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Engineering Technology · Mechanical Engineering Technology Rank #9 of 59

Mechanical Engineering Technologyat Central Washington University

Graduates earn $65,871/yr in their first year — about 6.0% above the national Mechanical Engineering Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $690K; scenarios range from $638K to $702K depending on AI disruption.

Ellensburg, WA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
70 STRONG
71
Optimistic
70
Pessimistic
Earnings
$65,871
1-year post-graduation
ROI
21.7x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$690K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
32% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Central Washington University

Central Washington University's strong performance in Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies reflects its practical, hands-on curriculum, highly valued by employers in the region. Situated in Washington, you're in proximity to a robust labor market, particularly for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, with major players like Boeing and PACCAR consistently seeking skilled technologists. This program focuses on applied skills, preparing you directly for roles supporting engineers in design, testing, and production, which explains the solid career trajectories. The program's reputation likely facilitates strong industry connections, opening doors to valuable internships and post-graduation opportunities within this dynamic state economy. To truly maximize your outcome, actively pursue every internship and project opportunity to build a professional network and gain real-world experience before you graduate.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$638K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score70/100
Earnings Multiple17.3x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$690K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score70/100
Earnings Multiple18.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$702K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score71/100
Earnings Multiple19.1x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Central Washington University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
+8.1% 10-yr growth · 900 openings/yr
$79,830/yr
Moderate
2
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
+1.5% 10-yr growth · 5,700 openings/yr
$77,390/yr
Low
3
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
+1.1% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$70,760/yr
Moderate
4
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
0.0% 10-yr growth · 3,200 openings/yr
$68,730/yr
Low
5
Mechanical drafters
-6.5% 10-yr growth · 3,300 openings/yr
$68,510/yr
High
6
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
+6.0% 10-yr growth · 2,600 openings/yr
$54,950/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Mechanical Engineering Technology

How Central Washington University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
California State University Maritime Academy
CA · Public
66
DW Score
$99K
1-yr earn
31.1x
ROI
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
FL · Private nonprofit
53
DW Score
$93K
1-yr earn
4.5x
ROI
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
FL · Private nonprofit
64
DW Score
$93K
1-yr earn
19.0x
ROI
Central Connecticut State University
CT · Public
70
DW Score
$74K
1-yr earn
16.6x
ROI
Top score
Metropolitan State University of Denver
CO · Public
72
DW Score
$72K
1-yr earn
19.8x
ROI
Also at Central Washington University

Other top programs at Central Washington University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Central Washington University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Mechanical Engineering Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Mechanical Engineering Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Mechanical Engineering Technology at Central Washington University

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering Technology at Central Washington University?

This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

What makes Central Washington University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program stand out?

Ranked #9 of 59 programs nationally, Central Washington University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.