Navigating a career change into robotics can feel daunting — and require immense effort — but it’s often worth it. What do potential job seekers need to do to ensure a successful transition?
Is Transitioning Into Robotics Worth It?
Globally, the robotics market is experiencing tremendous growth. It will have an annual growth rate of 2.83% from 2024 to 2028, meaning its value will surpass $10.41 billion in a few years. In other words, job security is all but guaranteed.
The pay is another draw for most people. In the U.S., a robotics engineer makes over $118,000 annually on average. On the high end, they net over $150,000 per year. Even those who don’t make six figures still have incredibly high salaries.
The robotics field offers lucrative career choices for almost any professional. Even without considering the high salaries and positive job outlook, the transition is still a good idea for many. After all, it offers the potential for a better working environment and growth opportunities.
Most people are relatively unhappy with their work and are looking for a change. Almost 70% of all working adults actively search for a new job while in their current role. In other words, the desire to enter a new career is normal. People who want to make the most out of their transition should consider the robotics field for its value and stability.
Is Robotics a Good Career Option?
Robotics is an excellent option for most people looking to change careers. Since robots are complex and in demand, numerous job opportunities exist. For example, a marketer could become a marketing and communications manager. Alternatively, a copywriter could become a technical writer. Even people who lack the traditional skillset can find success in this field.
Is It Hard to Get a Job in Robotics?
Truthfully, getting a job in the field of robotics can be challenging. Landing interviews and getting callbacks can be difficult unless candidates have a solid knowledge base, a strong skillset, and some hands-on experience.
That being said, getting hired with little to no hands-on experience is entirely possible. The Dean of Ohio State University’s College of Engineering said the job market is open for entry-level hires because corporations and startups value fresh ideas. They tend to favor novices for their technical talent.
Can You Get a Job in Robotics Without a Degree?
For the most part, the field of robotics is very complex — meaning transitioning careers without a relevant degree will be tough. While some jobs only require an associate’s degree, most need candidates to have at least a bachelor’s. For most jobs, a high school diploma won’t be enough.
While some education is essential, job seekers can still enter the field even if they didn’t originally major in a robotics-related discipline. Many businesses — especially startups — value experience and knowledge over a degree because they demonstrate drive and commitment.
People who improve skills, complete certifications, and intern have a better chance of getting hired despite a lack of education. In some cases, having a degree in a tangentially related discipline might make them a more competitive candidate. After all, it showcases their broad range of talents and expertise.
What You Need to Transition to a Career in Robotics
Professionals who want to change careers in robotics must have a certain education level, skill set, knowledge base, and work history.
Education
Most professionals in this field attended some kind of higher education institution. In fact, nearly 90% of robotics engineers have at least an associate’s degree. While some have a doctorate or master’s, the majority — almost 60% — have a bachelor’s.
The standard disciplines are mechanical, computer, aerospace, and electrical engineering. Computer science, mathematics, and mechatronics are also common. Majors like technology design, artificial intelligence, and communications are less conventional but still solid choices.
Knowledge
Job seekers must understand kinematics, science, and mathematics. They should also know the fundamentals of engineering, the principles of automation, and the standard safety practices. Depending on the role, they must learn copywriting, visual design, or hand tools.
Skills
Critical thinking, analysis, attention to detail, and problem-solving are essential soft skills for any job in the robotics field. Job seekers should know how to identify and troubleshoot issues regardless of whether they design, develop, build, or test robots.
The hard skills required to transition to a career in robotics depend on the career type. While a repair technician’s job revolves around an electrical, mechanical, and programming skillset, a test engineer has to have engineering and project management abilities.
Certification
Only some jobs require their employees to become certified. However, professionals should still consider getting them because they appeal to employers. The International Society of Automation, the Smart Automation Cerficiation Alliance, and the Association for Advancing Automation are well-known institutions offering various certifications.
Experience
Most organizations prefer their candidates to have previous work in electrical, aerospace, industrial, programming, or mechanical fields. However, when hiring for an entry-level position, many will be content with computer science, automation, or design technology experience.
Steps to Take to Change Careers Into Robotics
Transitioning to a career in robotics is a multi-step process.
1. Build a Professional Network
People — especially those not currently in a robotics-related field — must build a network from scratch. Connecting with industry experts, mentors, and educators increases their chances of getting hired and can accelerate their job-seeking journey.
2. Search for Available Jobs
While some jobs in the robotics field are hybrid or remote, most require in-person work. Most people will have to identify nearby opportunities if they aren’t willing to relocate. If options are scarce, they should consider tailoring their skills to improve their chances of success.
3. Upskill and Certify
Upskilling is essential for those who don’t work in robotics-related fields. They should strengthen their soft and hard skills to improve their chances of being hired. Certifications work similarly — they can make entry-level job seekers more competitive as candidates.
4. Revisit Your Resume
Professionals should update their resumes before each application. Tailoring it to each job listing — and for the robotics field in general — is essential. Since many businesses use artificial intelligence during hiring, these optimization tricks can help applicants pass the automatic screening process and get their documents in the hands of a human.
Good Entry-Level Jobs to Consider
Professionals looking to change careers into robotics have plenty of options. They can apply for various roles in the aerospace, warehousing, health care, military, or manufacturing sectors.
1. Entry-Level Technical Writer
In robotics, a technical writer interprets complex documentation and communications from engineers. They write instructions, guides, or explanations about robots or robotic systems. Essentially, their job is to translate jargon into an easy-to-understand format.
2. Software Engineer Intern
A software engineer intern interprets data and develops programs for robots. Even as an intern, it’s a lucrative role. In the U.S., people in this position make about $125,320 annually on average. Notably, it does require significant experience with computer programming.
3. Entry-Level Robotic Welding Technician
Robotic welding technicians program, operate, and maintain a welding cobot to weld material to specifications. They also test their complete work to identify and fix flaws. This role is one of the few where a high school diploma or a GED is widely accepted.
4. Field Service Technician Intern
Service technician interns use engineering, electrical, programming, and mechanical knowledge to identify, diagnose, and maintain robotic systems. Those who work in the field travel to different job sites to repair clients’ robots on demand — often under a mentor.
5. UI/UX Designer Intern
In robotics, a UI/UX designer intern ensures that robots and robotic systems are user-friendly and easy to interact with. Their primary focus is shaping human-robot interactions. They conduct usability testing to see how users interact with the product.
6. Entry-Level Quality Control Technician
An entry-level quality control technician operates robots and robotic systems to test if they function as intended. They leverage test automation and IT knowledge to ensure the product meets clients’ expectations and analyze their results using data software.
7. Robotics Engineer Intern
A robotics engineer intern leverages computer-aided design and other software to develop and deploy prototypes. Some internships only require a high school diploma or GED if candidates actively work toward an engineering or industrial-related degree.
Transitioning into a Robotics Career Is Worth the Effort
Although many people consider robotics a notoriously challenging field to enter, a transition is possible. Even people in non-robotic-related professions can achieve success without returning to school. While it will still take time and dedication, the high salaries and job security usually make all the effort worth it.
