What is the difference between engineering and engineering technology

 Have you ever noticed that all of NHTI’s engineering programs have the word “Technology” on the end? A quick look around other engineering programs at other institutions shows some have it and some do not. So, what is the difference, really?

Generally speaking, engineers are more theoretical, analytical, and design-oriented while engineering technologists are more hands-on and applications-oriented. In an “engineering” program, students are expected to use higher levels of math and science, thus solutions to a design problem can be developed in a more abstract method. 

In NHTI’s “engineering technology” programs, students are given hands-on lab opportunities where known technology is applied to the solution of design problems.

What are the differences between engineering and engineering technology?

Both types of programs will indeed provide you with the skills necessary to be an engineer, but history can explain it better: Through the 1950s and 60s, there was a push for engineering education programs to become more rigorous with the use and application of math and science to solve problems.

The great space race of the 1960s accelerated – quite literally skyrocketed – demand for scientists and engineers. It was quickly realized that there was a gap in the engineering workforce between the tradesman who made the parts and the engineer/scientist developing new technology to keep us ahead in the space race. The role of the engineering technologist was born to fill this gap.

So, the very thing engineering programs were trying to get away from in the 1950s became the new discipline of engineering technology.

So, which engineering program is right for me?

If the thought of 4 semesters of calculus makes you want to run the other way, engineering technology can be the starter path for you. If you are already thinking engineering graduate school is in your future, then straight engineering will serve you well.

Studies show that most employers who hire engineers of all types make little distinction between engineers and engineering technologists – and those that do are doing so knowingly for the type of engineer they are looking for.

My anecdotal evidence suggests that 5-10 years out of college, you will barely notice the difference between an engineer and an engineering technologist.

The engineering major will realize their shortcomings and inability to use hands-on equipment and take steps to learn those skills on the job, while the engineering technologist will find they want to tackle the harder, more analytical design work and will upgrade their analytical skills through professional development.

NHTI – Your Pathway to Engineering

Regardless of what path you take, upon completion of either, you can proudly wear the title of engineer. And at NHTI, we would love to support you in that journey.  If you have further questions or would like a tour of our labs to get a first-hand look at what it is all about, feel free to contact me at , or visit our special section where you can see all NHTI engineering programs 

Some of our Engineering programs are:

• Architectural Engineering Technology 
• Civil Engineering Technology 
• Manufacturing Engineering Technology Machining 
• Manufacturing Engineering Technology Automation
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Computer Engineering Technology
• Electronic Engineering Technology
• Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology

Update: July 13, 2022

1. Finding a job
2. Engineering Technologist vs. Engineer: What’s the Difference?

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated October 15, 2021 | Published February 22, 2021

Updated October 15, 2021

Published February 22, 2021

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Engineers and engineering technologists are professionals responsible for building and creating processes and products that solve problems, and can be found in several industries. While people in these occupations often work together, they have different skills and responsibilities that contribute to the success of a project. In this article, we discuss the differences between an engineering technologist and an engineer.

What is an engineering technologist?

An engineering technologist, or technologist, is a professional who physically builds what an engineer designs. They use parts and products to construct, maintain and repair systems and equipment an engineer develops. Some technologists also help implement existing technology to solve a problem.

A technologist applies a fundamental understanding of math and engineering and uses strong practical skills to complete their work. They must be familiar with engineering principles and have experience with a range of technical skills. A technologist may work in industries such as:

What is an engineer?

An engineer is a professional who designs, analyzes and invents different types of machines and data systems. They apply their understanding of math and science to research and design complex solutions to specific problems. Engineers work largely within theory as they develop new concepts and designs.
Engineers typically work in a specialty niche. Here are some common types of engineers:

Read more: What Is an Engineer?

Technologist vs. engineer

Engineers and technologists collaborate to solve a range of problems. In general, engineers design or conceptualize solutions and technologists build or create the solution. Each position has different day-to-day responsibilities across a range of industries.

Here are some similarities and differences between a technologist and an engineer:

Education

Both engineers and technologists must earn at least a bachelor's degree. However, the specifics of the degree programs vary. Engineering studies relate more to theory and design while engineering technology studies focus more on practical application of skills.

As a prospective engineer, you can expect a course load with high-level math classes and classes about pure sciences, such as biology, chemistry and physics. You will likely complete several calculus courses and a course in differential equations. The coursework will include classes about design, concept creation and critical and analytical thinking. The type of engineering you major in will determine what advanced courses you take.

As an engineering technologist student, you will take courses in math, engineering and survey sciences. Survey science courses relate to data collection including methods, survey design and interpretation. Coursework will include algebra and pre-calculus courses and you will learn essential engineering principles through fundamental courses. You will also complete courses related to the practical application of your skills and knowledge.

Related: Choosing the Best Engineering Major

Skills

The biggest difference between an engineering technologist and an engineer relates to hard skills. For example, a technologist needs strong practical application skills to construct designs. An engineer must have strong math skills to develop those complex designs.

However, there are some skills both positions require. Those include:

Read more: 12 Essential Engineering Skills for Your Resume

Job responsibilities

Engineers are designers and technologists are builders. The primary responsibility of an engineer is to develop solutions and concepts and the technologist turns the concept into an actual item. Engineers have more theoretical responsibilities while technologists have more practical responsibilities.

An engineer’s exact job responsibilities vary based on the specific industry they work in. However, their overall responsibility is to analyze all aspects of an issue and develop an appropriate solution. This may include using computer software to design prototypes or concepts for the technologist to build.

A technologist’s specific job responsibilities also vary by industry. However, their primary responsibility is to interpret the engineer's design and assemble it. Technologists may also be responsible for implementing existing technology, performing routine maintenance and repairing systems or equipment.

Related: 10 Types of Engineering Careers

Who they report to

Engineers and engineering technologists work together closely on projects. Engineers may be the highest ranking member of a project, or they may report to a project manager. Technologists often report to engineers as they create the engineer's designs or ideas.

Industries

Engineers and technologists both work in a variety of industries and their roles may vary within those industries.

Technologists may work in industries such as:

• Construction

• Industrial

• Manufacturing

• Maintenance

• Management

Engineers may work in industries such as:

• Automotive

• Manufacturing

• Pharmaceutical

• Food processing

• Health care

• Construction

• Aerospace

Average salary

The national average salary for an engineer is $61,369 per year but it varies by specialty. For example, an electrical engineer may earn $91,408 per year. Other factors include location and amount of experience.

The national average salary for an engineering technologist is $55,458 per year. Possible earnings also vary by specialty, location and experience.

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

Related: 22 Non-Engineering Jobs for Engineers

Is engineering technology real engineering?

What is the meaning of engineering technology?

What are the similarities and differences between engineering and engineering technology?

Which is better BEng or BEng Tech?