What they do
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.
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Also called: |
Automation Technician (Automation Tech), Electro-Mechanic, Electromechanical Assembler (EM Assembler), Electromechanical Technician (EM Technician), Electronics Technician (Electronics Tech), Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech), Process Control Tech, Product Test Specialist, Test Engineering Technician (Test Engineering Tech), Test Technician (Test Tech)
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Wages
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Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 23.93 |
$49,770 |
25% |
$ 23.93 |
$49,770 |
Median |
$ 29.14 |
$60,620 |
75% |
$ 35.91 |
$74,700 |
90% |
$ 38.41 |
$79,890 |
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Average |
$ 30.76 |
$63,980 |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 25% |
| 14% |
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing
| 11% |
- Transportation equipment manufacturing
| 7% |
- Merchant wholesalers, durable goods
| 5% |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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More at O*NET |
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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- Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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- Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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- Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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More at O*NET |
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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More at O*NET |
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
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- Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
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- Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
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- Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
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- Inspect parts for surface defects.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
Projected employment not available for Vermont but may be for the nation and other states at CareerOneStop |
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Education and Experience:
- Typical education needed for entry
Associate's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Important
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- Level of activity is Moderate
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Low | | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Medium Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(6.0 to < 7.0) - A typical worker will require
over 1 year up to and including 2 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 4% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 6% |
Bachelor's degree | | 11% |
Associate's degree | | 30% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 39% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 10% |
Less than high school diploma | | 1% |
More at O*NET |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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- Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
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- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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- Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
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- Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
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- Program robotic equipment.
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- Develop software or computer applications.
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- Review technical documents to plan work.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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