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Job outlook for associate project engineers in the United States
Associate project engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected associate project engineer job growth rate is 14% from 2018-2028.
About 3,700 new jobs for associate project engineers are projected over the next decade.
Associate project engineer salaries have increased 10% for associate project engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 8,732 associate project engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 91,862 active associate project engineer job openings in the US.
The average associate project engineer salary is $81,795.
Are associate project engineer jobs in demand?
Associate project engineer job and salary trends over time
Associate project engineer jobs over time
Associate project engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,732 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,238 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,838 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 9,860 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,627 | 0.00% |
Average associate project engineer salary over time
Associate project engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $81,795 | $39.32 | --0.2% |
| 2024 | $81,969 | $39.41 | +3.7% |
| 2023 | $79,060 | $38.01 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $76,988 | $37.01 | +3.9% |
| 2021 | $74,109 | $35.63 | +1.0% |
Associate project engineer jobs by state
Most common states for associate project engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 372 | 54% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,760 | 32% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 418 | 31% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 183 | 29% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 204 | 27% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,618 | 24% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 447 | 23% |
| 8 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,264 | 22% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 683 | 22% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 383 | 22% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,377 | 21% |
| 12 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 624 | 21% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 203 | 21% |
| 14 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,959 | 20% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 408 | 20% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,379 | 19% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,584 | 19% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,375 | 19% |
| 19 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 920 | 19% |
| 20 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,231 | 18% |
Most common cities for associate project engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edwardsville | 1 | 4% | $76,660 |
| 2 | Redmond | 2 | 3% | $81,064 |
| 3 | DeKalb | 1 | 2% | $77,832 |
| 4 | North Highlands | 1 | 2% | $94,272 |
| 5 | Anaheim | 3 | 1% | $85,577 |
| 6 | Carmel | 1 | 1% | $74,002 |
| 7 | Framingham | 1 | 1% | $84,285 |
| 8 | Lakeland | 1 | 1% | $65,345 |
| 9 | Livermore | 1 | 1% | $94,015 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $85,890 |
| 11 | Tulsa | 2 | 0% | $93,104 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $74,400 |
| 13 | Fresno | 1 | 0% | $91,967 |
Associate Project Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of associate project engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Bellingham Technical College
University of New Mexico
San Jose State University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
The University of Texas at Arlington
University of Alabama at Huntsville
Weber State University
Manhattan College
Pennsylvania State University
University of Michigan
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What Associate Project Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to an Associate Project Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Associate Project Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Project Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: My advice to recent graduates is to be open to non-conventional roles. Taking on responsibilities beyond one’s official discipline provides broader value to employers. Many students that graduate with degrees in mechanical engineering (or similar disciplines) find great success by stepping outside of their expected job title. Sometimes exploring roles with titles like “analyst” or “manager” or “designer” can provide interesting opportunities to apply one’s engineering skillset in an alternate context. The real strength of your degree is the transferable skillset that you developed along your educational journey. Keep your options open!
What Associate Project Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Project Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
Kyle Miller
Welding Technologies instructor - Pipe TradesBellingham Technical College
Precision Metal Working
What general advice would you give to an Associate Project Engineer?
Kyle Miller: The advice I feel the most compelled to offer, based on personal experience, is to embrace the first few years in the field as a nebulous growth period. There is often a rush for graduates to 'realize their identity' in the field, at the risk of narrowing their potential in the trades. The first year or two is a great time to shake every hand and make every acquaintance possible. A lot of those interactions can help guide a trades-person along a pathway they didn't realize was possible upon their first steps into the working world.
What will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jamie Gomez: Chemical engineers thrive on tackling complex problems and embracing diverse projects, which offer ample opportunities for innovation and career growth. Their work profoundly impacts society, particularly in advancing sustainable technologies. However, the profession can be demanding, with high workloads, regulatory hurdles, and safety challenges. Ethical considerations must also be carefully balanced with industrial growth. Senior chemical engineering students transitioning from capstone design projects often find the experience stressful but invaluable. These projects mirror real-world engineering scenarios and equip them with practical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. Additionally, they gain an understanding of the economic aspects of engineering projects, learning to assess cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility. These competencies are crucial for career success, offering versatility and a wide range of professional opportunities.
