Engineering isn’t just one career; it spans a multitude of specializations. Engineering professionals are the architects of innovation, addressing challenges ranging from sustainable city designs to the inception of pioneering technologies.
Spanning a spectrum from the traditional realms of civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, this skilled workforce also embraces contemporary fields like AI, machine learning, and data analytics. For those keen on charting the evolving map of engineering, whether they are budding engineers, established professionals, educators, or decision-makers, staying updated on the field’s recent shifts and developments is imperative.
Explore this detailed collection with over 75 key engineering statistics for 2024. It covers the latest trends in different engineering areas, including employment data, growth forecasts, education patterns, and other important figures.
Whether you’re considering a career in engineering, planning strategic initiatives, or just interested in the numbers behind the world’s engineering landscape, these statistics will offer you a wealth of information and perspective.
Engineering Statistics You Need to Know
Engineers in America make an average salary of $92,077 per year, or $44 per hour.
The above-average salary of engineers in America reflects the value placed on their specialized skills and expertise. With their high earning potential, engineers often enjoy a comfortable standard of living and have opportunities for career growth.
The top 10 percent make over $130,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $65,000 per year.
The significant salary disparity within the engineering profession indicates the range of experience, qualifications, and seniority levels among professionals. The top 10 percent of engineers, earning over $130,000 per year, likely consists of highly experienced individuals in leadership or specialized roles, while the bottom 10 percent earning under $65,000 per year may include entry-level or less experienced engineers
Over 228,911 engineers are currently employed in the United States
This indicates a strong demand for engineers in the country. The number also suggests a wide range of opportunities across different engineering disciplines, from civil engineering and mechanical to electrical and software engineering.
13.7% of all engineers are women, while 86.3% are men
While the engineering field has traditionally been male-dominated, efforts are being made to encourage more women to pursue careers in engineering. However, there is still a significant gender gap that needs to be addressed.
The average age of an employed engineer is 40 years old
This suggests that the engineering profession tends to attract individuals who are committed to long-term careers. The age statistic might also reflect the time it takes to gain the necessary education and experience in this field.
The most common ethnicity of engineers is White (67.9%), followed by Asian (15.0%), Hispanic or Latino (9.1%), and Unknown (4.6%)
This distribution reflects the demographic makeup of the engineering profession in the United States. Efforts are ongoing to increase diversity in the engineering field.
Engineers are most in demand in Huntsville, Alabama.
Huntsville, known as “Rocket City,” has a significant presence in the aerospace and defense industries, which could explain the high demand for engineers.
Huntsville, AL, pays an average annual wage of $77,034, the highest in the US.
This high average wage reflects the value that industries in Huntsville place on engineering skills. It also suggests a competitive job market for engineers in this area.
New Hampshire is the best state for engineers to live in.
This could be due to a combination of factors such as high average salaries, quality of life, and the presence of engineering companies.
New Hampshire engineers make the most as well. Engineers earn the most in New Hampshire, where the average engineer salary is $97,046.
This is a lot higher than the national average but contributes to a higher quality of life for engineers living on the east coast.
Engineers are 48% more likely to work at private companies in comparison to public companies.
This could reflect the large number of private firms in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and consulting that require engineering expertise. It might also suggest more competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement in the private sector.
Statistics show that women engineers earn 103% of what men earn.
This stat is in stark contrast to most industries, where gender gaps show a consistent history of women being underpaid.
Engineers with a doctorate degree earn significantly higher salaries compared to those without, with an average annual income of $113,933.
The advanced knowledge and specialized expertise gained through doctoral studies contribute to their higher earning potential in the engineering field.
Engineers who hold a master’s degree enjoy a median annual income of $104,300, surpassing the earnings of their counterparts with a bachelor’s degree, who earn an average of $91,031 per year.
The additional education and advanced skills acquired at the master’s level contribute to their higher earning potential.
The unemployment rate for engineers has shown a consistent decline over the past decade, dropping from over 6% to a mere 2%.
This low unemployment rate reflects the strong demand for engineering professionals and the stable job market within the field.
Engineers tend to have a propensity for job changes, as the average engineer remains in a position for only 1-2 years.
This indicates a level of professional mobility and adaptability within the engineering industry, with engineers seeking new opportunities and challenges to further their careers.
Many engineers speak more than one language: The most common foreign language among engineers is Spanish, at 38.3%.
This highlights the importance of Spanish proficiency in the engineering field, particularly in regions with significant Spanish-speaking populations or international projects.
The second-most popular foreign language spoken is French at 9.1%, and Chinese is the third-most popular at 7.0%.
This statistic reflects the global nature of engineering work and the value of linguistic skills in fostering effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders and international projects.
Michigan and South Dakota are two of the lowest-paying states in the US.
