Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 42.6%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $54010 and average student debt of $23016, the financial outlook for Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Wondering if Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $54010, and the average student debt is $23016, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.43—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 4002 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Many students go on to become Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians, a role with a projected 2.0% growth rate. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.0001) is a hands-on, application-focused discipline that bridges the gap between theoretical engineering and practical implementation. While a research engineer might spend their day on complex mathematical proofs, an applied engineering technologist focuses on how to build, install, maintain, and improve the physical systems. It is a field for "practical problem-solvers" who want to work directly with hardware and industrial processes to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.
This field is ideal for "technical doers"—individuals who enjoy a mix of design and physical labor, and who prefer seeing the immediate results of their work in a shop, plant, or field setting.
What Is an Applied Engineering Technology Degree?
A degree in Applied Engineering Technology is less about abstract theory and more about applied science and industrial management. You will study the fundamentals of engineering (physics, math, and materials), but the curriculum is heavily weighted toward laboratory work and real-world projects. It is a versatile major that produces "Technologists" who can speak the language of engineers while possessing the high-level skills to operate and troubleshoot sophisticated machinery.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Implementation Experts" who can take a blueprint and turn it into a functioning product
- Develop professionals for Technical Management, overseeing production teams and safety protocols
- Prepare experts in Facility Operations—ensuring large industrial complexes run without downtime
- Study Quality Assurance, using precision tools to verify that manufactured parts meet design standards
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that a design is only as good as its execution; they focus on the "how" of engineering—how to manufacture, how to test, and how to repair.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D modeling for manufacturing
- Use "PLC Programming" to control automated industrial equipment and robotics
- Design Manufacturing Workflows that maximize safety and speed
- Perform Testing and Diagnostics—using specialized sensors and software to find system flaws
- Utilize Project Management techniques to keep technical jobs on schedule and under budget
- Understand Industrial Safety (OSHA) standards to protect workers and equipment
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of technical skills and operational logic:
- Materials and Processes: The study of how metals, plastics, and composites are shaped and joined.
- Fluid Power: Understanding hydraulics and pneumatics used in heavy machinery.
- Electrical Systems: Learning about motors, generators, and industrial power distribution.
- Statics and Strength of Materials: Calculating the loads and stresses that physical structures can endure.
- Automation and Robotics: The integration of sensors and actuators in "smart" production lines.
- Sustainable Manufacturing: Ways to reduce energy consumption and waste in industrial settings.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as bridge-builders between upper management and the technical workforce.
Common job roles include:
- Engineering Technologist: Supporting engineers in the design and testing of new products.
- Production Supervisor: Managing the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing plant.
- Field Service Manager: Traveling to client sites to install or repair complex technical systems.
- Quality Control Specialist: Inspecting products and processes to ensure they meet strict industrial codes.
- Operations Manager: Overseeing the logistics and efficiency of a technical facility.
- Technical Sales Representative: Explaining complex engineering solutions to potential business clients.
Where Can You Work?
Applied technologists are needed in every sector that involves physical production or infrastructure:
- Manufacturing Plants: Working for companies like Ford, Boeing, or GE.
- Construction and Utilities: Managing power grids or large-scale building projects.
- Aerospace and Defense: Maintaining the specialized equipment used in aircraft and satellite production.
- Renewable Energy: Servicing wind turbines, solar arrays, and battery storage systems.
- Research and Development Labs: Building the prototypes for "next-gen" technologies.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because of their high-level technical expertise and ability to manage people, technologists earn very competitive salaries.
- Engineering Technologists: Median annual salary of approximately $75,000–$95,000.
- Industrial Production Managers: Salaries typically range from $95,000 to $130,000+.
- Field Service Engineers: Median annual salary of around $80,000–$110,000.
- Entry-Level Technicians: Often start between $55,000 and $70,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the technical versatility. While it may have less theoretical calculus than a traditional engineering degree, it requires you to be proficient in a wider range of physical skills. You must be able to move seamlessly from a 3D modeling computer to a CNC machine or a high-voltage circuit. It requires a multitasking and safety-conscious mindset—you must be the person who can stay calm and solve a problem when a multi-million dollar production line goes down.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love working with your hands but want a career with "professional-level" leadership
- Preferred "shop class" or "robotics club" over sitting at a desk all day
- Are the person your friends go to when they need something built or fixed
- Want a faster path into the workforce with high job security
- Enjoy the logic of "how things work" and want to lead a team of technicians
How to Prepare in High School
- Take Algebra, Geometry, and Physics; these are the foundation of all engineering
- Get involved in vocational or technical programs (like welding, machining, or electronics)
- Learn basic CAD software; being able to read and create digital blueprints is essential
- Practice Leadership Skills—being a captain of a team or a club officer helps prepare for management
- Read about Industry 4.0 to see how automation is changing the role of the modern technician
The ability to apply engineering theory to real-world hardware and lead the technical teams of the future is the hallmark of a successful applied engineering technology professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor