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Job outlook for engineering aides in the United States
Engineering aide job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected engineering aide job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 2,100 new jobs for engineering aides are projected over the next decade.
Engineering aide salaries have increased 5% for engineering aides in the last 5 years.
There are over 69,514 engineering aides currently employed in the United States.
There are 93,789 active engineering aide job openings in the US.
The average engineering aide salary is $67,852.
Are engineering aide jobs in demand?
Engineering aide job and salary trends over time
Engineering aide jobs over time
Engineering aide job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 69,514 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 70,881 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 73,640 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 76,958 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 76,208 | 0.02% |
Average engineering aide salary over time
Engineering aide salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $67,852 | $32.62 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $66,458 | $31.95 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $65,456 | $31.47 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $64,451 | $30.99 | --0.2% |
| 2021 | $64,555 | $31.04 | +1.7% |
Engineering aide jobs by state
Most common states for engineering aides
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 236 | 34% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 280 | 27% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 196 | 26% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 191 | 26% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 238 | 25% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 135 | 23% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,475 | 22% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 415 | 22% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 191 | 22% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 287 | 21% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,321 | 20% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 849 | 20% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 635 | 20% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 275 | 20% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,078 | 19% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 567 | 19% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 319 | 19% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,298 | 18% |
| 19 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,426 | 17% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 531 | 17% |
Most common cities for engineering aides
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ottumwa | 1 | 4% | $63,695 |
| 2 | Chelmsford | 1 | 3% | $68,300 |
| 3 | Peoria | 2 | 2% | $64,191 |
| 4 | Littleton | 1 | 2% | $54,069 |
| 5 | Huntsville | 2 | 1% | $56,131 |
| 6 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $57,363 |
| 7 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $68,507 |
| 8 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $72,134 |
| 9 | Longmont | 1 | 1% | $54,187 |
| 10 | Sunnyvale | 1 | 1% | $101,505 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $84,498 |
| 12 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $54,057 |
| 13 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $54,080 |
| 14 | Glendale | 1 | 0% | $58,832 |
Engineering Aide job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of engineering aide experts
Michigan Technological University
Columbia University in the City of New York
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
East Tennessee State University
Hope College
Robert Morris University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Boston College
Miami Dade College Padrón Campus
Whitworth University
SUNY College
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Aide?
John Irwin EdD: Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.
What Engineering Aide skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Irwin EdD: They like that the job market is very strong. Companies that are implementing industry 4.0 technologies are in need of Engineering Technology graduates because they are well prepared to meet these challenges. Employers like their problem-solving and hands-on experience with modern industry tools. ET graduates with 4-yr degrees dislike that some company recruiters do not recognize them as engineers and confuse them with 2-yr associate degree technicians.
What will help Engineering Aides increase their earning potential?
John Irwin EdD: Engineering technology graduates develop, design, and implement engineering and technology solutions, typically pursuing engineering careers in design, construction, and product improvement. They work both in an office setting with design and simulation software as well as on the production/onsite setting troubleshooting issues for continuous improvements.
George Deodatis
ProfessorColumbia University in the City of New York
Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
What's a day at work look like for an Engineering Aide?
George Deodatis: In the short term, there is going to be significant remote work done with limited time spent in the office. But long term, hopefully, the amount spent in the office close to senior colleagues will go back close to pre-pandemic levels. This is important for the mentoring process of entry-level engineers and cannot be fully duplicated remotely.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Aides?
Stuart Bernstein Ph.D.: The pandemic hit us unexpectedly, unlike the last two recessions the construction industry managed to survive. I point that out to say that leading up to the pandemic, the industries and customers we normally built for were still planning and designing projects, expecting them to continue. Much of the industry, that I am aware of, has continued to build, albeit with sparser workforces, which would indicate there should still be a lot of work to catch up on when the pandemic clears.
On the other side of that argument, businesses are finding they are functioning effectively with their employees working remotely. This could trigger them to reduce, or nearly eliminate, their need for physical plants in the future. This, in turn, could leave a lot of current spaces vacant, triggering a slow down on building new, and increasing rehab. If this does happen, there will be an even bigger demand for mega data centers, and, of course, there is still a need for medical facilities, assisted living, and retirement homes.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Aides?
Jared Wilson: Within the field of land surveying and related employment opportunities, work is available. However, in my experience, work may not be in the exact location a person wishes to live. So, a move may be necessary, or potentially traveling to where the work is located. Should a graduate, or person for that matter, want to work, work is available.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Aides?
Jared Wilson: The goal for the surveying and mapping program at East Tennessee State University is to educate students in the field of land surveying and mapping. The hope is that the students find gainful employment in that field and obtaining professional licensure, in a given state, is a significant motivator for employers. However, a significant factor that I have noticed is the successful passing of the Fundamentals of Surveying, FS, exam in conjunction with the four-year degree. This combination of education and successful completion of the first hurdle in examinations, seems to open many doors for job seekers in the field of surveying and mapping.
