An electro-mechanical technician installs, maintains, and repairs the automated machinery and electronic systems that power manufacturing and industrial operations. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a certificate. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You work with computers, electronic equipment, and industrial machinery. Your day involves repairing and maintaining electronic systems, controlling machines and processes, and monitoring equipment performance. You document your work, communicate findings to supervisors and team members, and troubleshoot problems when systems fail. You need to understand both mechanical and electrical components, read technical documentation, and apply math and engineering principles to solve real-world problems on the job site.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $73,900 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 1,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You typically need a certificate program in electro-mechanical technology or mechatronics, which covers computers and electronics, mechanical systems, and engineering fundamentals. These programs prepare you for medium-level technical work and usually take less time than a four-year degree. Look for programs that include hands-on training with actual equipment and machinery. Many employers also value on-the-job training and apprenticeships alongside formal coursework, so ask about combined learning paths in your area.
Most paths into this field combine certificate programs with on-the-job training, so timing and location matter. If you are weighing your options, Pathly can map the electro-mechanical and mechatronic technologist and technician path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the right sequence for your situation.
You do not need a license to work as an electro-mechanical and mechatronic technologist and technician, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on, practical work with machines and systems. You like solving technical problems, paying close attention to detail, and learning how things work.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).