Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Comprehensive guide to all disciplines, experience levels, and industries
BLS Median (All Engineers)
How Much Do Engineers Earn in 2025?
Engineers are highly skilled professionals who apply scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and maintain systems, structures, products, and processes across virtually every industry. From designing bridges and buildings to creating software systems and spacecraft, engineering encompasses one of the broadest and most impactful career fields.
2025 engineering salaries vary dramatically by discipline: the overall median sits around $91,420, but actual salaries range from approximately $54,000 (environmental engineering technicians) to $165,370 (engineering management). The choice of specialization matters enormously.
The top-paying engineering disciplines include: Petroleum Engineering ($135,690), Computer/Software Engineering ($140,830 average), Aerospace Engineering ($127,090–$130,720), Nuclear Engineering ($125,460), and Engineering Management ($163,310–$165,370). Engineering is one of the highest-paying fields for bachelor's degree holders, with strong growth projected—approximately 195,000 new jobs from 2023–2033. Many engineering roles consistently rank among jobs that pay $100K+. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
Overall Engineering Salary Statistics
Before diving into specific disciplines, here's the big picture for engineering compensation in 2025:
| Metric (USA 2025) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| BLS median (all engineers) | $91,420 |
| Average across sources | $125,361 |
| Average hourly rate | $63.44/hour |
| Range (lowest to highest disciplines) | $54,000–$188,910 |
| Average monthly salary | $7,125 |
For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Engineers earn significantly above average—even entry-level engineers typically out-earn the national median.
Salary by Engineering Discipline: Comprehensive Breakdown
Engineering discipline is the single biggest factor in compensation. The difference between the highest and lowest-paying specializations can exceed $100,000 annually.
Top-Paying Engineering Disciplines
| Discipline | Average/Median Salary | Job Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Management | $163,310–$165,370 | Strong |
| Computer Engineering | $140,830 | Very Strong |
| Petroleum Engineering | $135,690 | 2% (slower) |
| IT Engineering | $132,930 | Very Strong |
| Aerospace Engineering | $127,090–$130,720 | 6% |
| Nuclear Engineering | $125,460 | -1% |
| Chemical Engineering | $112,100–$117,820 | 10% |
| Electrical Engineering | $106,950–$114,050 | 9% |
Mid-Range Engineering Disciplines
| Discipline | Average/Median Salary | Job Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Management | $112,790 | Moderate |
| Mechanical Engineering | $100,820–$111,280 | 11% |
| Materials Science & Engineering | $105,420 | Moderate |
| Environmental Engineering | $100,090–$101,670 | Moderate |
| Industrial Engineering | $98,560 | 10% |
| Civil Engineering | $95,890–$97,380 | 6% |
| Agricultural Engineering | $88,750 | 8% |
Entry-Level and Technician Roles
| Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technicians | $72,800 |
| Mechatronics Technicians | $65,080 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technicians | $64,020 |
| Industrial Engineering Technicians | $62,610 |
| Environmental Engineering Technicians | $54,000 |
Why Such Wide Variation?
Market demand: Computer and software engineering salaries reflect intense tech industry competition for talent.
Specialized knowledge: Petroleum and nuclear engineering require highly specialized expertise with limited workforce.
Industry economics: Oil/gas and tech generate high margins, enabling premium compensation.
Risk factors: Some disciplines involve hazardous environments or high-stakes projects that command premiums.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives significant salary growth in engineering—typically 60%+ from entry to senior levels.
| Experience | Mechanical | Software | Electrical | Civil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 years) | $55K–$65K | $60K–$80K | $60K–$75K | $55K–$70K |
| Early career (3–5 years) | $70K–$85K | $90K–$110K | $80K–$95K | $70K–$85K |
| Mid-career (5–10 years) | $90K–$100K | $110K–$140K | $95K–$115K | $85K–$105K |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $100K+ | $150K+ | $120K+ | $105K+ |
| Senior/Principal | $120K–$150K | $180K–$250K+ | $140K–$180K | $120K–$150K |
Career Progression Impact
Entry-level engineers typically earn 40–60% less than their experienced counterparts. The progression path—engineer → senior engineer → lead/principal engineer → engineering manager—brings both technical advancement and compensation growth.
