BLS Employment Projections 2025–35 · O*NET 31.0 · Task ratings: Eloundou et al., Science (2024) · Microsoft "Working with AI" v1.1 · Anthropic Economic Index (2026-06-26) · Schubert, Stansbury and Taska · NCES CIP–SOC · Census ACS 2024 · BLS JOLTS
See it online, and explore any career: https://www.pathmosaic.com/card/17-3024.00