ENGINEERING SALARY
Many engineering specialties show excellent job growth, and engineering is also an industry where earnings are high.
Even if you don't plan to pursue a 4-year degree, you can still earn a competitive engineering salary.
For the vast majority of engineering technician jobs, regardless of specialty, a 2-year associate's degree in engineering technology is sufficient.
Engineering Technology Salaries
Using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook as a reference, here are average annual salary figures for different engineering technology specialties:
| Engineering Technology Specialty | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $122,270 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $97,410 |
| Chemical Engineer | $105,550 |
| Civil Engineer | $88,050 |
| Environmental Engineer | $96,820 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $128,170 |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineer | $100,420 |
| Industrial Engineer | $95,300 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $95,300 |
| Nuclear Engineer | $120,380 |
| Petroleum Engineer | $130,850 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 Occupational Employment Statistics
The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors. National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
A Few More Facts About Salaries
A handy chart doesn't tell the whole story when it comes to engineering salaries. There are a number of other factors that affect your earnings:
- Industry: whether you work for the federal government, state government or the private sector can have an effect on your engineering salary.
- Location: your earnings may be greater if you live in an area with a higher cost of living.
- Certification: besides a mandatory Professional Engineer (PE) license, there are a number of optional certifications in specialty areas that may increase your earning potential and managerial prospects.