Robotics Engineer
How to Become a

Robotics Engineer

The complete career guide to be a Robotics Engineer: salary, job growth, employers, best schools, and education you may need to get started.

Why We Love It

  • $98,150
    Potential Avg. Salary
  • 3.9%
    Job Growth Rate
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook
  • Creativity Focused
    Career Attribute

Robotics Engineers design, build test and implement autonomous mechanical devices, or robots. They use computer-aided designing and drafting systems to achieve their tasks. They design and build robotics systems and research and build methods to manufacture them.

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What is a Robotics Engineer?

The following responsibilities are common for individuals in the Robotics Engineering field:

  • Building, configuring and testing robots and robotic programming equipment
  • Planning and designing computer programs suitable for the appropriate robot application and customize the robot accordingly
  • Preparing the robot’s capabilities as they relate to the tasks and duties being performed
  • Establishing cost proposals and publishing quality control reports

A Day in the Life

Robotics Engineers job is to design, maintain and create different types of robots and develop new applications for them to continually expand their potential.

They are usually employed in a manufacturing setting and usually spend a lot of time doing research in order to create the latest and up to date developments on engineering and applications of their robots.

Robots are used in the automotive, aerospace, nuclear, military, mining and textile companies among others.  They are mostly employed by private robot manufacturers.  Some engineers also work for the military and space programs.  While other engineers work for colleges and universities or trade schools.

Engineers that work in the robot manufacturing industry are often referred to as, Automation Engineers.  These particular engineers implement the robotic system to a specific use on a robotics manufacturing assembly line.  They are also responsible for integrating the environment between humans and robots.

Typical Work Schedule

As a Robotic Engineer you will spend the majority of your time in manufacturing plants, offices and/or laboratories.  They typically work a full-time 40 hour work week with possible overtime hours needed to reach and meet important deadlines.

Projected Job Growth

The employment outlook for this career field is flourishing.  The use of robots in many different  industries.  With the fast -paced and ever-changing technological advances, there will be in an increasing demand in this particular job industry.

Specializations

Robotics Engineers have many different specialties that you can go into.  Specialties like aerospace, mechanical and electrical.  All these careers would require at least a bachelor’s degree with a specialty.

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How To Become a Robotics Engineer

Those choosing to enter the Robotics Engineering field should have an aptitude for math, computer science, physics, chemistry and electronics.  This would be a great job for anyone with an propensity for mathematics and technology.

This field of study requires at least a bachelor’s degree with a specialty.  Applicable degrees would include engineering, computer science and robotic fields.  Their bachelor’s degree should have a specialty attached with coursework in robotic fundamentals, electronics, industrial applications, and/or computer system design.

Individuals that excel in problem-solving skills, that are team players, and that are creative would be ideal in this field of work.  All their training should be hands on experience in robotics.  Hands on experience is an integral part of choosing this career path.


Robotics Engineer Salary Data

We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.

National Anual Salary

Low Range

$70,960

Average

$98,150

High Range

$150,830

National Hourly Wage

Low Range

$34/hr

Average

$47/hr

High Range

$73/hr

How do Robotics Engineer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Robotics Engineer's can make an average annual salary of $98,150, or $47 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $70,960 or $34 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.

Salary Rankings And Facts

  • #71 Nationally for All Careers

  • Above Average Salary Nationally


Programs and Degrees

Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Robotics Engineer. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.


Highest Education Among Robotics Engineers

  • 7.3%   Doctorate
  • 28%   Masters
  • 48.1%   Bachelors
  • 6.7%   Associates
  • 7.6%   College
  • 2.2%   High School
  • 0.2%   Less than High School

Job Growth Projections and Forecast

2014 Total Jobs

136,900

2024 Est. Jobs

142,300

Job Growth Rate

3.9%

Est. New Jobs

5,400

How does Robotics Engineer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 5,400 jobs for a total of 142,300 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 3.9% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.

Growth Rankings And Facts

  • #482 Nationally for All Careers

  • Above Avg. Growth Nationally


What Companies Employ The Most Robotics Engineers

Industry Current Jobs New Jobs Needed % Increase
Federal government, excluding postal service 28,900 -2,800 -3%
Engineering services 12,200 1,400 1%
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 8,900 2,900 3%

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