Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
SOC Code: 17-3029
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other carries a 43% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $77,390 and +1.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 67,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other (SOC 17-3029) carries an AI exposure score of 43%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 67,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $77,390, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
- 2. Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
- 3. Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
- 4. Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
- 5. Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
- 6. Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
- 7. Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics.
- 8. Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
- 9. Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
- 10. Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Physics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Design
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other?
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other has an AI exposure score of 43%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other is projected to grow by 1.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 67,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other?
Key skills for Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other earn?
The median annual wage for Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other is $77,390, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other?
The typical entry-level education for Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other?
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).