Physical, chemical and engineering science technicians

How to become a mechanical engineering technician

Official title: Mechanical engineering technicians

Also called: Aeronautics engineering technician, Marine engineering technician, Marine surveyor, Mechanical engineering estimator, Mechanical engineering technician

Mechanical engineering technicians perform technical tasks to aid in mechanical engineering research and in the design, manufacture, assembly, construction, operation, maintenance and repair of machines, components and mechanical equipment.

Main tasks

Providing technical assistance in research on and development of machines and mechanical installations, facilities and components, or testing prototypes
Designing and preparing layouts of machines and mechanical installations, facilities and components, according to the specifications given
Preparing detailed estimates of quantities and costs of materials and labour required for manufacture and installation, according to the specifications given
Monitoring technical aspects of manufacture, utilization, maintenance and repair of machines and mechanical installations, facilities and components to ensure satisfactory performance and compliance with specifications and regulations
Developing and monitoring the implementation of safety standards and procedures for marine survey work in relation to ships’ hulls, equipment and cargoes
Assembling and installing new and modified mechanical assemblies, components, machine tools and controls, and hydraulic power systems
Conducting tests of mechanical systems, collecting and analysing data, and assembling and installing mechanical assemblies in support of mechanical engineers
Ensuring that mechanical engineering designs and finished work are within specifications, regulations and contract provisions

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: HK$27,000 a month
About 1,542,900 people in 2025, and about 1,639,100 projected by 2028. (+6.2%)
Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Questions people ask

Do you need a degree to become a mechanical engineering technician?

Not always. 41% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a mechanical engineering technician?

Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

Census and Statistics Department (2021 Population Census): 2021 Population Census, Interactive Data Dissemination Service: working population by occupation (38 groups) and sex, age, education, income; median income and field of education (9 groups) (2021 Population Census), retrieved 4 October 2026
Census and Statistics Department (General Household Survey): Median monthly employment earnings by occupation (9 groups), excluding foreign domestic helpers (Table 210-06317A); employed persons by occupation, age and sex (210-06307A) and by industry (210-06308A) (2025 annual (series to 2026-07)), retrieved 4 October 2026
Labour and Welfare Bureau; tables published by C&SD: Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection to 2028: supplementary statistical tables (5 occupation groups, 17 selected industries) (2025 to 2028 (published 2026-09)), retrieved 4 October 2026
International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026

Updated 4 October 2026