What is a robotics engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Experts
Andrea Welker Ph.D.,
John Dolan

People in the 1900s thought that robots would be common by now. Sadly, they are not as common as we would like them to be. However, robotics engineers are doing just that to realize that hope. Robotics engineer designs prototypes, build and tests machines, and maintains the software that controls them. They also conduct research to find the most cost-efficient and safest process to manufacture their robotic systems.

To secure a robotics engineer job, you'll need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study, for example, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer sciences, and industrial engineering.

Some institutions offer accredited robotics engineering programs, but many employers will also accept a degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or mathematics. The more work experience that you can prove, the higher your chances of getting employed in a well-reputed organization.

Robotics engineers earn an average yearly salary of $99,040. That can amount to over $40 an hour during a traditional workweek, although you may be required to work overtime or during holidays, depending on the workload.

What general advice would you give to a Robotics Engineer?

A

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Be open to new experiences. Find a good mentor. Become a valued employee. Always remember that you are designing something for someone.
ScoreRobotics EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $101,208

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.4

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.29%

Asian 17.93%

Black or African American 4.28%

Hispanic or Latino 10.72%

Unknown 4.74%

White 62.04%

Gender

female 7.03%

male 92.97%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.6

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Robotics Engineer career paths

Key steps to become a robotics engineer

  1. Explore robotics engineer education requirements

    Most common robotics engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.0 %

    Associate

    15.4 %

    Master's

    12.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific robotics engineer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Python14.98%
    Linux7.18%
    CAD6.28%
    ROS5.92%
    PLC5.03%
  3. Complete relevant robotics engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New robotics engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a robotics engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real robotics engineer resumes.
  4. Research robotics engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage: client presentations; robotic configuration designs; welding/cutting/assembly programs; trade show exhibitions.
    • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
    • Develop automated test benches using C++ and MATLAB with capabilities to analyze the sensor data.
    • Provide design documentation and mechanical engineering support for the chemical industry using AutoCAD software
  5. Prepare your robotics engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your robotics engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a robotics engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Robotics Engineer Resume templates

    Build a professional Robotics Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Robotics Engineer resume.
    Robotics Engineer Resume
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    Robotics Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for robotics engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a robotics engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Robotics Engineer Job

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Average robotics engineer salary

The average Robotics Engineer salary in the United States is $101,208 per year or $49 per hour. Robotics engineer salaries range between $70,000 and $144,000 per year.

Average Robotics Engineer Salary
$101,208 Yearly
$48.66 hourly

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Cons

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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