Where Can You Work with an Engineering Technology Degree?

The differences between engineering and engineering technology degrees may be difficult to discern at first, but become much clearer when you examine the educational requirements for the two fields and the different kinds of jobs that graduates of these programs may consider.

Engineering programs focus more on theories and advanced concepts, typically involving the design of new products. An engineer’s job focuses more on problem solving and design and requires scientific and mathematical knowledge.

Engineers may work in research and development, create new products and processes, or work in projects related to process management. Those who graduate from engineering degree programs often consider pursuing graduate school to further hone their skills or narrow their focus.

Engineering technology programs tend to focus on the application and implementation of ideas and emphasize hands-on learning. After earning an associate degree, engineering technology graduates may pursue entry or mid-level employment opportunities. Those who’ve earned a higher-level credential such as a bachelor's degree may pursue more advanced roles.

Engineering technologists must have extensive knowledge about the equipment and materials needed to design, create, operate and maintain technical products, and must be collaborative as they work alongside engineers to build or improve mechanical systems, equipment and processes. While working on these, they may handle project management, complete analyses, collect and review data, estimate project costs and suggest ways to improve productivity.

They will also need to develop a range of skills that are less technical but essential to being effective while working in the field. This includes being detail oriented and having good writing and communication skills.  

According to the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians held about 102,500 jobs in the United States in 2022. The largest employers of these professionals were engineering services, the federal government and semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturers.

The BLS projects about 9,900 job openings for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians each year, on average, between 2022 and 2032.¹ This growth is projected on a national level and local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their careers and not just entry level. 

Engineering technology graduates can prepare to pursue entry-level positions as technicians or technologists. Individuals who study two-year programs may be interested in pursuing roles as technicians and those who study four-year programs may be interested in pursuing roles as technologists. The BLS states that electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate degree to pursue a career in the field, but exact requirements may vary between employers. Different industries or sectors may also have specific requirements and may require advanced education or experience. 

According to the BLS, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians work closely with electrical engineers and work primarily in manufacturing settings, engineering services, the federal government, research-and-development laboratories, and the utilities industry.

Various technical operations, computer engineering or supervisory roles for engineering technology graduates can be found in various industries,  including but not limited to:

Graduates can typically pursue engineering technology jobs in the four main branches of professional engineering: chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical. They can also look for opportunities in the smaller branches of the practice of engineering, such as aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, or environmental, nano or vehicular engineering.

Here are examples of the types of jobs graduates of our Associate Degree in Engineering Technology can consider: