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Job outlook for engineering assistants in the United States
Engineering assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected engineering assistant job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 2,100 new jobs for engineering assistants are projected over the next decade.
Engineering assistant salaries have increased 7% for engineering assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 67,416 engineering assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 53,767 active engineering assistant job openings in the US.
The average engineering assistant salary is $64,402.
Are engineering assistant jobs in demand?
Engineering assistant job and salary trends over time
Engineering assistant jobs over time
Engineering assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 67,416 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 69,349 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 72,057 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 74,583 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 74,024 | 0.02% |
Average engineering assistant salary over time
Engineering assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $64,402 | $30.96 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $63,537 | $30.55 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $62,312 | $29.96 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $60,987 | $29.32 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $59,919 | $28.81 | --0.8% |
Engineering assistant jobs by state
Most common states for engineering assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 325 | 47% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 205 | 21% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,299 | 19% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 131 | 18% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,263 | 17% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 940 | 17% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 100 | 17% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,341 | 16% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 217 | 16% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 171 | 16% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 121 | 16% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 463 | 15% |
| 13 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 236 | 14% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 142 | 14% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 810 | 13% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 700 | 13% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 253 | 13% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 167 | 13% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 446 | 12% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 370 | 12% |
Most common cities for engineering assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington | 11 | 35% | $70,520 |
| 2 | Iowa City | 2 | 3% | $63,760 |
| 3 | East Palo Alto | 1 | 3% | $86,688 |
| 4 | Dearborn | 2 | 2% | $63,080 |
| 5 | Azusa | 1 | 2% | $77,079 |
| 6 | Bedford | 1 | 2% | $64,924 |
| 7 | Conway | 1 | 2% | $59,987 |
| 8 | Coral Gables | 1 | 2% | $55,973 |
| 9 | Saint Petersburg | 2 | 1% | $57,506 |
| 10 | Clifton | 1 | 1% | $75,590 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $49,111 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $77,225 |
| 13 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $67,837 |
Engineering Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of engineering assistant experts
University of Florida
Michigan Technological University
University of Maryland - College Park
Xavier University
Clemson University
Alfred University
Weber State University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University
Hope College
Wilkes University
Robert Morris University
Boston College
Miami Dade College Padrón Campus
Duquesne University
Stony Brook University
Whitworth University
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Assistant?
Dr. Evren Koptur PhD: The technology world is a dynamic and evolving all the time. So first and foremost, for any recent graduate should cultivate and sustain his or her curiosity. Technology is a fast-paced rollercoaster, and staying curious will keep you ahead of the curve. Dive into the latest trends, explore emerging technologies, and be hungry for knowledge.
Additionally, a robust foundation is your armor in the world of engineering. Whether it's coding, mathematics, or fundamental engineering principles, ensure your basics are rock solid. However, theory alone won't cut it. Hands-on experience is the magic ingredient. Seek out internships, co-op programs, or immerse yourself in personal projects. The real-world application of your skills will set you apart. I think this is the area where Kent State College of Aeronautics and Engineering excels. Majority of our courses in Engineering Technology are based on industry standard certifications.
Moreover, networking is not just a buzzword; it is the reality. Connect with fellow engineers, participate in industry events, and engage with online communities. The relationships you build can open doors to opportunities you might not have imagined.
Another important trait to gain is adaptability. It is a non-negotiable trait. The tech landscape is constantly changing, and those who can adapt thrive. Embrace new ideas, technologies, and methodologies with an open mind.
Finally, celebrate your successes, big and small. Engineering is a challenging field, and acknowledging your achievements, no matter how minor, keeps you motivated for the next leg of your journey.
What will help Engineering Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Evren Koptur PhD: At this point, the buzzword is obviously AI and along with AI, machine learning. As AI and ML continue to advance, engineers with expertise in these areas will be in high demand. The ability to design, implement, and optimize AI-driven solutions will be a valuable skill set across various industries.
Another one Is cybersecurity, especially considering the current international issues in our world this sector is becoming one of the most important aspects of technology. With the rising threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity skills are becoming paramount. Engineers who can develop secure systems, safeguard data, and implement robust cybersecurity measures will be crucial in protecting digital infrastructure.
Additionally, engineers well-versed in designing and implementing internet of things solutions will also be instrumental in creating smart devices, improving efficiency, and enhancing connectivity. The world of IoT is expanding rapidly.
Another concept that I personally think that will drastically change supply chain, finance and healthcare IT is Blockchain tech. Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain has applications in secure transactions and data integrity. Engineers with a grasp of blockchain technology will be essential in industries like these.
