Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

(NOC 2232)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

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 Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 35 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

  • Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$21.25

Minimum

$35.38

Median

$46.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$12,832

Minimum

$72,584

Median

$105,438

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About 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

605

employed in 2016

95.0%

employed full-time

5.0%

self employed

6.6%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
93.4%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
43.6

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
80%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

68.3%

Halifax

$68,916 median annual income
9.8%

Annapolis Valley

$77,486 median annual income
8.9%

Cape Breton

$76,593 median annual income
8.1%

Southern

$72,804 median annual income
4.9%

North Shore

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

32.7%

Manufacturing

24.5%

Public administration

20.9%

Professional, scientific and technical services

4.5%

Construction

2.7%

Wholesale trade

What is the age of Employment?

25.0%

55-64

23.0%

35-44

20.0%

45-54

15.0%

15-24

14.0%

25-34

3.0%

65+

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

50.4%

College Diploma

$78,539 median annual income
16.5%

Trade Certification

$76,856 median annual income
14.9%

High school

$33,360 median annual income
10.7%

Bachelor

$42,983 median annual income
4.1%

Diploma Below Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income
29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income
11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income
9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income
6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Engineering Technology - General

College or Trades Program

These 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

Cape Breton University

Sydney, NS

Marine Sciences

College or University Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Mechanical Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians - Other

College or Trades Program

This includes any program not listed elsewhere that relates to Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Engineering Technicians and Technologists

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.

Regulating body:
TechNova
Dartmouth, NS

Contacts

TechNova
Dartmouth, NS

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.