Comprehensive Analysis of US Engineer Salaries: 2025 Latest Trends and Outlook

Chase Na

25 May 2025 — 9 min read

With recent changes in the technology industry, the salaries and prospects of engineering positions continue to evolve.

In particular, salary levels for engineers in the United States show significant differences based on specialization, region, education level, and experience.

This article provides a comprehensive look at US engineers' salary trends and outlook based on the latest 2025 data.

1. US Engineer Salary Overview: Continued Upward Trend

https://spectrum.ieee.org/ieee-usa-2024-salary-survey

U.S. Engineers' Salaries Up in 2023 IEEE-USA's annual survey shows base salaries climbed by 5 percent

According to IEEE-USA's 2024 Salary and Benefits Survey Report, US engineers' base salaries increased by approximately 5% between 2022 and 2023. This is a different trend from last year when inflation outpaced wage growth.

The current median income for US engineers and technical professionals (IEEE members) is $174,161, excluding overtime pay, profit sharing, and other supplemental income, up from $169,000 in 2022.

Additionally, the unemployment rate decreased from 1.4% the previous year to 1.2%, showing increased stability in engineering professions. These figures reflect the continued growth of the technology industry and high demand for skilled engineers.

2. Salary Comparison by Engineering Field

Engineering fields show notable salary differences based on specialization. Based on IEEE surveys and the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here's the salary status by field:

Source: IEEE Spectrum, Kathy Pretz

2.1 Traditional Engineering Fields

Circuits and Devices Engineer: $196,614 (highest salary based on IEEE data)
Telecommunications: $190,000 (IEEE)
Chemical Engineer: $121,860 (BLS, May 2024)
Electronics Engineer: $127,590 (BLS, May 2024)
Electrical Engineer: $111,910 (BLS, May 2024)
Mechanical Engineer: $102,320 (BLS) ~ $110,080 (Michigan Tech data)
Civil Engineer: $124,000 (2023 ASCE data)
Energy and Power Engineering: $155,000 (lowest salary based on IEEE data)

2.2 Computer and Software Fields

Computer/Software Technology: $181,000 (IEEE)
Software Developer: $133,080 (BLS, May 2024)
Software Engineer: $105,071 (BLS, Comparably data) ~ $161,000 (2025 Coursera data)

2.3 Specialized Field Salaries

According to IEEE data, certain specialized sub-fields record higher salaries:

Broadcasting Technology: $226,000
Image/Video: $219,015
Hardware Design or Hardware Support: $215,000

2.4 Overall Engineering Field Comparison

The annual median wage for all architecture and engineering occupations is $97,310 (BLS, May 2024), more than double the median wage for all occupations at $48,060. This shows that engineering remains a high-paying profession.

3. Salary Differences by Education Level

According to the IEEE survey, education level significantly impacts engineers' salaries:

PhD holders: $193,636 (median income)
Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering: $182,500
Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering: $159,000

These figures show that higher education directly impacts engineers' salary increases. The salary difference between PhD holders and bachelor's degree holders is approximately $34,636, suggesting that investment in additional education can bring significant long-term earned income.

4. Regional Salary Disparities

Even within the United States, engineer salaries show considerable differences by region. According to IEEE data:

Western region (Region 6) recorded approximately $48,500 higher income than the central region (Region 4).
Highest earners reside in California, Maryland, and Oregon.
Lowest earners reside in Arkansas, Nebraska, and South Carolina.

These regional wage gaps are mainly due to differences in cost of living and concentration of the technology industry. California, where Silicon Valley is located, offers high salaries but requires consideration of correspondingly high living costs. The report points out that the western region's cost of living is considerably higher than other regions.

Therefore, for companies that allow full remote work, some people receive California salaries while living in Nebraska. Even if companies pressure that full remote work has constraints on promotions or bonuses, they live more affluently because living costs are much cheaper.

5. Salary Gaps by Gender and Race

IEEE data shows that salary gaps by gender and race still exist in the engineering field, with some areas showing expanding gaps.

Source: IEEE Spectrum, Kathy Pretz

5.1 Gender Gap

The salary gap between women and men has widened. Even considering experience levels, women earn $30,515 less than their male counterparts, an increase from the previous year.