Salary by Industry
Industry and employer type significantly impact engineering compensation. The same engineering skills command different prices depending on sector.
| Industry/Sector | Average Engineer Salary |
|---|---|
| Tech companies (FAANG/Big Tech) | $120,000–$200,000+ (software/computer) |
| Professional/scientific services | $103,440 |
| Computer/electronics manufacturing | $101,250 |
| Machinery manufacturing | $95,640 |
| Automotive (Ford, GM, Tesla) | $85,000–$130,000 (mechanical) |
| Aerospace/Defense | $95,000–$140,000 |
| Oil & Gas | $100,000–$180,000 (petroleum) |
| Government/Public sector | $75,000–$110,000 |
Tech Industry Premium
Software and computer engineers at major tech companies (Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft) often earn $150,000–$250,000+ in total compensation when including stock awards. This tech premium explains why software engineering has become one of the most sought-after specializations.
Salary by State and Location
Geographic location significantly impacts engineering compensation, though remote work is changing this dynamic.
Highest-Paying Areas
San Francisco Bay Area: Software engineers average $150,000–$200,000+ (tech industry concentration)
Seattle: Strong for software, aerospace—averages 20–30% above national
New York: Leads for overall engineering salaries across disciplines
Boston: Strong biotech and tech sectors drive premiums
Washington State: Highest state average (driven by tech sector)
Highest-Paying States
Washington, California, New York, Massachusetts, and Texas typically offer the highest engineering salaries. However, cost of living varies dramatically—a $120,000 salary in San Francisco may provide less purchasing power than $90,000 in Texas or North Carolina.
Remote Work Impact
Remote engineering roles—especially in software—increasingly offer national or location-adjusted salaries. Engineers can access higher pay scales without relocating to expensive metros, though some companies adjust compensation based on location.
Mechanical vs. Software Engineer Salary Comparison
These two popular disciplines illustrate the variation within engineering. Software engineers generally earn 15–30% more throughout their careers.
| Experience Level | Mechanical Engineer | Software Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | ~$65,000 | ~$80,000 | +$15K for software |
| Mid-career | ~$90,000 | ~$110,000 | +$20K for software |
| Senior | $100,000+ | $150,000+ | +$50K+ for software |
| Principal/Staff | $130,000–$150,000 | $200,000–$300,000+ | +$70K–$150K for software |
Why the Gap?
Tech industry demand: Software skills are in high demand across every industry, not just tech companies.
Scalability: Software products can scale infinitely at minimal marginal cost, creating high-margin businesses that can afford premium talent.
Supply constraints: Despite many graduates, demand for experienced software engineers consistently exceeds supply.
Equity compensation: Tech companies offer significant stock awards that mechanical engineering employers typically don't.
Choosing Between Them
Salary shouldn't be the only factor. Mechanical engineers build physical products and systems—cars, aircraft, medical devices. Software engineers build digital systems and applications. Both offer rewarding careers; choose based on what type of problem-solving excites you.
What Engineers Do: Role Overview
Understanding what engineers actually do helps contextualize compensation differences.
Core Engineering Functions
Engineers across all disciplines: design systems, products, and structures, solve technical and scientific problems, conduct research, testing, and analysis, oversee projects from concept to completion, ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, optimize processes and reduce costs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Work Environments
Offices: Design work, analysis, project management (most common)
Labs: Research, testing, prototyping
Manufacturing: Production engineering, quality control
Construction sites: Civil, structural, construction engineering
Remote/Hybrid: Increasingly common for software, systems, design engineers
Education Requirements
Most engineering positions require a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some specialized roles (nuclear, some aerospace) may prefer or require master's degrees. The PE (Professional Engineer) license is required for certain civil and structural engineering roles, particularly those involving public safety.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Engineering offers strong employment prospects with clear advancement paths.
