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Job outlook for business owner/engineers in the United States
Are business owner/engineer jobs in demand?
Business owner/engineer job and salary trends over time
Business owner/engineer jobs over time
Business owner/engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,124 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,059 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 623 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 312 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 258 | 0.00% |
Average business owner/engineer salary over time
Business owner/engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $101,830 | $48.96 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $98,474 | $47.34 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $96,245 | $46.27 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $94,368 | $45.37 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $92,236 | $44.34 | +1.5% |
Business owner/engineer jobs by state
Most common states for business owner/engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 515 | 74% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 389 | 40% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 276 | 26% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,278 | 23% |
| 5 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 671 | 22% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 161 | 22% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 407 | 21% |
| 8 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,967 | 20% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,705 | 20% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,386 | 20% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,227 | 20% |
| 12 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 170 | 20% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,262 | 17% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,148 | 17% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 518 | 16% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 467 | 16% |
| 17 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 916 | 15% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 848 | 15% |
| 19 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 449 | 15% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 91 | 15% |
Most common cities for business owner/engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 3 | 8% | $90,716 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $90,260 |
| 3 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $96,266 |
| 4 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $78,962 |
| 5 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $90,097 |
| 6 | Canton | 1 | 1% | $79,483 |
| 7 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $93,589 |
| 8 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $90,149 |
| 9 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $96,876 |
| 10 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $83,578 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $91,603 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $85,376 |
| 13 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $84,073 |
| 14 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $83,623 |
| 15 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $79,531 |
Business Owner/Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of business owner/engineer experts
Kent State University
Widener University
Seattle University
Siena College
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Christopher Newport University
Mount Saint Mary's University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
University of California, Irvine
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
University of Maryland - College Park
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Business Owner/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 Business Owner/Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What Business Owner/Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: There are two sets of skills I will highly encourage graduates to proactively start building. Firstly, business graduates need to develop higher-order skills and capabilities like knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These will help them to (a) constantly collect knowledge about emerging opportunities (and threats) in the industry, (b) mobilize themselves and their resources to bring identified opportunities into fruition, and (c) constantly renew their skills to effectively respond to the changes in the environment. Developing such knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will automatically prepare them for the different waves of skill set requirements that will keep arising in the job market. Secondly, it is no secret that we are living in the times of artificial intelligence and automation. So, in this day and age, it is extremely important that graduates learn to ride the wave of automation rather than being discouraged by it. Business graduates are set to contribute to the world with their business acumen and expertise, what they can do to complement it is to develop low-code, no-code skills. Such skills will help graduates to automate routine processes so that their time and energies can be strategically channelized towards those activities and processes that can add significant value to their organizations.
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Economics and Business AnalyticsWidener University
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a Business Owner/Engineer?
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.: There are many reasons that people like about being a business analyst, including reasons listed as follows: 1. Analytical Skills and Data Exploration: BAs often analyze data to understand trends and identify areas for improvement. Seeing a successful implementation and its positive impact can be very rewarding. 2. Problem-solving. BAs get to identify inefficiencies and propose solutions that can improve how a business operates. 3. Continuous learning. Business analysts may work on a range of projects and the field of business analysis may be constantly evolving, which required BAs to actively cultivate skills in new businesses. For example, the coming of the AI era requires BAs to master AI fundamentals and data fluency. 4. While some thrive on the problem-solving and communication aspects of a BA role, others may find them less appealing. Carefully consider your personality and preferences to see if this aligns with your career goals.
What Business Owner/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 a Business Owner/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 Business Owner/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.
What will help Business Owner/Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
What general advice would you give to a Business Owner/Engineer?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What Business Owner/Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What will help Business Owner/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 Business Owner/Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Phillip Bazzani: Conducting business operations today requires a data-driven approach to maximize shareholder value. Becoming a business analyst is crucial for informed decision-making and organizational success. Businesses face increasing complexity and competition, and strong analytical skills to stay ahead are crucial. Business analysts connect data with actionable strategies, helping companies optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and innovate products and services. By interpreting complex data and translating it into strategic insights, business analysts help organizations identify growth opportunities, mitigate risks, and improve efficiency. With the business environment being highly data-driven, the demand for skilled business analysts is rising, making this career essential for the growth and competitiveness of modern enterprises. The Luter School prepares students rigorously for this role.
Peter Antoniou MIBA, DBA
Business & Management ProfessorMount Saint Mary's University
International Business
What Business Owner/Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Peter Antoniou MIBA, DBA: We are operating in One Global environment! There is ONe global demand and One Global supply. You just happen to be located in one geographical area in the world. Look at Any product and follow its supply chain and one can easily realize that the majority of the components are manufactured or sources overseas. The same applies for services! One can engineer, design, provide support services to anyone in the world. Time difference is an advantage because you can do work when others are sleeping!
What general advice would you give to a Business Owner/Engineer?
Oliver Keys Jr: The power of mentorships and networking early in your career will be beneficial in the long run. Also, understanding that professional skills can be half the battle. Showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and communicating effectively can be challenging for some students. Internships and externships are great for students to get technical and professional experience.
What general advice would you give to a Business Owner/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 Business Owner/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 will help Business Owner/Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to a Business Owner/Engineer?
Michael Lee: Happy to comment on a draft of your article.
What general advice would you give to a Business Owner/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 Business Owner/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.
What Business Owner/Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Kim Jovanovich P.E.: Attached please see the responses to your interview questions. I hope this sheds some light on the questions you asked!
What will help Business Owner/Engineers increase their earning potential?
Joseph Taylor: The role of a Business Analyst can vary greatly from company to company, and even from department to department, so it is very important to look at the details of a particular position that you are applying for. One common factor from all Business Analyst is that they are generally expected to make sense of data, and to be effective communicators that can apply insights to real-world problems.
What will help Business Owner/Engineers increase their earning potential?
Todd Allen: -work hard to develop professional networks
- get the details right
- the way you present is as important as your technical knowledge
What general advice would you give to a Business Owner/Engineer?
John Bono: Maximizing salary potential when starting a new career involves pre-job offer and post-job acceptance preparation. Researching target companies and job markets, knowing one's value, and negotiating a deserved salary are important. Having the necessary education, certifications, and skills is crucial. Continuous investment in self-improvement through additional education, certifications, and new skills enhances an employee's value to the organization, increasing salary potential. It is essential to consider factors beyond salary, such as benefits, organizational culture, and work-life balance when making career decisions.
What Business Owner/Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Bono: The skills that will become more important and prevalent in the business field in the next 3-5 years fall under two categories: technical and non-technical. Technical fluency in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cloud computing, internet of things, augmented/virtual reality, and quantum computing will be crucial. Data fluency will also rise in importance, focusing on effective communication using data. Non-technical skills such as adaptability, flexibility, teamwork, and collaboration will continue to be critical in the evolving business landscape.