Mechanical Sciences

Careers in Mechanical Sciences

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Get hands-on technical training, hone your problem-solving abilities, and gain practical skills to start a career in fields like automotive technology, HVAC, and welding.

Our partner schools offer a wide variety of programs designed to prepare you for a career in the fields of installation, maintenance, repair and production.

While the job market is always changing, people with mechanical skills and hands-on training will always be in demand. Here's a quick sample of just a few career paths in this industry, including average annual salary as of 2023, how the career is expected to grow over the next decade, and what type of degree you'll need to improve your job prospects*:

Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

2023 median annual pay: $47,770
Number of jobs in 2023: 794,600
Projected job growth, 2023-2033: 3% (as fast as average)
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians install, test, adjust, and repair equipment and systems in aircraft.

2023 median annual pay: $75,400
Number of jobs in 2023: 163,300
Projected job growth, 2023-2033: 5% (as fast as average)
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

HVAC mechanics and installers

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

2023 median annual pay: $57,300
Number of jobs in 2023: 441,200
Projected job growth, 2023-2033: 9% (much faster than average)
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Wind turbine technicians

Wind turbine service technicians maintain and repair wind turbines.

2023 median annual pay: $61,770
Number of jobs in 2023: 11,400
Projected job growth, 2023-2033: 60% (much faster than average)
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.

2023 median annual pay: $48,940
Number of jobs in 2023: 454,500
Projected job growth, 2023-2033: 2% (slower than average)
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma plus technical training

Tell me more about Mechanical Sciences careers

*All information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Mechanical Sciences

Careers in Mechanical Sciences

Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians

HVAC mechanics and installers

Wind turbine technicians

Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers

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