How to become an Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing engineering technologies, and applies them in the testing and implementation of engineering projects.

Main tasks

• Researches, identifies and recommends new engineering technologies to support engineering activities
• Modifies existing engineering technologies to improve their efficiency and effectiveness
• Collaborates with engineers and other Professionals to develop and implement engineering solutions
• Applies engineering technologies in the testing and implementation of engineering projects
• Conducts experiments and tests to evaluate the performance of engineering technologies
• Conducts inspections to ensure engineering technologies are applied in compliance with relevant regulations and standards

Ways in

• University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering (UEE62525); Advanced Diploma of Engineering (MEM60122); Diploma of Applied Technologies (MEM50822)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $137,748 a year
• About 17,100 people work in this job group now, and about 21,000 are projected by 2035. (+23%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Engineering Technologist?

Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Advanced Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering; Advanced Diploma of Engineering.

How much does an Engineering Technologist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $137,748 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Engineering Technologist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 23% by 2035, from about 17,100 to about 21,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Engineering Technologist?

Usually. 81% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Engineering Technologist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04