Despite their low wages, both Michigan and South Dakota offer unique advantages to engineers. Michigan, known as the “Great Lakes State,” boasts a diverse industrial base and a strong automotive industry. On the other hand, South Dakota, the “Mount Rushmore State,” offers a lower cost of living and breathtaking natural landscapes, attracting individuals seeking a more affordable and serene lifestyle.
Highest Paying Industries For Engineers
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary | Hourly Rate |
| 1 | Automotive | $97,672 | $46.96 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | $94,211 | $45.29 |
| 3 | Transportation | $93,102 | $44.76 |
| 4 | Technology | $91,230 | $43.86 |
| 5 | Professional | $90,915 | $43.71 |
| 6 | Telecommunication | $89,109 | $42.84 |
| 7 | Hospitality | $87,756 | $42.19 |
| 8 | Government | $67,865 | $32.63 |
Houston, Texas, is a southern hub for engineers, with thousands of engineering jobs housed there.
Houston, Texas, known as the “Energy Capital of the World,” has established itself as a prominent destination for engineers seeking rewarding career opportunities. With a thriving energy sector and numerous engineering firms, the city offers a dynamic environment where professionals can contribute to cutting-edge projects and collaborate with industry leaders.
Mechanical and electrical engineering are tied for the top engineering majors, with 20% of engineers studying each discipline starting with Fundamentals of Engineering courses.
The equal representation of mechanical and electrical engineering as the top engineering majors underscores their crucial roles in various industries. This balanced distribution also reflects the diverse career opportunities available in both fields, allowing aspiring engineers to choose their specialization based on their interests and aptitudes.
Engineering management is the least pursued engineering degree, with only 1.4% of students studying this discipline.
The low percentage of students pursuing a degree in engineering management suggests that it is a specialized field that attracts a smaller pool of individuals. However, this rarity may present unique advantages for those who choose this path, such as a higher demand for professionals with strong leadership and project management skills in engineering organizations.
Michigan Technical University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Cornell University are three of the top engineering schools, with over 36,000 enrolled students between them.
These schools have established themselves as leaders in engineering education, attracting students from across the globe who seek top-notch academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a vibrant engineering community.
Python proficiency is one of the top skills for an engineer, with 8.2 percent listing it on their resumes.
Having proficiency in Python can give engineers a competitive edge and open up a wide range of career opportunities in the industry.
Its applications in data analysis, machine learning, automation, and scientific computing have made Python a go-to language for solving complex engineering challenges, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation.
Cloud, C++, and C # proficiency tied for second place as the most important engineering skills, with 5% of engineers listing them as crucial points on a resume.
The equal representation of cloud computing, C++, and C# proficiency as crucial skills on engineers’ resumes, with 5% listing each, highlights their significance in the industry. These skills enhance engineers’ ability to develop robust and efficient solutions, contributing to the advancement of technology in their respective fields.
General Electric and AT&T are two of the top employers of engineers, with both having average salaries that are over $100,000 a year.
The high average salaries offered by General Electric and AT&T to their engineers reflect the recognition of their valuable contributions to these renowned companies. These organizations prioritize attracting and retaining top engineering talent by offering competitive compensation packages that not only reward their expertise but also incentivize innovation and technical excellence.
Engineers spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training.
This training period allows engineers to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge gained during their education and the specific requirements of their job roles. During this time, engineers can familiarize themselves with the company’s operations, technologies, and workflows, gaining valuable insights and refining their skills.
The average engineer salary is $97,046 in New Hampshire, $94,651 in Massachusetts, and $94,286 in Oregon. These are the three highest-paying states for engineers in the US.
This not only reflects the demand for engineering talent in these regions but also highlights the value placed on engineering contributions in various industries, such as technology, manufacturing, and research and development. Engineers working in these states have the potential to achieve financial stability and a higher standard of living while pursuing their careers in a favorable professional environment.
Engineer salary shifts with experience: An accountant with 0-2 years of experience earns an average salary of $70,813, a mid-career professional with 3-6 years of experience makes $92,077 a year on average, and a senior level accountant with 7-12 years of experience enjoys an average annual salary of $136,450.
These salary shifts motivate accountants to continuously enhance their expertise and seek professional development opportunities to advance their careers and earn higher remuneration.
The average engineer’s resume is 462 words and one page long.
Engineers often possess a wealth of technical skills, experiences, and qualifications, making it crucial to present this information in a clear and concise manner. Keeping the resume to one page ensures that it can be easily scanned and reviewed by recruiters, while the word count of 462 allows engineers to include relevant details without overwhelming the reader.