5.2 Racial Disparities

Median income differences by race are also distinct:

Asian/Pacific Islander: $178,500 (highest salary)
White: $176,500
Hispanic: $152,178
African American: $150,000
Native American/Alaska Native: $148,000

The gap between Black engineers and average salary increased by $3,500 more than the previous year's report. This suggests the need for continued diversity and inclusion improvements in the engineering field.

Among respondents, Asians and Pacific Islanders comprise the largest minority group at 14.4%, followed by Hispanics at 5%, African Americans at 2.6%, and Native Americans/Alaska Natives at 0.9%.

6. Academic Engineers' Salary Structure

Engineers working in academia generally receive lower salaries than those in industry:

Full Professor: $190,000
Associate Professor: $118,000
Assistant Professor: $104,500

Among surveyed academic professionals, about 38% are full professors, 16.6% are associate professors, and 11.6% are assistant professors. About 10% hold non-teaching research positions. Nearly half (46.8%) of respondents have tenure, with 10.7% on tenure track.

7. US Engineer Employment Growth Outlook

According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, most engineering fields are expected to show faster-than-average growth over the next 10 years:

Software Developers: 17% growth 2023-2033 (much faster than average)
Mechanical Engineers: 11% growth 2023-2033 (much faster than average)
Chemical Engineers: 10% growth 2023-2033 (much faster than average)
Electrical and Electronics Engineers: 9% growth 2023-2033 (much faster than average)
Civil Engineers: 6% growth through 2033

The overall architecture and engineering occupation group is expected to grow faster than average from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 195,000 jobs created annually. This growth is expected to be driven by factors such as infrastructure improvements, renewable energy, and advances in AI and automation technologies.

8. Field-Specific Detailed Analysis and Outlook

8.1 Software and Computer Engineering

Software development and computer engineering is one of the fastest-growing engineering fields. The projected 17% growth rate and high median wages show this field remains an attractive career path.

Demand is particularly increasing for specialists in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Software engineers' average salaries range from $105,071 to $161,000 depending on data sources, but all sources confirm this is a high-paying field.

8.2 Circuits and Devices Engineering

Circuits and devices engineering recorded the highest median income ($196,614) based on IEEE data. This field is expected to continue maintaining high demand due to advances in 5G and 6G communications, IoT devices, and semiconductor technology.

Broadcasting technology specialists ($226,000) and hardware design specialists ($215,000) receive the highest salaries, showing the high value of expertise in these specialized areas.

8.3 Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Mechanical engineering is expected to grow 11% while civil engineering is expected to grow 6%. Both fields are expected to have stable demand due to US infrastructure improvement plans and increased sustainable construction projects.

Civil engineers' median base salary is $124,000 (ASCE data), higher than mechanical engineers' median wages ($102,320~$110,080). However, mechanical engineering's faster growth rate suggests this gap may narrow in the future.

8.4 Chemical and Energy Engineering

Chemical engineering is expected to grow 10%, with demand expected to increase due to advances in sustainable energy solutions, biotechnology, and environmental engineering.

Energy and power engineering recorded the lowest salary ($155,000) based on IEEE data, but this is still considerably higher than the overall occupation average. This field's outlook is expected to brighten as investment in renewable energy transition and power grid modernization increases.

9. Job Satisfaction and Industry Trends

According to the IEEE report, overall job satisfaction reached its highest level in the past 10 years. Engineers feel their work is technically challenging and makes meaningful contributions to their companies.

However, satisfaction with promotion opportunities and current compensation levels was relatively low. This suggests companies need to improve career development opportunities and compensation packages to attract and retain talented engineers.

10. Key Takeaways

10.1 Importance of Educational Investment

Data shows that higher education directly impacts salary increases. The significant salary difference between PhD holders ($193,636) and bachelor's degree holders ($159,000) suggests that investment in additional education can bring long-term financial benefits.

However, when deciding on educational investment, both the cost of degree acquisition and potential salary increases should be considered. Particularly in some fields like software development, practical experience and certifications can be as valuable as degrees.

