Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

17-3024.00 Zone 3 — Medium Preparation Needed

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

Also known as: Automation Technician (Automation Tech), Automation Test Specialist, Calibration Technician, Certified Control Systems Technician, Commercial Drone Operator, Commercial Drone Pilot, Commercial Drone Technician, Drone Operator, ...

Annual Salary

$70,760

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$58,570 25th – 75th percentile $87,320
10th percentile $47,770
90th percentile $109,580
U.S. Employment: 14,680

Job Outlook

+1.1%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)

Annual Job Openings 1,300 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Associate's degree

What You'd Do

  • Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
  • Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
  • Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.
  • Align, fit, or assemble component parts, using hand or power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.
  • Inspect parts for surface defects.
  • Verify part dimensions or clearances to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
  • Consult with machinists to ensure that electromechanical equipment or systems meet design specifications.
  • Establish and maintain inventory, records, or documentation systems.
  • Fabricate or assemble mechanical, electrical, or electronic components or assemblies.
  • Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring 4.0
Troubleshooting 3.9
Repairing 3.8
Monitoring 3.8
Quality Control Analysis 3.6
Critical Thinking 3.6
Operation and Control 3.5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.4

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Computers and Electronics 4.1
Mechanical 3.7
Engineering and Technology 3.6
English Language 3.2
Mathematics 3.1
Production and Processing 3.1
Design 2.8
Telecommunications 2.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Certificate
31.7%
Associate's
29.8%
Bachelor's
11%
High School
9.9%
Some College
7.3%
Master's
5.6%
Doctoral
3.7%
< High School
1%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Autodesk AutoCAD C++ Dassault Systemes SolidWorks ESRI ArcGIS software Linux Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Python SAP software The MathWorks MATLAB UNIX

Other Tools

Airdata Autodesk Inventor Automation Studio Circuit simulation software CloudCompare Computer aided design CAD software Computerized maintenance management system CMMS Human machine interface HMI software Laser imaging detection and ranging LIDAR system Litchi Manufacturing resource planning MRP software MathWorks Simulink McNeel Rhinoceros 3D MindJet MindManager Motion control software

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.7
Attention to Detail
2.5
Dependability
2.0
Cautiousness
1.9
Intellectual Curiosity
1.7
Achievement Orientation
1.6
Perseverance
1.6
Integrity

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Control Precision 4.0
Near Vision 3.9
Finger Dexterity 3.8
Problem Sensitivity 3.8
Deductive Reasoning 3.8
Inductive Reasoning 3.8
Information Ordering 3.8
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Working with Computers 4.3
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment 4.3
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.1
Documenting/Recording Information 4.1
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings 4.1
Controlling Machines and Processes 4.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials 4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 3.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.7
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.6
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.4
Time Pressure
4.4
Contact With Others
4.3
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.3
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
4.3
E-Mail
4.1
Frequency of Decision Making
4.1
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection
4.1
Telephone Conversations
3.9
Level of Competition
3.9

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.