Details Report for:
17-3027.01 - Automotive Engineering Technicians
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes, and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices and equipment for performance, durability and efficiency.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Education | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Perform or execute manual and automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, and durability.
- Recommend product or component design improvements based on data and observations.
- Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
- Calibrate test equipment.
- Document test results using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
- Fabricate prototype components or fixtures, or modify existing prototypes.
- Inspect and test parts to determine nature or cause of defects and malfunctions.
- Install equipment such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, and aftermarket products to ensure proper interfaces.
- Maintain test equipment in operational condition by performing routine maintenance or making minor repairs or adjustments as needed.
- Monitor computer-controlled test equipment according to written or verbal instructions.
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
- Recommend tests or testing conditions in accordance with designs, customer requirements, or industry standards to ensure test validity.
- Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
- Develop instrumentation and laboratory test equipment for special purposes.
- Order new test equipment, supplies, or replacement parts.
Education
Education data collected from Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
54   |
Some college |
| 27 |
High school or less |
| 18 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
Employment data collected from Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
Industry data collected from Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
| Median wages (2008) | $23.14 hourly, $48,130 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 46,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 8,700 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing (46% employed in this sector)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineering technicians
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.