Robotics Engineer

Also known as: Automation Engineer

Technology & AIBachelor's DegreeStrong Growth

Design, build, and program robots for manufacturing, healthcare, exploration, and everyday life.

Salary Range

Entry Level
$75K
Starting salary
→
Top Level
$450K
Top salary
VP of Robotics Engineering

The highest-paid specialization or seniority level for robotics engineers.

About 1 in 400 reaches this level

Around 50-60K robotics engineers; VP of Robotics Engineering at $450K exists at maybe 100-200 companies.

Salary data based on 2025 BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.

How to Become One

This career typically requires a bachelor's degree. Here are the top colleges for it:

1
MITElectrical Engineering
2
Georgia TechComputer Engineering
3
StanfordElectrical Engineering
4
PurdueMechanical Engineering
5
CMUComputer Engineering

Explore all colleges →

AI Risk Assessment

Low Risk (Level 1/5)How we score ›

One of the most AI-proof technology careers because it sits at the intersection of software and the physical world. The industrial robotics market is expected to reach $73B by 2029. Manufacturers cannot find enough people to program robots, creating a massive talent shortage that works strongly in new graduates' favor.

Sources

↗Coursera: Robots and Robotics Jobs in 2026↗Advanced Manufacturing: Robotics for Next Gen Careers

Ratings reflect a 10-year outlook based on 2025-2026 research, weighted toward entry-level impact. Individual outcomes will vary.

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