Best colleges for Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 90 U.S. colleges offering Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 41 states.
Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $59,013 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 15.11 and the Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians programs
The Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians program focuses on the application of engineering principles and technology to solve practical problems in various industries. This program is designed for students interested in the technical aspects of engineering, providing them with the skills necessary to support engineers and technicians in their work. Students in this program will explore various specializations, including Surveying Technology and Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology. This program is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work and want to contribute to the design and implementation of engineering solutions.
Learn more about Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians →
Core skills and knowledge gained in this program include critical thinking, mathematics, and understanding of engineering and technology principles. Coursework often covers topics such as mechanical design, electronics, and interpretation of engineering drawings, equipping students with the tools needed to succeed in technical environments.
Top 3 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,013 | 23 | 91% | — | — |
| 2 | California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $78,518 | 19 | 57% | — | — |
| 3 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA Public · Associate degree Small program | $49,110 | 1 | 53% | — | — |
Specializations within Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians
3 of the 3 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 15.11 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Surveying Technology/CIP 15.1102
Surveying 1,117 graduates / yr79 institutions38 states - Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/CIP 15.1103
Technician partial data127 graduates / yr5 institutions4 states - Engineering-Related Technologies/CIP 15.1199
Technicians partial data71 graduates / yr9 institutions9 states
Offered across 41 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 10 | $78,518 | California State University - Fresno |
| Floridalimited | 2 | $59,013 | University of Florida |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | $49,110 | Pennsylvania College of Technology |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Alaskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arkansas | 3 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgia | 4 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 2 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Mainelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Minnesota | 5 | — | — |
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolina | 5 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohio | 6 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 2 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 2 | — | — |
| Texas | 5 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Washington | 4 | — | — |
| West Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wyominglimited | 2 | — | — |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3027, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians program can expect a stable job outlook with approximately 3,200 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $68,730, and most positions require an associate's degree. While growth in this sector is projected to be little or no change, the demand for skilled technicians remains steady.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 15.11.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 15.11 (Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians) maps to 6 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 17-1021 | Cartographers and Photogrammetrists |
| 17-1022 | Surveyors |
| 17-3019 | Drafters, All Other |
| 17-3027 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Techniciansprimary |
| 17-3029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other |
| 17-3031 | Surveying and Mapping Technicians |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- 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.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
Common questions
What types of specializations are available in this program?+
Specializations include Surveying Technology/Surveying, Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician, and other engineering-related technologies.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, active listening, and technical support related to mechanical design and engineering.
What is the typical education requirement for careers in this field?+
Most careers in Engineering-Related Technologies require an associate's degree.
What is the job outlook for graduates of this program?+
The job outlook includes around 3,200 annual openings, with little or no change in growth expected.
How much do Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $59,013, College Scorecard (2019); the Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation pays about $76,380 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians?+
Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 15.11 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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