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For many adult students, there’s always that annoying little voice whispering in the back of their minds when changing careers or starting a new education path. It says something like this:  “What if it’s too late to start a robotics career?” 

Then, you do it anyway and you never hear from that voice again.  

At RoboticsCareer.org, our mission is to find great robotics and automation training and education programs from across the country and connect them with people interested in robotics. One thing that we encounter fairly often is self-doubt. 

Well, let us answer the question once and for all. It’s not too late to learn robotics. All you need is the drive and passion to get started, and to let us help find the robotics training for career changers. 

In fact, you being here right now searching for answers about your future in robotics means that now could actually be the perfect time to learn robotics. Let’s talk about why. 

We Need More Robotics Workers

There’s no other way to put it. The manufacturing industry needs more robotics workers to keep up with the automation of its processes. At the pace we’re going now, manufacturing is facing a shortage in the near future. 

What does that mean for you? Well, it means that it will be easier to find a job in robotics. The demand for trained robotics workers is higher than ever, and that’s something you can capitalize on. 

Furthermore, robotics jobs pay relatively well. The entry-level robotics job, the robotics technician, usually starts with a robotics salary of over $50,000 a year! 

Is It Too Late to Start a Robotics Career? Not With Today's Options

If you've been asking yourself, " Is it too late to start a robotics career?” you're not alone. But the answer might surprise you. The robotics industry is actively hiring right now, including people just getting started. Employers aren't necessarily looking for someone with a long robotics resume. They want motivated, willing learners.

Your background matters more than you might think. The mechanical intuition you picked up working in another trade, the problem-solving habits you developed in a completely different industry, these things translate. Robotics training for career changers has grown specifically because the industry recognized that adults coming from other fields bring real value to the table.

The training itself has also gotten much more practical and flexible over the years. Programs today are built around the reality that most adult students have jobs, families, and other obligations. Part-time and accelerated options exist at community colleges and trade schools across the country, and some of them can have you ready for an entry-level role in less time than you'd expect.

One thing worth paying attention to as you search is the ARM Endorsement. Endorsed programs have been reviewed against standards set by the robotics industry, with a focus on whether the curriculum actually prepares students for real-world work. It's a useful filter when you're trying to figure out which programs are worth your time and money.

Ready to take the next step? Create a free profile on RoboticsCareer.org and search for ARM-endorsed training programs in your area.

Robotics Technicians Need an Associate’s Degree or Trade School Certification

You might be under the impression that it takes a 4-year or more degree to get into robotics. However, robotics technicians generally only need an Associate’s degree in a related field or a trade school certification. 

That’s because robotics technicians mostly work on the floor with the robots, in a hands-on capacity. That means that mechanical experience is key for the role. 

As robotics technicians work, they naturally become more experienced and continue to learn. This is possibly the most valuable kind of education for a robotics technician. 

For many adult students, that means that the robotics training for career changers is relatively short. After all, many of us have lives and families, and there simply might not be enough time in the week to attend a full-credit school schedule. 

Do It For You

Ultimately, the main reason we’re sure it’s not too late for you to start a career in robotics is that you want to do it. That passion inside you, which has driven you to consider changing careers, is the same passion that will help you succeed as a robotics worker.

You have more experience now. You’re more aware of what it takes to put your mind to a goal and succeed. All you need to do now is figure out how to get started. Luckily, we can help you there. 

Create a profile and use the search tool on RoboticsCareer.org to find a program near you and go from there. The rest is up to you. 

About The Author

Lisa Masciantonio 

Chief Workforce Officer

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute 

Lisa Masciantonio is the Chief Workforce Officer for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. She joined the ARM Institute in May 2017 as the Director of Membership and Outreach.  She moved to the position of Chief Workforce Officer in 2019 and she is responsible for driving the Education & Workforce Development vision for ARM in conjunction with the ARM membership, the federal and state government partners, and other expert stakeholders. 

Lisa brings with her over 25 years of experience as a performance-driven leader with notable success in cultivating and executing business strategies and formulating long-term strategic client relationships.  She has proven success in developing business solutions, commercialization of products, technology transfer, and technological initiatives that have supported organizational growth, improved staff productivity, and increased value to many communities of practice. Critical to her success is the ability to increase awareness and drive thought leadership position by designing and executing innovative programs as well as developing and launching new, value-add offerings for ongoing competitiveness. Lisa received a Bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University and 2 Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University. 

In 2021, Lisa was recognized as one of 20 world-wide Exceptional Women in Robotics and Automation by SME. In 2022, she was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Women of Influence and was also part of the inaugural Technical.ly Pittsburgh RealLIST Connectors list, which recognizes the top 100 influential leaders in Pittsburgh tech.