How much does an Engineer make?

The average salary for an Engineer is $118,223 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 81916 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Engineer employees in United States.

The highest salary for an Engineer in United States is $156,326 per year.

The lowest salary for an Engineer in United States is $90,136 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Engineer or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Engineer.

Engineering salaries are high, reflecting the field’s significant barriers to entry. A bachelor’s in engineering degree is considered a minimum qualification, although many firms strongly prefer candidates with internship experience. Once hired, engineers typically work full time and are paid a salary with full benefits. Candidates with a Master of Engineering degree are typically paid higher salaries than candidates with only a bachelor’s degree. Successful engineers can earn a Professional Engineering (PE) license that indicates they are ready for more leadership responsibility, or they may choose to transition into a project manager role.

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According to Glassdoor's data, roughly 71% of engineers consider their salaries as good. Your earnings could include around $18,852.24 in extra perks and profit sharing. Higher-paid roles often require over five years of industry experience, and you could earn more if you become a principal or senior engineer.

Most engineers have a degree in mathematics, science, or engineering, but it could be worth going the extra mile to complete a master's degree. A postgraduate qualification can prepare you for leadership roles and give you the skills you need to enter in-demand specializations. Therefore, a master's degree in subjects such as mechanical and industrial engineering, systems engineering, or engineering management could help you earn a higher salary as an engineer.

Alternatively, earning certifications in your industry area can help you stand out from other candidates and add value to your company. For instance, you could consider obtaining the Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Reliability Engineer qualifications through ASQ.

If you think you've found your ideal engineer job but the salary is less than stellar, you may be able to negotiate a better compensation package. Impressing your potential employer in the interview can make it easier to negotiate later, so begin by finding out what questions other candidates were asked.

Once you've nailed the interview, it's time to talk salary. Highlighting how you can help your employer reach its goals is crucial, so be ready to give real-life examples from your previous roles. Statistical evidence is often the most compelling, so provide exact figures showing how your input reduced errors, increased productivity, or improved processes.