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Engineering Technology · Engineering Technology Rank #8 of 34

Engineering Technologyat Kansas State University

Graduates earn $61,696/yr in their first year — about 5.0% above the national Engineering Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $706K; scenarios range from $636K to $728K depending on AI disruption.

Manhattan, KS Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
64 SOLID
65
Optimistic
62
Pessimistic
Earnings
$61,696
1-year post-graduation
ROI
18.6x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$706K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
43% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Kansas State University

Kansas State's Engineering Technology program truly stands out, reflecting its strong reputation for producing highly capable graduates. This success stems from a practical, applied curriculum that aligns perfectly with the needs of regional employers in manufacturing, aerospace (especially with proximity to Wichita), and agricultural technology across the Midwest. You'll develop hands-on skills crucial for implementing designs, managing production, and ensuring quality control, making you an immediate asset. While some tasks within the field face higher AI risk, this underscores the importance of focusing on the problem-solving, integration, and human-interface aspects that automation can't easily replicate. To thrive, actively seek out internships that immerse you in advanced manufacturing processes or project management, building a versatile skill set that keeps you indispensable.

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
$636K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score62/100
Earnings Multiple14.5x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$706K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score64/100
Earnings Multiple16.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$728K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score65/100
Earnings Multiple16.6x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

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

Career Paths

Where 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
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
+0.6% 10-yr growth · 8,400 openings/yr
$77,180/yr
Moderate
4
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
+1.1% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$70,760/yr
Moderate
5
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 6,300 openings/yr
$64,790/yr
Moderate
6
Civil engineering technologists and technicians
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 5,500 openings/yr
$64,200/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Engineering Technology

How Kansas State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Bemidji State University
MN · Public
67
DW Score
$86K
1-yr earn
18.8x
ROI
Top score
Miami University-Hamilton
OH · Public
68
DW Score
$69K
1-yr earn
29.7x
ROI
Miami University-Middletown
OH · Public
68
DW Score
$69K
1-yr earn
29.7x
ROI
Kennesaw State University
GA · Public
67
DW Score
$65K
1-yr earn
37.7x
ROI
Northern Illinois University
IL · Public
63
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
15.8x
ROI
Also at Kansas State University

Other top programs at Kansas State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Kansas State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

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

Compare Engineering Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Engineering Technology at Kansas State University

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering Technology at Kansas State University?

At 64/100, Kansas State University's Engineering Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering Technology at Kansas State University?

The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Kansas State University one of the best schools for Engineering Technology?

Among 34 Engineering Technology programs, Kansas State University's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.