Robotics is a rapidly growing field that combines the fields of engineering, AI, and computer science. Whether you’re coming from a coding background, exploring engineering for the first time, or considering a career change, robotics is a great and growing path to consider.
This guide will show you how to start on this journey and explore your options. You’ll learn which degrees and certifications matter, what skills hiring managers expect you to have, where to find jobs, and how to prepare for future interviews. Along the way, you’ll see the highest-paying careers in robotics and practical tips for standing out in a competitive job market.
Key Takeaways
- Robotics combines the field of engineering, AI, and computer science to create machines that are used in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
- Career paths will vary from technician roles to senior research positions, with multiple opportunities to enter through bootcamps, community colleges, or advanced degrees.
- Core skills for robotics careers include programming (Python, C++), STEM knowledge, hardware and software engineering, and teamwork.
- Job seekers can find opportunities on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, robotics-specific job boards, and related company websites.
- Interview preparation requires both technical practice and soft skills, such as problem-solving and communication.
- Certifications, projects, and networking can strengthen your application and help you to make connections and advance in the field.
What Is Robotics?
Robotics encompasses the design, programming, and integration of machines used in industrial, service, and medical environments. The use of robotic machines and technologies has become prevalent across several technology-dependent fields. Today, automotive, healthcare, information technology, AI, and virtual reality industries use robotic systems.
Be careful of limiting your understanding of the current robotics field to the idea of humanoid-looking robots. Robotics technicians and robotics engineers have constructed ample robotic technologies ranging from sensors, prosthetic limbs, drones, medical assistants, exoskeletons, and vacuum cleaners.
Most robots in use today are industrial machines rather than humanoid robots. Assembly line arms, warehouse automation systems, and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) dominate the robotics market. These examples help clarify how widespread robotics applications are in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
Robotics Job Outlook
Employment in mechanical engineers and related robotics occupations is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade, creating about 18,100 openings per year.1 The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes robotics technicians and engineers under mechanical engineering and electro-mechanical professions.
What Education Do I Need to Become a Robotics Engineer?
A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering is typically the minimum requirement to become a robotics engineer. The robotics and artificial intelligence fields often require an advanced degree to grow in your career. There are also associate degrees, online courses, and coding bootcamps that can help you enter the robotics field.
Many universities now offer mechatronics engineering as a distinct major that combines robotics, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Choosing an ABET-accredited program can improve job prospects, as employers often look for accredited engineering credentials. Internships and co-op programs are also valuable stepping stones to full-time robotics roles.
Can I Get a Robotics Job Without a Degree?
You can potentially get a robotics job without a degree, but most non-degree roles are entry-level. There are educational routes such as online robotics courses, certification programs, or coding bootcamps. However, you’ll also need considerable practical experience and strong technical knowledge to land lucrative positions.
Most non-degree roles are entry-level. Common job titles include robotics technician, field service technician, and automation support specialist. Many self-taught candidates also start out by contributing to maker communities, open-source robotics projects, or robotics competitions like FIRST Robotics.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in Robotics?
Coding bootcamps are short-term training programs that help you develop tech skills and prepare you for entry-level positions. Robotics integrates software engineering, artificial intelligence, automation, and user experience design.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Job in Robotics?
The time to secure a robotics role varies, but many people spend between five and six years completing education and gaining experience. A technician with a certificate or associate degree may enter the workforce in two years, while researchers often spend a decade earning advanced degrees. Military and defense employers may shorten timelines if candidates already hold security clearances.
Common Robotics Education Paths
Community colleges and associate degree programs in robotics or mechatronics now serve as vital and valid entry points into robotics careers. You can enroll in robotics associate degree programs to get a formal education and further your career. This path requires less time commitment and is widely accepted in the tech industry. You can also transfer your community college credits to a bachelor’s degree program.
The standard education requirement for most robotics engineering professions is a bachelor’s degree. You can major in mechanical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, or electrical engineering to qualify. Advanced degrees provide access to higher-paying jobs and research opportunities.
Key Robotics Skills to List on Your Resume
Employers hiring in robotics look for programming, STEM knowledge, and engineering skills. Python and other languages, mathematics, computation, and hardware/software engineering form the technical foundation.
Employers also look for experience with ROS (Robot Operating System) and embedded systems programming in C/C++. Cross-disciplinary collaboration skills, being able to work with both engineers and computer scientists, are highly valued in robotics projects.
Where to Find Robotics Jobs
Finding robotics jobs often starts online. Job seekers can search platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, upload resumes, and connect with recruiters.
