Explore Automation & Robotics

Mid’s Automation & Robotics Pathways can help you launch or advance your career. Manufacturing automation is quickly evolving, and skilled technicians are in high demand. With hands-on labs, flexible scheduling options, industry-recognized certifications, and tuition-free options, it's time to pursue your goal of becoming a manufacturing automation and robotics technician. Mid offers a fast-track Training Credential and a well-rounded Associate Degree to prepare you for the workforce.

Apply to Mid Learn More
Job Outlook
  • $60k
    Median Salary for Robotics Technicians
  • $29
    Median Hourly Wage for Robotics Technicians
  • 10
    Industry Certifications
Journeys begin here and lead beyond, Mid Moves You.

Mid Moves You

Your journey begins at Mid Michigan College with personalized guidance and support to explore your options and navigate your college experience. Tuition-free options make it easier than ever to get started. Whether you’re taking a small step or a bold leap... Mid Moves You.

Discover More

Mid’s Automation & Robotics Pathways emphasize in-demand skills like fluid power and sensor management alongside topics like programmable logic and blueprint reading.

Our flexible pathways let you choose what’s right for you.

  • Currently working in manufacturing? Your experience can earn you college credit. No formal portfolio or interview required—share your story and see what credits you’ve earned.
  • Recently graduated from high school and not sure what career is the best fit? Explore manufacturing during your first semester at Mid, and then choose the specialty that matches your interests.
  • Open labs available days and evenings, 8-week courses, and in-demand certifications let you chart your own path. Laddered options build on one another, allowing you to work at your own pace and earn proof of your skills as you work toward an associate degree, training credential, or certificate.
  • Mid's courses allow for one-on-one instruction with experienced faculty, and our connections with area employers ensure you get your career off to a great start.

More than 600,000 Michiganders work in manufacturing. Our pathways prepare you to join their ranks and begin a fulfilling career.

Facts from the National Association of Manufacturers

  • Manufacturers contributed $2.9 trillion to the U.S. economy in the third quarter of 2022, an all-time high.
  • Every $1 spent on manufacturing yields a $2.60 total impact on the overall economy.
  • The manufacturing sector employed nearly 13 million workers in March 2023.
  • There were 694,000 manufacturing job openings in February 2023.
  • By 2030, the United States will likely need to fill 4 million manufacturing jobs.
  • Manufacturing employees earned an average $95,990 in pay and benefits during 2021.
  • 91% of manufacturing employees were eligible for health care benefits in 2022.
  • Manufacturers perform more than 55% of all private-sector research and development.

Manufacturing careers range from skilled technicians to engineering positions, careers in sales, project management, and more.

Associate Degree Careers

  • Civil engineering technicians: Median pay $25.68/hour or $53,410/year; estimated 5% growth in demand by 2031
  • Electro-mechanical technicians: Median pay $28.05/hour or $58,350/year; estimated 1% growth in demand by 2031
  • Industrial engineering technicians: Median pay $27.19/hour or $56,550/year; estimated 1% decline in demand by 2031
  • Industrial machinery mechanics: Median pay $25.41/hour or $52,860/year; estimated 5% growth in demand by 2031
  • Machinists and tool and die makers: Median pay $21.99/hour or $45,750/year; estimated 1% growth in demand by 2031
  • Manufacturing sales representatives: Median pay $30.29/hour or $63,000/year; estimated 2% growth in demand by 2031
  • Mechanical engineering technicians: Median pay $27.40/hour or $56,980/year; estimated 3% growth in demand by 2031
  • Plastics machine workers: Median pay $17.78/hour or $36,990/year; estimated 8% decline in demand by 2031
  • Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers: Median pay $20.43/hour or $42,490/year; estimated 3% growth in demand by 2031

FREE Most Mid students attend tuition free with the Community College Guarantee or Michigan Reconnect.

SUCCEED Mid Mentors provide personalized support throughout your journey at Mid.

Automation & Robotics Pathways

Learn to program, troubleshoot, and maintain specialized machines in automotive, medical, food processing, plastics, and other manufacturing fields. Automating processes with robotics is top of mind with local employers, and earning an associate degree demonstrates that you've mastered the required skills and have well-rounded, strategic problem-solving capabilities.

This streamlined training credential can be completed in two semesters and is focused on automation and robotics-specific skills, getting you in the lab and on your way toward a promising career. This pathway is an excellent choice for those already working in the field who want to expand their skill set.

Let’s Do This