How to become a mechanical engineering technologist or technician
Official title: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
Also called: Drone technician, Robotics technician, Nuclear technologist, Automation technician, Robotics technologist, Reliability technician, Ship repair technician, Vibration technologist, Automation technologist, Mechanical technologist, Aeronautical technologist, Home automation technician
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in mechanical engineering fields such as the design, development, maintenance and testing of machines, components, tools, heating and ventilating systems, geothermal power plants, power generation and power conversion plants, manufacturing plants and equipment. They are employed by consulting engineering, manufacturing and processing companies, institutions and government departments.
Main tasks
- Mechanical engineering technologists
- Prepare and interpret conventional and computer-assisted design (CAD) engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for machines and components, power transmission systems, process piping, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems
- Prepare cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports
- Conduct tests and analyses of machines, components and materials to determine their performance, strength, response to stress and other characteristics
- Design moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in manufacturing processes
- Inspect mechanical installations and construction
- Prepare contract and tender documents
- Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects
How to become one
Completion of a two- or three-year college program in mechanical engineering technology is usually required for mechanical engineering technologists. Completion of a one- or two-year college program in mechanical engineering technology is usually required for mechanical engineering technicians. Certification in mechanical engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions. A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 61% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians; Electromechanical technologies/technicians; Mechanical engineering.
- Licence or registration: In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $68,250 a year The middle half earn $56,258 to $86,249.
- About 21,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 24,600 are projected by 2033. (+12.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians
- Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
- Construction estimators
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Questions people ask
How do I become a mechanical engineering technologist or technician?
Completion of a two- or three-year college program in mechanical engineering technology is usually required for mechanical engineering technologists. Completion of a one- or two-year college program in mechanical engineering technology is usually required for mechanical engineering technicians. Certification in mechanical engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions. A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
How much does a mechanical engineering technologist or technician earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $68,250 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $56,258 to $86,249.
Is a mechanical engineering technologist or technician a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2033, from about 21,900 to about 24,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a mechanical engineering technologist or technician?
Usually not. Only 18% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03