Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace mechanical engineering technologists and technicians?AI replacement risk 51% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$74,510
25th–75th pct. $59,510–$88,110
Top pay (est.)
$137,900
Top 10% $106,050
Pay in 5 years
$85,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$98,500est.
$84,700–$114,400
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
51%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.3%
3,100 openings / yr

Will AI replace Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians? AI replacement risk

51%
Moderate
Ranked #536 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.2
Critical Thinking
3.9
Active Listening
3.9
Speaking
3.8
Writing
3.6
Complex Problem Solving
3.5
Judgment and Decision Making
3.4
Mathematics
3.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
5.2
Engineering and Technology
4.9
Design
4.8
Mathematics
4.1
Physics
4.1
Computers and Electronics
4.0
English Language
3.7
Education and Training
3.5

What the work involves

Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeControlling Machines and ProcessesThinking CreativelyHandling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Category FlexibilityWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingNear VisionOral Expression

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
37%
Post-secondary certificate
33%
Associate's degree
14%
Some college
9%
High school diploma
8%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
29%
6–12 months
18%
1–3 months
16%
3–6 months
14%
1–2 years
11%
4–10 years
7%
None / short demo
5%
Over 10 years
2%

Related work experience

4–6 years
34%
2–4 years
32%
1–2 years
11%
3–6 months
8%
6–8 years
7%
None
3%
6–12 months
2%
Over 10 years
2%
8–10 years
1%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.