Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
(NOC 2232)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyMechanical engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in mechanical engineering fields. They work for consulting engineering, manufacturing and processing companies, institutions and government departments.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 70% of Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $76,602. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$19.42
Minimum$31.25
Median$41.03
MaximumAnnual Pay
$12,832
Minimum$72,584
Median$105,438
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in mechanical engineering fields. They work for consulting engineering, manufacturing and processing companies, institutions and government departments.
Job duties
Mechanical engineering technologists:
- Prepare and interpret conventional and computer-assisted design (CAD) engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for machines and components, power transmission systems, process piping, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems.
- Prepare cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports.
- Conduct tests and analyses of machines, components, and materials to determine their performance, strength, response to stress and other characteristics.
- Design moulds, tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
- Inspect mechanical installations and construction.
- Prepare contract and tender documents.
- Supervise, monitor, and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects.
- Prepare standards and schedules and supervise mechanical maintenance programs or operations of mechanical plants.
Mechanical engineering technicians:
- Help prepare conventional and computer-assisted design (CAD) engineering designs, drawings, and specifications.
- Carry out a limited range of mechanical tests and analyses of machines, components, and materials.
- Help design moulds, tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
- Help inspect mechanical installations and construction projects.
- Participate in machinery and equipment installation, repair, and maintenance.
Sample job titles
- aerospace engineering technician
- automation technologist
- building systems technician
- heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technologist
- home automation technician
- marine engineering technologist
- mechanical engineering technician
- mechanical engineering technologist
- mechanical technologist
- robotics technician
- tool and die designer
Skills
You should enjoy technical work and mathematics, and have an interest in science. A high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability may be necessary. You must be precise, analytical, and able to work alone or as part of a team. Good oral and written communication skills are important. Familiarity with computers is also required. Physical stamina may be required for fieldwork.
Job requirements
- A two- or three-year college program in mechanical engineering technology is usually required for mechanical engineering technologists.
- A one- or two-year college program in mechanical engineering technology is usually required for mechanical engineering technicians.
- Certification in mechanical engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Other considerations
There is movement to other related roles like technical sales or drafting technologists and technicians. Movement to supervisory occupations like mechanical construction supervisor, manufacturing supervisor or operations maintenance manager is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
North Shore
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Construction
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
45-54
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$78,539 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$76,856 median annual incomeHigh school
$33,360 median annual incomeBachelor
$42,983 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Engineering Technology - General
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in a wide variety of projects. They include courses in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Marine Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the study of biology, chemistry, geology and physics applied to marine, estuarine and coastal environments. They include courses in marine biogeochemistry, atmosphere and ocean dynamics, coastal ecology, coastal ocean processes, microbial ecology, marine ecosystem modeling, and polar microbiology.
Institutions providing this program
Mechanical Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians - Other
College or Trades ProgramThis includes any program not listed elsewhere that relates to Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.
Institutions providing this program
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in the design and development phases of a wide variety of projects involving mechanical systems. They include courses in principles of mechanics, applications to specific engineering systems, design testing procedures, prototype and operational testing and inspection procedures, manufacturing system-testing procedures, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.