Mechanical Engineering Technologyat McPherson College
Graduates earn $42,278/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Mechanical Engineering Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $489K; scenarios range from $464K to $488K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at McPherson College
The outcomes for this program suggest you're entering a highly localized and specialized job market, typical for technician-level roles at smaller, regional institutions. Many students find initial opportunities within Kansas, often in manufacturing, automotive support, or general industrial maintenance, rather than the higher-paying aerospace sectors concentrated further afield. The curriculum likely emphasizes practical, hands-on skills, but without robust, established recruiting pipelines to major industrial employers, graduates often face a challenging path to secure competitive positions. You might find yourself competing with graduates from dedicated technical schools or community colleges, which can sometimes offer stronger local industry ties for these specific roles. Before committing, thoroughly research where recent graduates are actually employed and consider if those opportunities align with your career aspirations and geographic flexibility.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to McPherson College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Mechanical Engineering Technology
How McPherson College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
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 →Frequently asked about Mechanical Engineering Technology at McPherson College
How does McPherson College's Mechanical Engineering Technology program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Mechanical Engineering Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Mechanical Engineering Technology earnings lower at McPherson College?
Lower starting pay at McPherson College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.