Finally, AR and VR technologies. These are gaining traction in fields like gaming, healthcare, and education. Engineers with expertise in creating immersive experiences and applications will be in demand.
What will help Engineering Assistants increase their earning potential?
Andreas Enqvist: Embrace opportunities and challenges! We see a lot of our graduates gaining opportunities that might be at the periphery of that they have studies at university etc, but that is normally a testament to their skills and the ability to excel in multiple different roles. Believing in yourself and accepting and pursuing some of those career opportunities that might be near the edge of our comfort zones, can often lead to very exciting career opportunities. There is a tremendous need for graduates in our field, and each graduate should not hesitate to explore multiple options and the opportunities that comes with their degree.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Assistant?
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 Assistant 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 Assistants 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.
Donald Yeung
Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, Affiliate Professor, Computer Science DepartmentUniversity of Maryland - College Park
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
What skills stand out on Engineering Assistant resumes?
Donald Yeung: A degree at a highly rated engineering school is always a plus. For example, the ECE dept at UMD has a good reputation among local employers as well as employers elsewhere, such as Silicon Valley. Many of our students go to companies in these areas, and so we have a reputation based on the quality of students that go out. I think employers know what they're getting. Beyond the school from which you receive your degree, your GPA is also important. How well you do in the program you come from is important, too, obviously. And employers also know about grade inflation or deflation at different schools, so they can calibrate any student's GPA against what experience they've had with previous students' records. Besides that, employers also look for experience outside of the degree program, so internships, research experiences, any significant project experience, etc., are also a real plus.
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Professor and ChairXavier University
Department Of Physics
What skills stand out on Engineering Assistant resumes?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.
What soft skills should all Engineering Assistants possess?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Communication, teamwork.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Engineering Assistants?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Depends on the engineering career, but in general, an ability to know how to use design software, measurement/testing, and analysis equipment, in addition to prototyping and fabrication tools
What skills will help Engineering Assistants earn the most?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, independent learner.
Dr. John Ballato
J. E. Sirrine Endowed Chair and ProfessorClemson University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
What soft skills should all Engineering Assistants possess?
Dr. John Ballato: To me, the most important soft skill has always been communication. And, due to the pandemic where people have had to isolate and possibly quarantine, effective communications are even that much more critical. We're spending less face-to-face time and more screen-to-screen time, which gets boring quickly. So, paying attention, being clear and concise in your communications since you don't have the opportunities as often now to simply walk into someone's lab or office and talk through ideas and next steps. Effective communications are also especially important in materials science and engineering because our field is innately interdisciplinary. This means that you might be the only materials scientist on a team that includes marketing, sales, manufacturing, etc. Knowing your audience, including your project team, and learning how to communicate with them is critical.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Tim Keenan Ph.D.: This is difficult to predict, as responses to the pandemic have varied from state-to-state within the U.S., and from country-to-country around the world. With regards to how routine medical visits are conducted, I think this transition to a more electronic interaction will continue to gain momentum, as well as further development of the concept of medical personnel traveling to treat the elderly, rather than the other way around, and so I believe there will be an increase in opportunities for jobs related to telehealth and traveling medical personnel. Additionally, we are rounding the 1-year mark from which many people abstained from having elective or non-critical procedures conducted, and so I believe the next several years will see a dramatic increase in medical imaging and orthopedic, dental, and cosmetic procedures, in order to catch up with the accrued demand. This likely will not only lead to an increase in the number of professionals directly associated with conducting these procedures, but also with the professionals involved on the manufacturing side of the materials and instruments required for these procedures, which includes everything from R&D, QA, production, and packaging personnel, to financial, sales, marketing, and management personnel. Lastly, this pandemic has introduced many people to the fields of virology and epidemiology who may not have otherwise ever encountered these topics, and so I believe these fields will linger in the collective mind of the public for many years, and could potentially influence future policy decisions, which could ultimately act to procure significant funds for expanded growth in these fields.
What will help Engineering Assistants 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Assistants?
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.
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Assistants?
Stuart Bernstein Ph.D.: Every company seems to have a different title for their new CM hires. Assistant CM, Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Assistant Engineer. There is a long standing discussion about the best place for a new graduate to start.
One camp believes they should start in the field where they will be exposed to many of the different components of and methods used in the construction project process. By seeing it first hand, they become more familiar them.
The other camp believes they should start in the office where they will assist their senior colleagues in developing estimates and schedules, which will teach them about the components and processes and how to better interpret construction documents. Wherever they start, and whatever they are called, they need to be alert, taking in everything around them, and asking good questions. If they are assigned to the field, they should get into the office occasionally to see what they do, and vice versa. And asking questions about anything they don't fully understand, after first trying to figure it out on their own.
