Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Machines can already do 22% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 55%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 22% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2034, and 55% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 15,520 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $73,900 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 70% for contact with people.
- Also called: Automation Technician (Automation Tech), Electro-Mechanic, Electromechanical Assembler (EM Assembler), Electromechanical Technician (EM Technician).
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning | 13% | 3% to 30% | |
| Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges | 11% | 20% to 60% | |
| Fabricate or assemble mechanical, electrical, or electronic components or assemblies | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly | 7% | 55% to 85% | |
| Align, fit, or assemble component parts, using hand or power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems | 5% | 3% to 30% | |
| Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools | 5% | 3% to 30% | |
| Prepare written documentation of electromechanical test results | 5% | 70% to 95% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Medical Equipment Repairers50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $61,660
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers45% of tasks by 2035 · US median $52,600
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians41% of tasks by 2035 · US median $56,550
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics44% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,620
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2034. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians?
Machines can do 22% of the tasks of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians today and 55% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 17-3024.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/electro-mechanical-and-mechatronics-technologists-and-technicians/