The Engineering Technology Council of the American Society for Engineering Education defines engineering technology in the following way:  
"Engineering Technology is the profession in which a knowledge of the applied mathematical and natural sciences gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted to the application of engineering principles and the implementation of technological advances for the benefit of humanity. Engineering Technology education for the professional focuses primarily on analyzing, applying, implementing and improving existing technologies and is aimed at preparing graduates for the practice of engineering closest to the product improvement, manufacturing, and engineering operational functions."  

A paper authored by three RIT professors, was presented at the 2004 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).  The paper includes survey information gathered about salaries, job titles and job functions of RIT Engineering Technology graduates.  You can view the paper by going to: http://www.rit.edu/cast/et/2004.RIT.737.doc

  
For up to date salary information, please go to: http://www.rit.edu/~964www/salary_program/Engineering.htm  
A Technologist is a professional who has obtained a four or five year Bachelor of Science degree in engineering technology and appropriately functions as a practitioner on a design team.  
A Technician is a para-professional who has obtained a two year Associate degree in engineering technology.  
A technician with an associate degree can continue their education to achieve a bachelor's degree and become a technologist. RIT has five year (with co-op) day BS programs, evening AAS programs, and evening and distance BS programs for selected disciplines.  
RIT routinely accepts many associate degree graduates from two year colleges into our BS day, evening and distance programs. We have dual admittance programs with Monroe Community College, articulation agreements with several excellent two year colleges, and routinely defined admittance from many fine two year colleges.