What technical skills for an Engineering Assistant stand out to employers?
Stuart Bernstein Ph.D.: I have found that employers want their new hires to have at least a working knowledge of, and familiarity with, all of the technical skills, such as estimating, scheduling, surveying and document control. More importantly, though, they are looking for people with interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills. They want people who will fit well with the personality of company, who will be able to work well with others, who can solve problems on their own and with the help of others, and who can communicate well with people from all different walks of life, and professions, including owners.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Assistants?
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.
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Assistants?
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.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Engineering Assistants to find work opportunities?
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.
Ned Nielsen
Professor of Engineering DesignHope College
Engineering Department
What experience really stands out on Engineering Assistant 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 day at work look like for an Engineering Assistant?
Robert Taylor: For the recent graduate, the day at work will be a continuation of C-19 protocol. That will not change until we obtain "herd immunity" for C-19. That said, however, we all still get the normal flu and its mutations and we get the common cold, also a coronavirus. The good news is that the C-19 exercise has re-taught us the necessity for germ prevention...staying at home when we are sick, using better protocols for cleaning of hands & surfaces, and "social distancing." I do also think that the recent graduate will be prepared for his new "days at work" based on the discussions I have had with last year's graduates and their employers. One must remember, we are preparing students for the academic and practical needs of engineering students!
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Assistants?
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 Assistant 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Assistant 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 general advice would you give to an Engineering Assistant?
Janet Kolodner Ph.D.: I know people need to eat and have a roof over their heads. The important thing, however, is to not settle for the wrong thing too soon. People should think about what they enjoy and what gives them a feeling of purpose, think about what they might want to accomplish over a lifetime (or in the next 5 or 10 years), and make sure they choose to do something that will put them on that path. Or, if they don't know what they want to accomplish, they should think hard about the joy they might get (or not) from a position and the extent to which it uses their strengths well. They shouldn't be afraid to try out something they haven't thought about if they are thinking it could offer possibilities of enjoyment and accomplishment. We can't all do exactly what we think we will be doing, but we often can make the most of what's available.
What type of skills will young Engineering Assistants 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 experience really stands out on Engineering Assistant resumes?
Dr. Diego Tibaquirá: Manage to get some hands-on experience and Industry Certifications. Internships can help a resume stand out. Having recognized Industry Certifications add to the experience and knowledge recognition that candidates are prepared for the job. Just like everyone else, Industry Certification can now be done via remote proctoring so students can upskill at a distance.
Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biomedical EngineeringDuquesne University
Department of Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.: Jobs that allow working remotely will be popular. This would allow young professionals to choose a career which provide them with the flexibility to relocate. It would enable people to live in more affordable cities/states, and raise their family there. Some cities already started to provide incentives for young professionals to move and work remotely. It will also accelerate automation and digitization of a variety of industries, leading to new job categories, especially related to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Healthcare and public health will continue to be another focal point in the near future.
What skills stand out on Engineering Assistant resumes?
Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.: Problem-solving, flexibility, adaptability, interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, technical/computer skills
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Engineering Assistants to find work opportunities?
Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.: Several cities/regions appear to be hotspots: Bay Area, Boston, Seattle, Austin, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, DC, Research Triangle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh.
What Engineering Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: It has always been my philosophy that it doesn't matter how long it takes to finish your education; the important thing is to finish it. Because of the reduced opportunities for funding as mentioned in Question 1, this will cause a delay in finishing for many. It may impact some non-STEM majors to the point that their enrollment will decline as they see there are few jobs and the cost of education is too high for so few jobs. I believe many high school graduates will be going to community colleges to continue their education inexpensively (enrollment increasing, maybe more distance learning since space may be limited). There will be a significant number entering the "crafts" and take on apprenticeships in the construction and other industries (auto repair, for example, requiring high skills). The water industry is always looking for entry-level staff. This is one industry where you can start out as a meter reader and make it to general manager given enough "drive." Many have succeeded in this way.
In terms of skills to learn or pick up during a "gap" year or two would be to improve communication and writing skills; learn new software and possibly even network management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Remote Sensing are major areas in civil engineering where new, skilled employees are needed. Obtain certification in "Green Buldings" LEED, "Envision," and forms of "sustainability." These skills are going to be very important and will allow a student to find temporary or part-time employment to provide funding once the skills are learned.
What experience really stands out on Engineering Assistant resumes?
Gábor Balázsi Ph.D.: It depends on the job. Mostly research and teaching. Published papers are always the best evidence.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Assistant 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.