Home Schools Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Mechanical Engineering Technology
Engineering Technology · Mechanical Engineering Technology Rank #48 of 59

Mechanical Engineering Technologyat Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Graduates earn $93,433/yr in their first year — about 50.0% above the national Mechanical Engineering Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $794K; scenarios range from $728K to $813K depending on AI disruption.

Daytona Beach, FL Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
53 AVERAGE
54
Optimistic
52
Pessimistic
Earnings
$93,433
1-year post-graduation
ROI
4.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$794K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
32% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

The strong financial outcomes for this program at Embry-Riddle aren't accidental; they stem directly from the university's specialized focus and the nature of the Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians degree. ERAU's deep ties to the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries mean your curriculum is highly tailored to real-world demands, emphasizing practical application, advanced manufacturing, and systems integration relevant to aircraft, spacecraft, and related ground support.

Employers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and NASA contractors actively recruit from Embry-Riddle, valuing graduates who possess hands-on skills in testing, production, and R&D support. The Florida location, near the Space Coast, further strengthens these pipelines, creating a concentrated demand for your specific expertise in a high-paying sector. You’ll be stepping into roles where precision and specialized knowledge are paramount. To fully capitalize on this, prioritize securing internships within the aerospace and defense sectors to build direct industry experience and connections.

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
$728K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score52/100
Earnings Multiple4.3x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$794K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score53/100
Earnings Multiple4.7x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$813K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score54/100
Earnings Multiple4.8x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach'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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach 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
Same state (FL)
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
Purdue University-Main Campus
IN · Public
70
DW Score
$67K
1-yr earn
19.4x
ROI
Also at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Other top programs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering Technology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?

This program scores 53/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mechanical Engineering Technology programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.