Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

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.

What you'd actually do

• Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
• Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
• Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
• Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Inspect parts for surface defects.
• Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.5% of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

Related careers

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Surveyors
• Mechanical Drafters
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
• Architectural and Civil Drafters

Quick questions

How much does a electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technician make?

The median pay is $35.53 per hour — roughly $74,000 a year, with the real range running from about $23.00/hr (10th percentile) to $52.83/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technician?

The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technician actually do all day?

Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges. Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems. Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.