SOC 17-3027
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ46/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ37,450
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$69K
$47K โ $101K
Projected Growth
๐0%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค68/100
High exposure
๐ก Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians face a risk score of 46/100 โ 2 points above the national average of 44. With 68/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $69K ($22K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 46/100, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated data interpretation and insight generation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 37,450 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects and novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated data interpretation and insight generation
AI-optimized manufacturing process design
Chatbot displacement of customer-facing interactions
Automated structural and systems analysis software
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
Novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges
Client communication and technical consultation
Safety-critical judgment in design review
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
๐ป Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software
Computer aided design CAD software
Object or component oriented development software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Industrial control software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Engineering and Technology
Mechanical
Computers and Electronics
Design
Mathematics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 82% |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 55% |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 29 | $97K | 79% |