Make a table with the highest paying types of engineers and their salaries listed:
Research And Development Engineer $100,169
Product Design Engineer $94,827
Manufacturing Engineer $78,522
Mechanical Design Engineer $75,821
Quality Control Engineer $70,845
Engineering Trends
- Salaries have increased 7% for engineers in the last 5 years
- Projected job growth for engineers is 4% from 2018-2028
- There are over 228,911 engineers currently employed in the United States
- There are 618,207 active engineer job openings in the US based on job postings
- The PMP certification is the second most common certification for an engineer to pursue
Stats from The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2022
- The majority of global research and development (R&D) activities are concentrated in a few countries. In 2019, the United States accounted for 27% of global R&D, followed by China (22%), Japan (7%), Germany (6%), and South Korea (4%).
- There has been a shift in the global distribution of R&D performance from the United States and Europe to countries in East-Southeast Asia and South Asia.
- Middle-income countries like China and India are increasing their science and engineering (S&E) publication, patenting, and knowledge- and technology-intensive (KTI) output, leading to the spread of science and technology capabilities worldwide.
- The proportion of total U.S. R&D funded by the U.S. government decreased from 31% in 2010 to an estimated 21% in 2019, even though the overall amount of federally funded R&D increased.
- The U.S. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) labor force represents 23% of the total U.S. labor force and consists of workers at different educational levels. It has a higher proportion of men, whites, Asians, and foreign-born workers compared to their representation in the overall U.S. population.
- Blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented among students earning S&E degrees and among STEM workers with at least a bachelor’s degree. However, their representation among STEM workers without a bachelor’s degree is similar to their presence in the U.S. workforce.
- Disparities in K-12 STEM education and student performance across demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic categories pose challenges to the U.S. STEM education system. Additionally, the affordability of higher education is also a concern.
- The United States awards the highest number of S&E doctorates globally. Among S&E doctoral students in the United States, a significant proportion are international students, and more than half of the doctorate degrees in fields such as economics, computer sciences, engineering, and mathematics and statistics are awarded to international students.
Summary of Deloitte’s 2023 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook
- The US E&C industry experienced strong growth of 8% in construction spending in 2021.
- The value added in the industry reached $1 trillion in Q2 2022, with gross output at $2 trillion compared to $1.9 trillion in Q2 2021.
- Differentiated growth rates are expected across industry segments in 2023.
- The nonresidential segment is likely to benefit from funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
- The residential segment may witness sluggish growth due to weakening consumer demand.
- Inflation and supply chain issues are headwinds that may affect the industry overall in 2023.
- Increased prices of steel, lumber, fuel, and skilled labor may lead to project completion delays, increased construction costs, and reduced profit margins.
- The tight labor market and exiting workforce pose challenges, particularly in meeting the demand for infrastructure projects.
- Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, and building information modeling (BIM), are being adopted to improve efficiency and project execution.
- Supply chain disruptions have led to volatile material costs and increased project costs.
- E&C companies are focusing on sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices to meet customer demands and regulatory requirements.
- The industry is preparing for changing operating environments, including supply chain challenges, inflation, rising interest rates, and labor shortages.
- Better control over leverage and credit, attention to workforce expectations and skills, increased use of digital technologies, and capitalizing on infrastructure funding are key areas of focus for E&C companies in 2023.
Engineering by the Number Statistics: ASEE Report
- The top three disciplines for bachelor’s degrees were mechanical engineering, computer science (inside engineering), and electrical engineering.
- The top three disciplines for master’s degrees were computer science (inside engineering), mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
- The top five disciplines for doctoral degrees in 2018 were mechanical engineering, electrical/computer engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science (inside engineering).
- The disciplines where women earned over 40% of bachelor’s degrees were environment engineering, biological/agricultural engineering, and biomedical engineering.
- African Americans and Hispanics earned a notable percentage of engineering technology bachelor’s degrees.
Engineering Statistics FAQs
The most popular engineering discipline in the United States is Mechanical Engineering, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Robotics engineering is currently experiencing the fastest job growth, with a projected increase of 20% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Key skills in demand for engineers include proficiency in 3D modeling and simulation and specialized skills in areas such as AI and Machine Learning. The demand for cybersecurity skills among engineers has also significantly increased.
As of 2023, approximately 13% of engineers in the U.S. are women, as reported by the Society of Women Engineers.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for engineers in the U.S. is around $94,500 as of 2023. However, this can vary greatly depending on the engineering discipline, level of experience, and location.
Engineers work in a variety of settings, including private-sector industries such as manufacturing, construction, technology, and energy. Many also work in research and development, either in academia or private sector research institutions. A smaller proportion work in government roles, helping to shape policy and regulations.
Approximately 15% of engineers go on to earn their master’s degrees, while 3% earn their doctorates, according to the National Science Foundation.
The demand for engineers in the renewable energy sector has seen significant growth, increasing by 90% between 2018 and 2023, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
According to the National Society of Professional Engineers, around 20% of engineers change their industry sector at least once during their careers.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 5% of engineers in the U.S. are self-employed, either as consultants or business owners.
Sources:
US Outlook Engineering and Construction
ASEE: Engineering by the Numbers
