How to become a Mechanical Engineering Technician

Conducts tests of mechanical systems, collects and analyses data, and assembles and installs mechanical assemblies in support of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.

Main tasks

• Conducts tests of mechanical systems, machines or parts to evaluate performance and identify issues
• Assists Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists in the design and development of mechanical systems
• Collects and analyses data from tests and experiments of machines, components and materials
• Assists in quality control checks and inspections of mechanical installations, components and systems
• Installs parts or machinery to ensure they meet performance targets and work as intended

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Engineering - Technical (MEM30522); Advanced Diploma of Engineering (MEM60122); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Graduate Diploma of Engineering (MEM80122); Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219); Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis (AUR40216); Diploma of Engineering - Technical (MEM50222)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $134,628 a year
• About 6,800 people work in this job group now, and about 7,600 are projected by 2035. (+12.6%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Biomedical Technician
• Electronic Engineering Technician
• Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson
• Metallurgical or Materials Technician
• Non-destructive Testing Technician
• Other Draftsperson

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Technical; Advanced Diploma of Engineering.

How much does a Mechanical Engineering Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $134,628 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Mechanical Engineering Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2035, from about 6,800 to about 7,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

Usually not. Only 18% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Technical; Advanced Diploma of Engineering.

Will AI change the work of a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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