Other robotics-specific job boards include Robotics Tomorrow and the IEEE Job Board. Government agencies such as NASA and DARPA also regularly list robotics roles. Robotics jobs often cluster in hubs like Boston, Pittsburgh, and Silicon Valley.
Major robotics employers include Boston Dynamics, iRobot, Tesla, Medtronic, and Amazon Robotics. These companies offer opportunities across AI robotics, manufacturing automation, and healthcare robotics.
How to Prepare for Your Robotics Interview
Preparing for a robotics interview requires both technical skills and soft skills. You should practice programming languages, problem-solving, and communication, since these will often be assessed throughout the whole interview process.
Some employers require candidates to complete live technical assessments as part of the process, such as whiteboard coding or simulation-based problem solving. Participating in robotics competitions can also serve as interview preparation and demonstrate that you have applicable hands-on experience.
The Five Highest-Paying Robotics Jobs
The highest-paying robotics jobs in 2025 include engineers, researchers, and specialized technicians, with salaries commonly hitting six figures. Roles in AI, healthcare robotics, and advanced manufacturing consistently offer strong pay and career progression opportunities.
Computer and Engineering Research Scientists
Robotics researchers are scientists who engage in robot modeling, prototyping, engineering, and design research. Their job is to research and help produce optimal robotic machinery that fulfills industry requirements. Salaries vary by employer and specialization, but they are often among the higher-paying roles in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these professionals earn a median annual wage of $140,910.2
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Robotics Engineer
AI robotics engineers work with software robotics technologies and use machine learning and deep learning technologies to train robot machines. This role typically pays on par with robotics engineers, with average salaries around $105,605 in 2025.6
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers use hardware and software engineering methodologies to design, engineer, execute, and maintain robotics machinery. As of September 2025, the average base salary for robotics engineers in the U.S. is $120,673.3
Prosthetics Engineer
The use of robotics is prevalent across the medical field. Prosthetics engineers design and develop user-friendly artificial limbs, and they can earn an average annual salary of $107,282.7
Robotics Technician / Deployment Engineer
Technicians and deployment engineers maintain and implement robotics systems. In 2025, robotics technicians earn an average salary of $58,774 per year, while electro-mechanical and mechatronics technicians earn a median salary of of $65,0804-5
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Robotics Salaries by Industry and Role (2025)
Below are verified 2025 salary figures:
| Industry / Role | 2025 Salary (Average or Median) |
|---|---|
| Robotics Engineer (general) | $120,6733 |
| Robotics Technician | $58,7744 |
| Electro-mechanical / Mechatronics Technicians | $65,0805 |
Robotics Career Path
Career paths in robotics typically progress from technician roles to senior engineer or scientist positions. Progression into senior roles often requires advanced degrees. Project management certifications such as PMP or Agile credentials can also improve promotion opportunities.
Robotics Certifications
Certifications strengthen a robotics professional’s candidacy. Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy offers foundational programs. Beyond Carnegie Mellon, FANUC offers Certified Robot Operator (FCR-O1 and FCR-O2) and Technician (FCR-T1 and FCR-T2) certifications, which are widely recognized in industry.
Tips on How to Get a Job in Robotics
Breaking into robotics isn’t easy, but preparation helps. Learning programming languages like Python, C++, and Java is essential. Staying updated on industry trends is equally important.
Building a GitHub portfolio showcasing robotics projects can strengthen applications. Networking at robotics conferences such as IEEE ICRA or RoboBusiness also helps candidates connect with employers and stay updated on new trends.
Should You Get a Job in Robotics?
Yes, you should consider a job in robotics if you want a future-focused career in engineering and technology. Robotics offers task diversity and scope for progression in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and business.
Robotics Engineer FAQ
Yes, you can become a robotics engineer without a degree. A bachelor’s is common, but associate degrees or bootcamp certificates can kickstart your journey.
Yes, robotics requires extensive technical skills and study. Acquiring relevant industry skills, soft skills, and a strong educational background can make the process easier.
A robotics engineer is responsible for the design, prototyping, modeling, engineering, execution, and maintenance process of robotic technology.
Major employers include healthcare technology companies, manufacturing and automation firms, defense contractors, and logistics providers.
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm
- https://www.indeed.com/career/robotics-engineer/salaries
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Robotic-Technician-Salary#Yearly
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes173024.htm
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Ai-Robotics-Engineer-Salary
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Prosthetics-Engineer-Salary
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