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Job outlook for chief engineers in the United States
Chief engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected chief engineer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for chief engineers are projected over the next decade.
Chief engineer salaries have increased 7% for chief engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 16,610 chief engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 88,473 active chief engineer job openings in the US.
The average chief engineer salary is $108,050.
Are chief engineer jobs in demand?
Chief engineer job and salary trends over time
Chief engineer jobs over time
Chief engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16,610 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 16,111 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 16,642 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 16,303 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 15,782 | 0.00% |
Average chief engineer salary over time
Chief engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $108,050 | $51.95 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $105,977 | $50.95 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $104,706 | $50.34 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $102,921 | $49.48 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $100,895 | $48.51 | +0.7% |
Chief engineer jobs by state
Most common states for chief engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 566 | 82% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,893 | 28% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 244 | 25% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,986 | 23% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,680 | 23% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 923 | 22% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,165 | 21% |
| 8 | California | 39,536,653 | 8,094 | 20% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,239 | 20% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 256 | 19% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,011 | 18% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 113 | 18% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 180 | 17% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 505 | 16% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,067 | 15% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 523 | 15% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 149 | 14% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 82 | 14% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 263 | 13% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 93 | 13% |
Most common cities for chief engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McLean | 4 | 8% | $119,499 |
| 2 | Bethesda | 3 | 5% | $124,085 |
| 3 | Washington | 21 | 3% | $126,499 |
| 4 | Orlando | 5 | 2% | $95,006 |
| 5 | Colorado Springs | 6 | 1% | $108,443 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $95,712 |
| 7 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $107,086 |
| 8 | Tampa | 4 | 1% | $96,049 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 6 | 0% | $137,622 |
| 10 | San Jose | 5 | 0% | $160,067 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $152,029 |
| 12 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $147,829 |
| 13 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $120,516 |
| 14 | Charlotte | 3 | 0% | $86,566 |
| 15 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $101,657 |
Chief Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of chief engineer experts
San Jose State University
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Wilkes University
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Bellingham Technical College
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
University of San Diego
University of South Alabama
What general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Tzuyang Yu Ph.D.: Employee must add value to the company by improving efficiency, reducing cost, and ensuring safety. Being able to bring value to the company leads to a salary raise and a promotion.
What general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: After you proved yourself to your peers and supervisors, you can always ask your price. Otherwise, there are a lot of other companies that will meet your ask and value your abilities.
What Chief Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: Hit the ground running. If you are asked to put in 40 hours work 50 hours. Prove yourself and always take on new challenges since that is how you grow.
What general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
What Chief Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julie Brandis: The nation needs engineers across many disciplines. There isn’t one skill that is needed. Honesty and integrity (do what’s right, be honest and be dependable) Leadership - ability to meet deadlines, resolve conflict, balance competing demands, communicate in groups and influence peers, manage budgets
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Christopher Misorski FASM: My first thoughts on beginning in any field or with any company is “be a sponge” about what the company is doing and what they want you to work on. Do way more listening and observing than talking. Learn the processes used AND the pitfalls/challenges of those processes. It is highly valuable to spend many hours “watching production” to gather first-hand knowledge of what is going on. Ask questions and don’t be quick to criticize a production employees’ explanation of the problem, even if you are quite sure technically that it is not fully correct. Their explanation fits the issues they see with their learned knowledge over time. There are valuable insights there. Also, just because you graduated with a degree, that doesn’t mean your education is finished. Continue to learn by attending relevant conferences for your field, attending training classes, watching webinars, attending local professional society technical meetings and talking to other experts in the field at these meetings. There is a LOT of knowledge out there and many methods of learning more.
What will help Chief 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.
Professor Winncy Du
Professor, PhD, PE, ASME FellowSan Jose State University
Mechanical Engineering
What will help Chief Engineers increase their earning potential?
Professor Winncy Du: Be a 'star' engineer and establish track records at work. Earn new skills. Many companies offer continuous education programs through training, certificate programs, and joint degrees with universities. You can maximize your salary through joining these programs while you are working. Become a leader, such as a project manager or supervisor can boost your salary. Get recognitions, such as becoming a fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, filing patterns, having publications, receiving engineer awards. Have great communication skills and get along with people well.