What Associate Project Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
J. Richard Elliott Professor Emeritus: It’s always a good time to major in CHE because the broad background makes it feasible to pivot into whatever field is in demand when you expect to graduate.
What Associate Project Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Lew: Chemical engineering is a multidisciplinary, technology-driven field that offers a broad set of skills and knowledge. Graduates have many career opportunities to choose from in various industries. The profession is dynamic, well-compensated, and allows for success and growth.
What will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Lew: People like the broad range of career opportunities, the ability to address complex challenges, and the potential for success and growth in various fields. Dislikes may include the complexity of the field and the varied responsibilities that require a unique way of thinking and problem-solving.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
What will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
Mike DeVore Ph.D.
Professor & Program ChairCincinnati State Technical & Community College
Mechanical Engineering Technology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Associate Project Engineers?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: -Computer-Aided Design
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes
-A good mathematics foundation
-Technical communication
-Problem solving
What general advice would you give to an Associate Project Engineer?
Bijan Shapoorian: In most Construction Management programs, Internship courses prepares the students for the job market and the industry. Those CM students who have obtained a degree in CM but lack work experience are recommended to search for internship opportunities if finding employment becomes a challenge. Students are advised to be flexible and willing to relocate to geographical areas with higher demand for this profession.
Michael Anderson
Department chairUniversity of Alabama at Huntsville
Department of civil and environmental engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Associate Project Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Michael Anderson: The biggest trend is employers want motivated employees. Given the pandemic and the inability to work in typical office settings, employers need employees that have the self-motivation to work remotely.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Associate Project Engineers?
Michael Anderson: Obviously the Fundamental of Engineering Exam is vital. Senior Design course and the role of the individual is important. During an interview the ability to speak to your contribution on the project, both technical and management is key to impressing a potential employer.
What will help Associate Project Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: Getting a master's degree goes a long way to making candidates stand out and improving earnings. My recommendation is to tailor your MS degree to the specific field you're interested in working in, because employers really want to see candidates that are passionate about the field, and very few people survive a graduate degree without at least a little passion. Available salary data indicates that if you choose an affordable program (let's just say Weber State University), it takes only a few years to pay off the added cost, increases starting salaries, and dramatically improves long-term earning potential. Moreover, you can find electrical engineers with MBAs at C-level positions all over the country. It turns out being an EE makes you a good candidate for business leadership.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Project Engineer?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: The most important skills revolve around computer literacy. Know how to code. Know how to use industry standard software packages... and don't think that if you don't know a particular language or software that it will automatically exclude you from a new position. Engineers should love to learn how to do new things, and switching from one software to another is not a difficult thing. There is a learning curve, but knowing how to interpret results (and to detect garbage in - garbage out situations) is much more important. And find how to incorporate AI into your work. If used smartly and ethically, AI can be a great labor-saving tool. However, know that AI isn't foolproof, and again, be able to properly interpret results from an AI engine to avoid costly mistakes.
What's a good job out of college for Associate Project Engineers?
Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.: Any job when you are getting out of college is a good job. Government, consulting, small organization, large organization-each of these provide valuable experience for the engineer just starting out in a career. There is something to be learned from each of these fundamentally different kinds of experiences. In government service, you get great exposure to the regulatory side of the field. In consulting, you get to experience the business aspects of engineering and client relations. In a big organization, you get to bore down and develop some very specific expertise in a technical area. In a small firm, you get to do a little bit of everything.
Brian Denton Ph.D.
Professor and Department ChairUniversity of Michigan
Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering
What soft skills should all Associate Project Engineers possess?
Brian Denton Ph.D.: Communications, both written and verbal, are always important. So is leadership training, teamwork, and resilience. We expose our students to all of these topics, often referring to them as "essential skills" to make it clear how important they are.