Ned Nielsen
Professor of Engineering DesignHope College
Engineering Department
What experience really stands out on Engineering Aide resumes?
Ned Nielsen: Employers are looking for engineering graduates who have had an internship and who have some type of international experience. Since not many engineering graduates have international experience, those who do are highly sought after.
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Aides?
Dr. Benjamin Campbell Ph.D.: For the recent graduates, I recommend you get any job that challenges you, where you can build experience relevant for your desired career. It's rare to find your dream job right out of college, but a savvy engineer can identify jobs opportunities that will promote skill building and mobility for motivated employees. Ask the interviewer if there is support available for continuous improvement; inquire about training across the organization to better understand how the company functions. Beware of jobs that confine you to a very limited and repetitive role. If the job isn't challenging, you likely aren't growing as an employee or building your resume for the job you want. Also, work the current job like it's your dream job. Many promising candidates have lost offers when references are checked and previous employers give lackluster assessments. Always keep an eye to the future by watching for new opportunities; build out your network with the people you meet through work, professional organizations and networking events. Very few people perfectly fit a job description; take a chance interviewing if you feel you can develop the job skills you lack but don't exaggerate your qualifications to compensate. Don't be afraid to make a change if you aren't happy in your current job, but avoid burning bridges on the way out. Another option for recent graduates is to seek out a promising start-up and offer to work for lower pay in exchange for equity in the company. At this point in your life you probably have the low expenses (other than college loans) and ample free time (if you are single with no kids and no mortgage) that you could direct into working the long hours needed to make a startup successful. A small company requires employees to wear many hats while working with other motivated people in a high risk but high reward environment. If the company fails or you burn out, take your experience and move on. If the company is successful, your equity will minimize your financial concerns while you decide what your next job should be.
What technical skills for an Engineering Aide stand out to employers?
Dr. Benjamin Campbell Ph.D.: When I talk to employers of engineers two key skills tend to stand out: problem solving skills and communication skills. These skills are very difficult to develop quickly on the job, but a new employee that can demonstrate strength in these two areas can quickly integrate into a team or train into a job that requires specific technical skills. Communication skills can be assessed verbally during the interview. If it's a virtual interview for a remote job, present yourself like you will be representing their company: professional dress, clean and unclutters backdrop, practice eye contact into the camera with clear speech, and make sure there are no external distractions or noises (pets, roommates, etc). Sometimes the interviewer will request an impromptu writing sample. Communication skills can also be assessed before the interview with how quickly and professionally a prospective employee responds to the company's requests for information. Problem solving skills are often assessed by asking the job candidate about a difficult technical problem they faced and the how they solved it. Be prepared with several examples in mind and prioritize them by the tasks that are most relevant to the job description or the interests of the interviewer. Having a portfolio on hand or some unique visual aids can leave a distinct impression; and if virtual, have files readily accessible if you need to screen share but have an uncluttered desktop and inoffensive computer wallpaper. Some interviewers will assess both problem solving and communication skills simultaneously through role playing the solving of a technical problem or asking for a pseudo-code solution to a programming task.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Aides?
Kristen Labazzo Ph.D.: Having a solid core academic foundation is always important, and certificates can be useful, but I think for industry preparedness, a co-op or internship is the best experience. Experiential learning truly immerses you in the environment, and puts all of the academic learnings into context.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Aide job market given the pandemic?
Janet Kolodner Ph.D.: It looks like the new government will make a lot of public service and infrastructure positions available. That's good. There will be jobs up and down the ladder-administration, management, craft work, etc. People who are feeling entrepreneurial might start businesses in areas where businesses have closed down; we've lost a lot of small businesses: retail, restaurants, personal services. Those who owned many of those businesses won't want to start again; there will be lots of room for new blood as we become more vaccinated as a population and ready to eat out and get our nails and hair done, go on vacations, and buy things we've put off.
What type of skills will young Engineering Aides need?
Dr. Diego Tibaquirá: Great communication skills in a remote setting. How to interact and collaborate while not being in the same space at the same time. Organizational skills to be able to stay on task and perform their jobs in a hybrid format (face-to-face combined with remote).
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Aide job market given the pandemic?
Kamesh Sankaran Ph.D.: Though the trend in remote work is widely expected to continue even after the pandemic, there are some associated trends that are overlooked:
a) An increase in delivery (packages to the home office, etc.) to support remote workers, and
b) Embedded systems and IoT technologies at the worksites.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Engineering Aides to find work opportunities?
Klaus Dölle: Our graduates have no problems finding a well-paid job in the U.S. Paper Engineers are in high demand. More Paper Engineers are needed by the industry than Universities can produce. Currently, starting salary is around $70k.