What Chief 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 Chief 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 Chief 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 Chief 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 will help Chief 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 a Chief 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 Chief 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 Chief 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 Chief Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Megumi Usui: Given the rapid advancement in AI technology, its potential integration into the drafting and design field remains uncertain in terms of timing and methodology. However, if and when AI becomes a significant component of this industry, it will be crucial to find ways to collaborate effectively with AI systems to leverage their capabilities for the betterment of society. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, this collaborative approach will be essential. In this evolving landscape, proficiency in CAD skills remains indispensable. It is important to emphasize that CAD expertise extends beyond mere modeling; professionals must also ensure that their designs are sustainable and adhere to the latest industry standards. This holistic approach is critical for addressing contemporary challenges and aligning with global sustainability goals. Moreover, the significance of complementary skills such as effective communication and time management cannot be overstated. These competencies are vital for the successful execution of projects and fostering productive collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. By integrating technical proficiency with these essential soft skills, professionals can excel in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment, positioning themselves to adapt to future technological advancement.
What will help Chief 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 Chief 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 Chief 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 general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Marleen Troy Ph.D., P.E., BCEE: Plan to get your PE license. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and become proficient with a new skill or a new area of expertise. Continue to develop both your technical and leadership skills.
What Chief Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marleen Troy Ph.D., P.E., BCEE: Technical, management, leadership, and organizational skills will always be important. Becoming proficient in new areas such as AI (artificial intelligence) best practices will be needed.
What will help Chief Engineers increase their earning potential?
Marleen Troy Ph.D., P.E., BCEE: It is an exciting time to be an engineer – there are a lot of challenges as well as a lot of opportunities to make a difference. I would suggest thinking about where you want your career to be in five and ten years and determine what steps you need to get there. Join and become active in a professional society such as the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to develop your leadership skills. Plan out the steps you need to take to become a licensed professional engineer (PE). Also determine what you enjoy and how you can successfully balance your work / home-life schedule. Take advantage of every opportunity to try something new or develop a new skill, even if it is out of your comfort zone.
What general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Dr. Elizabeth Adams PhD, PE: It’s ok that you don’t know everything. Make good use of the skills you’ve built around working with others: communicating effectively, asking questions, listening, and paying attention. The first years are going to fly by, and you are going to continue to learn A LOT. Be someone people want on their team, someone that people like to work with.
What will help Chief Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth Adams PhD, PE: My personal recommendation for maximizing your salary potential is to play the long game. Focus on learning and becoming an expert in your field – find the area you enjoy working in and get really good at it. Maybe it’s bridge construction, maybe it’s electrical infrastructure, maybe it’s project management. Internships and co-op experiences during your college years are invaluable as they are excellent resume boosters and networking opportunities, and they can help you differentiate between areas you are more and less interested in.
What general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Dr. Kelvin Erickson: 1. Hone your “soft skills” by working with a volunteer organization, like Boy/Girl Scouts, church, Rotary Club, Optimists, etc., and be one of the leaders in the organization. You will learn how to work with people and motivate people that you cannot force to do something. This experience is good training for future positions in management. 2. Join a public-speaking organization, like Toastmasters, to further develop those skills. In addition, volunteer to be the speaker for an event when the opportunity arises. 3. Do not be afraid to take on new challenges and learn new skills.
What will help Chief Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelvin Erickson: a. Artificial Intelligence - The use of artificial intelligence as a tool in engineering has been around for awhile, but there have not been many successes. There is a lot more interest now, which I expect will eventually find some uses. Programming - The programming may not be in the “traditional” language sense. But, one will be faced with an occasional programming task like writing an Excel macro, or a JavaScript or Python script.
Kyle Miller
Welding Technologies instructor - Pipe TradesBellingham Technical College
Precision Metal Working
What general advice would you give to a Chief 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.
Jim Gordon
Faculty- Construction ManagementOklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
What Chief Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jim Gordon: First, always be learning, the more you know the more value you have as an employee. Show up on time ready to work and always give your best effort.
Dr. Imane Khalil
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Dean of Graduate ProgramsUniversity of San Diego
Mechanical Engineering
What will help Chief Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Imane Khalil: It's important not to limit yourself in terms of the type of work or the product you want to be involved in creating at the start of your career. Any engineering job is fine to start your career. You may not yet have the experience to know your preferences. Instead, seek out opportunities for rotational positions that expose you to different stages of product creation, from design to analysis, development, testing, and manufacturing. All products go through the same cycle (design, analysis, development, testing, and at the end manufacturing). Explore and see what you enjoy doing.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Edmund Spencer: Involvement in lots of different projects while in school to increase the number of bullet points in the resume.
What Chief Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.
What general advice would you give to a Chief Engineer?
Daniel Armentrout: The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.