How to become a robotics engineer: degrees, skills, salary, and a path that starts with a kit at home
Most robotics engineers have a bachelor's degree in an engineering field. O*NET puts the 2025 median wage for its robotics engineer group at $122,930, and BLS lists mechanical engineers, which include robotic engineers, at $104,110. You can start with a $110 to $319 kit at home.
Researched by Riley Hart · updated Oct 18, 2026 · How we research
Get a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical or computer engineering, or a related field, and build real robots along the way. O*NET reports half of robotics engineer hires need a bachelor's degree. Learn Python, C++ and a CAD tool. Pay is high: O*NET lists a 2025 median of $122,930 for the broader group that includes robotics engineers. A kit at home is the cheapest first step.
| Stage | What to do | Typical cost or time |
|---|---|---|
| Start at home | Build and code a kit such as the Arduino Starter Kit or Petoi Bittle X robot dog | $110 (Arduino store) to $319 and up (Petoi) |
| Join a team | FIRST LEGO League (ages 4 to 16), FIRST Tech Challenge (12 to 18) or FIRST Robotics Competition (14 to 18) | Season long team commitment |
| High school | Take as much math, physics and programming as you can | 4 years |
| College | Bachelor's in mechanical, electrical or computer engineering, or a related field | Usually 4 years |
| Skills to add | Python, C++, MATLAB, Git, a CAD tool like SolidWorks, PLC software | Ongoing |
| First job | Titles like automation engineer, robotic systems engineer, research engineer | Entry level |
| Optional | Master's degree for research and advanced roles | 1 to 2 years |
Education and skills from O*NET's Robotics Engineers profile and BLS. Kit prices from maker stores, checked October 18, 2026. Prices change.
Robots in this guide: price and status
What a robotics engineer does
O*NET, the US Labor Department's job database, defines robotics engineers as people who "research, design, develop, or test robotic applications." Its task list includes building and testing robots, debugging robot programs, designing the tools at the end of a robot arm and planning paths for mobile robots.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists robotic engineers as a type of mechanical engineer who plans, builds and maintains robots. It notes mechanical engineers often handle the link between sensors, controllers and machines.
Degrees: what employers ask for
BLS says the typical entry level education for mechanical engineers is a bachelor's degree. In O*NET's survey of robotics engineers, 50% said new hires need a bachelor's degree. Another 17% said an associate's or other two year degree, and 17% said a master's.
Robotics mixes three fields: mechanical engineering for the body, electrical engineering for motors and sensors, and computer science for the software. Pick the one you enjoy most and add the other two through electives, clubs and projects. A master's degree helps if you want research jobs or to work on AI for robots.
Skills to learn
- Math and physics: O*NET lists mathematics and science among the core skills.
- Programming: O*NET names Python, C++ and C# among the software robotics engineers use.
- Engineering tools: MATLAB, AutoCAD, SolidWorks and PLC software for factory machines.
- Version control: Git, for working on code with a team.
- Soft skills: O*NET's top skills include critical thinking, active listening, writing and active learning.
Salary and job outlook
O*NET lists a 2025 median wage of $122,930 a year, or $59.10 an hour, for robotics engineers. That figure covers the broader BLS group called Engineers, All Other, which includes robotics engineers. O*NET projects average growth of 3% to 4% from 2025 to 2035, with about 8,800 openings over that period.
BLS reports mechanical engineers earned a median of $104,110 in May 2025. It projects 11% job growth from 2025 to 2035, which it calls much faster than average, and about 33,500 new jobs.
Related fields pay well too. A BLS Economics Daily report from March 2026 listed 2024 medians of $118,780 for electrical and electronics engineers and $155,020 for computer hardware engineers.
Medians are midpoints. Starting pay is usually lower, and pay varies by city and employer.
Step 1: start with a kit at home
You do not need a lab to begin. The Arduino Starter Kit costs $110 at Arduino's US store and teaches basic electronics and coding through small projects. It is a good first step for teens and adults.
For a robot that walks, Petoi's Bittle X V2 robot dog costs $319 as a kit you build in 40 to 90 minutes, per the maker. Petoi rates it for ages 10 and up. You can code it in blocks, then Python or C++, which are the same languages O*NET lists for the job.
Finish one project before buying the next kit. Write down what broke and how you fixed it. That record is the start of a portfolio.
Step 2: join a team
FIRST runs youth robotics leagues across the US. FIRST LEGO League covers ages 4 to 16. FIRST Tech Challenge covers grades 7 to 12, where teams design, build and program robots to compete. FIRST Robotics Competition covers grades 9 to 12 and starts teams with a standard kit of parts.
Adults can mentor a team, which is a strong way to learn by teaching. Many colleges also have robotics clubs and competition teams.
Step 3: build a portfolio and get experience
Robotics hiring rewards proof. Keep a simple website or code repository with photos, videos and code for each robot you build. Explain what the robot does, what went wrong and what you changed.
In college, look for internships in automation, manufacturing or research labs. O*NET's sample job titles, such as automation engineer, factory automation engineer and robotic systems engineer, are good search terms.
Switching careers as an adult
If you already work in software, electronics or a skilled trade, you have a head start. Pick the missing piece and learn it with a kit. O*NET's survey shows some roles accept a two year degree, so a community college program in automation or engineering technology can be a faster route.
Expect a bachelor's degree to matter for most design and research jobs. Many adults earn one part time while working.
Questions people ask
How much does a robotics engineer make?
O*NET lists a 2025 median of $122,930 for the broader group that includes robotics engineers. BLS lists $104,110 for mechanical engineers in May 2025.
What degree do you need to be a robotics engineer?
Usually a bachelor's in an engineering field. In O*NET's survey, 50% said a bachelor's is needed, 17% an associate's and 17% a master's.
How long does it take to become a robotics engineer?
A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years. A master's adds time but is not required for many jobs.
What programming languages do robotics engineers use?
O*NET lists Python, C++ and C#, along with MATLAB, Git and CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
What is a good first robotics kit for an adult?
The Arduino Starter Kit ($110) teaches electronics and code. Petoi Bittle X ($319 kit) is a walking robot dog you build and program.
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Learn robotics at your own pace
Builder Club turns a kit into a real skill: a path from your first robot to coding your own.
- A learning path from your first kit to coding your own robot
- Step by step screens with a check after every step
- Photo help on wiring and code when you get stuck
- Your progress and levels across every kit
- A new project every month for the kits you own