As of June 2026, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians has an AI-exposure score of 58/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
More exposed than 58% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$74,510. About 3,200 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Architecture & Engineering roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
- Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
- Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
- Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
- Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
- Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
- Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
- Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
- Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
- Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
- Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
- Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
- Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
- Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (85%).
Safer adjacent roles
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