Employment Outlook
BLS projects approximately 195,000 new engineering jobs from 2023–2033. Strongest growth areas include: Mechanical Engineering (11% growth), Chemical Engineering (10%), Industrial Engineering (10%), and Electrical Engineering (9%).
Declining Areas
Nuclear Engineering (-1%) faces declining demand as existing plants age and new construction remains limited. However, nuclear engineers who do find positions earn excellent salaries ($125,460 average).
Career Progression
Typical engineering career path: Engineer → Senior Engineer → Lead/Principal Engineer → Engineering Manager → Director of Engineering → VP of Engineering → CTO
Engineers can also move into technical specialist tracks (remaining individual contributors with increasing expertise and pay) or transition to business roles (product management, consulting, entrepreneurship).
Emerging Opportunities
Fastest-growing specializations include: AI/Machine Learning engineering, renewable energy engineering, robotics and automation, semiconductor design, and biomedical engineering. These areas command premium salaries due to strong demand and limited talent supply.
How to Increase Your Engineering Salary
Several strategies can significantly boost engineering compensation.
Choose High-Paying Disciplines
Petroleum ($135,690), computer ($140,830), aerospace ($127,090), and nuclear ($125,460) engineering pay the most. If you're early in your career or considering a switch, discipline choice matters enormously.
Earn Advanced Degrees
Master's degrees or MBAs open doors to management and specialized technical roles. Engineering management positions ($163,000–$165,000) typically require advanced education or extensive experience.
Gain PE License
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is required for some civil and structural roles and adds credibility (and pay) in others. The licensing process requires passing FE and PE exams plus experience under a licensed PE.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
AI/ML, robotics, renewable energy, and semiconductor design command premium salaries. Continuous learning in emerging technologies keeps skills valuable.
Work for High-Paying Employers
Tech companies, aerospace/defense contractors, and oil/gas companies pay premiums. A software engineer at Google might earn 2x what the same engineer earns at a small company.
Relocate to High-Paying Markets
NYC, San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston offer 20–40% above national averages—though cost of living is correspondingly higher.
Move Into Management
Engineering managers earn $163,000–$165,000 on average. Leadership skills combined with technical expertise command top compensation.
Negotiate Effectively
Know your market value and negotiate based on data. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average engineer salary in 2025?
The BLS median for all engineers is $91,420. However, averages vary dramatically by discipline: from $54,000 (environmental technicians) to $165,370 (engineering management). Computer engineers average $140,830, petroleum engineers $135,690, and mechanical engineers $100,820–$111,280.
Which engineering discipline pays the most?
Engineering management pays highest ($163,310–$165,370), followed by computer engineering ($140,830), petroleum engineering ($135,690), IT engineering ($132,930), aerospace engineering ($127,090–$130,720), and nuclear engineering ($125,460).
How much do entry-level engineers make?
Entry-level engineering salaries range from $55,000–$80,000 depending on discipline. Software engineers start around $60,000–$80,000, mechanical engineers around $55,000–$65,000, and electrical engineers around $60,000–$75,000.
Do software engineers make more than mechanical engineers?
Yes, software engineers generally earn 15–30% more throughout their careers. Entry-level: software ~$80K vs. mechanical ~$65K. Senior level: software $150K+ vs. mechanical $100K+. The gap widens significantly at senior levels due to tech industry compensation practices.
What is the highest-paying engineering job?
Engineering management ($163,310–$165,370) pays highest among engineering roles. For individual contributor positions, computer engineering ($140,830) and petroleum engineering ($135,690) lead. However, senior software engineers at major tech companies can earn $200,000–$300,000+ including stock.
Is engineering a good career in 2025?
Yes. Engineering offers: well-above-average compensation ($91,420+ median), strong job growth (195,000 new jobs projected 2023–2033), diverse specialization options, clear advancement paths, and intellectually challenging work. Trade-offs include demanding education requirements, some disciplines with slower growth, and geographic concentration of certain opportunities.