10.2 Strategic Approach to Regional Selection

The $48,500 salary difference between western (Region 6) and central (Region 4) regions shows that regional choice plays an important role in engineers' financial futures. However, regions offering high salaries often come with high living costs.

Engineers can consider strategies combining high salaries with low living costs by leveraging remote work options. For example, working for California-based companies while living in low-cost areas like Nebraska.

10.3 Focus on Growing Specialized Fields

Specialized fields like broadcasting technology ($226,000), image/video ($219,015), and hardware design ($215,000) offer much higher salaries than average. Career development in these specialized areas can bring significant financial benefits.

Additionally, emerging technology fields like AI, machine learning, robotics, and renewable energy have high growth rates and salary potential. Developing expertise in these areas can contribute to long-term job stability and financial success.

10.4 Industry vs. Academic Career Paths

Engineering careers in academia generally offer lower salaries than industry. While full professors ($190,000) earn salaries close to industry averages, assistant professors ($104,500) and associate professors ($118,000) receive considerably lower salaries.

However, academia can offer other benefits like research freedom, flexible schedules, and tenure. Engineers should carefully consider paths between academia and industry based on career goals and lifestyle preferences.

11. Industry-Specific Engineer Demand and Outlook

11.1 Semiconductor and Electronics Industry

Due to global semiconductor shortages and US efforts to expand chip production, engineer demand in this field is significantly increasing. High salaries for circuits and devices engineers and electronics engineers reflect these industry trends.

Government initiatives like the CHIPS Act are increasing investment to strengthen US semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, expected to further increase demand for related engineering fields.

11.2 Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology

Climate change mitigation efforts and clean energy transition are increasing engineer demand in renewable energy fields. Demand for specialists in solar, wind, hydrogen energy, and energy storage technologies is expected to continue growing.

Current salaries in energy and power engineering ($155,000) are relatively low but may rise with industry growth.

11.3 AI and Automation

AI and automation technology advances are creating engineer demand across almost all industries. Software developers' 17% growth outlook reflects this trend.

Engineers with expertise in AI system design, machine learning model development, and robotics can expect high demand and salaries.

11.4 Infrastructure and Smart Cities

US efforts to improve aging infrastructure are increasing demand for civil engineers (6% growth) and related fields. Smart city initiatives are also creating new demand for engineers with hybrid skills combining traditional infrastructure knowledge with advanced technology capabilities.

12. Diversity and Inclusion Issues: Challenges for Closing Gaps

12.1 Gender Pay Gap

The fact that female engineers earn $30,515 less than males even considering experience levels suggests a serious industry-wide problem. More concerning is that this gap has widened from the previous year.

Companies and industry leaders need to implement programs and policies to address potential bias in hiring, promotion, and salary decision processes. Expanding mentoring programs and career development opportunities for female engineers is also important.

12.2 Racial Diversity and Pay Gaps

The $30,500 salary gap between Asian and Pacific Islander engineers ($178,500) and Native American/Alaska Native engineers ($148,000) shows racial inequality within the industry.

While Asians and Pacific Islanders comprise the largest minority group at 14.4%, the proportions of Hispanics (5%), African Americans (2.6%), and Native Americans/Alaska Natives (0.9%) are very low. This suggests the need for continued efforts toward broader racial representation in engineering.

13. Technical Competency and Job Security

13.1 Importance of Continuous Learning

Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, continuous learning and skill improvement are essential for engineers' job security and salary potential. Maintaining knowledge of new programming languages, design tools, and technology platforms is important.

13.2 Value of Soft Skills

Along with technical expertise, soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving play important roles in engineers' promotions and salary increases. These skills are especially essential for engineers moving into management positions.

Conclusion

US engineering professions overall maintain strong growth prospects and high salary levels. The 5% salary increase and low 1.2% unemployment rate show the healthy state of this field.

Future engineers should develop income strategies through continuous education and skill improvement, specialization development in growing fields, and strategic regional selection.

The engineering profession continues to offer excellent opportunities for those willing to invest in their skills and adapt to changing technology landscapes. Success in this field requires not only technical competency but also strategic career planning and continuous professional development.