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Job outlook for contractor, manufacturing engineers in the United States
Contractor, manufacturing engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected contractor, manufacturing engineer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 30,600 new jobs for contractor, manufacturing engineers are projected over the next decade.
Contractor, manufacturing engineer salaries have increased 6% for contractor, manufacturing engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 123,169 contractor, manufacturing engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 52,676 active contractor, manufacturing engineer job openings in the US.
The average contractor, manufacturing engineer salary is $88,040.
Are contractor, manufacturing engineer jobs in demand?
Contractor, manufacturing engineer job and salary trends over time
Contractor, manufacturing engineer jobs over time
Contractor, manufacturing engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 123,169 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 123,694 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 123,936 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 116,369 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 108,419 | 0.03% |
Average contractor, manufacturing engineer salary over time
Contractor, manufacturing engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $88,040 | $42.33 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $87,119 | $41.88 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $86,149 | $41.42 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $85,001 | $40.87 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $83,447 | $40.12 | +1.0% |
Contractor, manufacturing engineer jobs by state
Most common states for contractor, manufacturing engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 182 | 26% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,505 | 22% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 264 | 20% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 976 | 18% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 639 | 15% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 144 | 15% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,443 | 14% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,395 | 14% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 776 | 14% |
| 10 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 673 | 14% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 766 | 13% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 450 | 13% |
| 13 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 98 | 13% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 84 | 13% |
| 15 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,209 | 12% |
| 16 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,021 | 12% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 872 | 12% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 831 | 12% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 117 | 11% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 61 | 11% |
Most common cities for contractor, manufacturing engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pomona | 1 | 1% | $103,399 |
| 2 | Roseville | 1 | 1% | $113,497 |
| 3 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $88,482 |
| 4 | Milwaukee | 1 | 0% | $71,589 |
| 5 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $113,909 |
| 6 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $89,611 |
Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of contractor, manufacturing engineer experts
Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
North Dakota State University
Grand Valley State University
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Wichita State University
University of California
Jerry Gintz CMfgE
Teaching ProfessorArizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: When entering a career in manufacturing engineering, consider starting as a technician to gain experience with the company before transitioning into engineering. This will allow you to build confidence and better understand the production systems you will be responsible for as an engineer.
What Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: From a manufacturing engineering perspective, the most important skills an engineer will need is the ability to understand, design, assemble, and deploy production capable systems. This includes an expertise with computer-aided engineering tools to assist in the design and verification of engineered systems before a company expends capital on the equipment.
What will help Contractor, Manufacturing Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: From a manufacturing engineering perspective, compensation is normally tied to capability so the more relevant skills a candidate has entering the workforce the higher compensation they can expect to receive. This is especially true in manufacturing given the shortage of qualified engineering talent available for hire. Additionally, consider focusing on industrial automation as a resource to aid efficient production. Manufacturing is always looking to increase efficiency and a foundational knowledge of industrial automation systems will serve you well as you build a career in manufacturing engineering.
Michael Buechler
Professor Manufacturing TechnologyWhat general advice would you give to a Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer?
Michael Buechler: I counsel my students to know their worth and know the job market. Most important is starting out in a position that challenges you and provides training for future wage and skill growth. Many graduates can get caught in a job that pays the bills but may not provide a path to the next career step. Be ambitious and seek to attain the advanced skills quickly but keep in mind the field is complex and there is a lot to learn. If you are in a high wage position but it does not provide the training or room for advancement it might not be the best career option.
What Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Buechler: Model based definition, highly technical computer skills, 5 axis & familiarity with macros is going to be the future of advanced manufacturing. It is paramount that high skill individuals START with as much set-up experience as possible. In order to command 100k + as a programmer you need to know the correct inputs and physics of the manufacturing program you are making
What will help Contractor, Manufacturing Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Buechler: I would suggest beginning career individuals maintain an open mind as to where their carrer leads, they may find interest in areas of manufacturing not previously known or explored by them. Also work especially hard early in your career and try and find an employer that gives you the best opportunity to grow professionally and learn new skills.
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorNorth Dakota State University
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Contractor, Manufacturing Engineers?
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.: An IE must be able to break down complex problems into manageable issues and provide solutions for these problems that face the world in today's complex interconnected systems. A background in statistics, design and analysis, process management, and a strong foundation in the engineering disciplines make this possible.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Diane LaFreniere: The pandemic has created an enormous opportunity for students to understand the need for adaptability, positivity, and team work. For engineering students, this translates to a broader skillset with the depth and breadth of exposure to transition to interdisciplinary engineering roles that require a strong initiative and willingness to contribute in an individual and group capacity. For employees, this will require an increased awareness and desire to improve computer-related and communication skills to adapt to a flexible or remote work schedule, as well as assume greater responsibility in diverse capacities. For employers, this translates toward revised position descriptions and career paths and recruitment strategies to seek candidates who are equipped to navigate new directions and pivot into a variety of roles within the organization. At Grand Valley State University, we emphasize the need for a strong engineering core with greater specialization for students approaching graduation. The mandatory co-op program and senior capstone experience equips the students with the technical skillset necessary for interdisciplinary engineering teamwork, along with the essential skills necessary to conduct themselves professionally and become future engineering leaders.
Jonathan Puthoff
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Chemical and Materials Engineering
What skills stand out on Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer resumes?
Jonathan Puthoff: Collaboration and communication skills. I also think that students should graduate knowing at least one field-specific software design tool or package, as well as some evidence that they can learn more on the job. Finally, workplaces are more diverse in terms of the generations, ethnicities, and genders represented than they have been at any time in the past, so students who have a wide variety of out-of-classroom experiences (and presumably make more considerate colleagues) could do well to highlight those.
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWichita State University
School of Accountancy, Barton School of Business
What experience really stands out on Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer resumes?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: Employers are looking for people who can integrate in multi-disciplinary environments to solve complex problems. They are looking for resumes that show quick learning. Such resumes will permanently be in great demand. Because the world is interconnected much more than it ever was, employees today will deal with customers, supply-chains, and fellow employees who are spread all over the world. It means that an experience that showcases the global perspective will be in demand over the long-term.
What experience really stands out on Contractor, Manufacturing Engineer resumes?
Diran Apelian: Graduates who have never had industry experience are at a disadvantage. Those who stand out have taken risks and have exposed themselves to various engineering venues through summer jobs and various internships. Theory and practice stands out.