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Job outlook for engineering technician leads in the United States
Engineering technician lead job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected engineering technician lead job growth rate is 0% from 2018-2028.
About -400 new jobs for engineering technician leads are projected over the next decade.
Engineering technician lead salaries have increased 9% for engineering technician leads in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,141 engineering technician leads currently employed in the United States.
There are 102,504 active engineering technician lead job openings in the US.
The average engineering technician lead salary is $107,373.
Are engineering technician lead jobs in demand?
Engineering technician lead job and salary trends over time
Engineering technician lead jobs over time
Engineering technician lead job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,141 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,402 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,643 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,624 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,513 | 0.00% |
Average engineering technician lead salary over time
Engineering technician lead salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $107,373 | $51.62 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $103,733 | $49.87 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $102,255 | $49.16 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $101,190 | $48.65 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $98,853 | $47.53 | +1.7% |
Engineering technician lead jobs by state
Most common states for engineering technician leads
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 573 | 83% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 318 | 43% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 378 | 36% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 344 | 36% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,268 | 33% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 638 | 33% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 277 | 32% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,596 | 31% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 539 | 31% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 410 | 31% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,235 | 30% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 310 | 29% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,552 | 28% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,001 | 27% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 835 | 27% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 566 | 27% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 768 | 26% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 341 | 26% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 195 | 26% |
| 20 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,514 | 25% |
Most common cities for engineering technician leads
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 4 | 11% | $109,167 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 4 | 10% | $120,136 |
| 3 | Erie | 8 | 8% | $87,429 |
| 4 | Redmond | 4 | 6% | $111,658 |
| 5 | Torrance | 7 | 5% | $124,755 |
| 6 | Lansing | 5 | 4% | $89,598 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 12 | 3% | $98,710 |
| 8 | Tempe | 6 | 3% | $102,105 |
| 9 | Minneapolis | 7 | 2% | $97,460 |
| 10 | Little Rock | 4 | 2% | $87,542 |
| 11 | Phoenix | 14 | 1% | $102,156 |
| 12 | San Jose | 11 | 1% | $139,868 |
| 13 | Boston | 7 | 1% | $119,762 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 7 | 1% | $95,095 |
| 15 | San Francisco | 6 | 1% | $140,147 |
| 16 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $98,281 |
| 17 | Urban Honolulu | 4 | 1% | $126,773 |
| 18 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $96,665 |
| 19 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $90,387 |
Engineering Technician Lead job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of engineering technician lead experts
San Jose State University
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
University of San Diego
University of South Alabama
Stevens Institute of Technology
Michigan Technological University
University of Maryland - College Park
Manhattan College
What Engineering Technician Lead 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 Engineering Technician Lead 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 will help Engineering Technician Leads 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 general advice would you give to an Engineering Technician Lead?
Professor Winncy Du: Keep Engineering Ethics in mind -- protect the public and the engineers themselves. Make sure that they know and understand the core concepts of their field. No matter what they design, they need to follow the industrial standards or grades, and safety measurements closely. Check, check, and double check, especially when they design biomedical devices, mobile robots, autonomous vehicles or drones, and automated material handling systems. I saw increasing engineers' designs or products challenged by the prospect of being deposed in the courtroom.
What Engineering Technician Lead 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 an Engineering Technician Lead?
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 Engineering Technician Lead 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 Engineering Technician Leads 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 an Engineering Technician Lead?
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 Engineering Technician Lead 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 Engineering Technician Lead 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 Engineering Technician Leads 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 an Engineering Technician Lead?
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 Engineering Technician Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Denn: 1. The time needed to progress from an idea to a quality prototype is continually decreasing. That trend will likely continue. Skills that support short development times, such as computer modeling, simulations and rapid prototyping, will continue to be valued. 2. One skill that will always be valuable is the ability to acquire new knowledge and apply it to the task at hand.
What will help Engineering Technician Leads 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 will help Engineering Technician Leads 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.
Dr. Imane Khalil
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Dean of Graduate ProgramsUniversity of San Diego
Mechanical Engineering
What will help Engineering Technician Leads 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 Engineering Technician Lead 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 an Engineering Technician Lead?
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.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Technician Lead?
Anthony Barrese: Pursue opportunities to broaden your experience across systems engineering, development, integration and test, field sales support and professional services positions. Generalist experience becomes invaluable with career advancement. Running a team is much more feasible for leaders who understand the process behind the work their reports deliver.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Technician Lead?
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 Technician Lead 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 Technician Leads 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 Technician Lead 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.
What Engineering Technician Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: I think the responses to the first two questions mostly answer this question. Be curious. Be bold. Be adaptive to change. Take on new roles whenever they present themselves. The only other thing I would add is know how to communicate - read and listen to help you write and speak. Then write a lot and speak a lot to improve those skills. Don't give up opportunities to hone these skills - they will make you valuable.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Technician Lead job market given the pandemic?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: The most severely impacted are and probably will continue to be the hospitality (travel, hotels, and the food service/bar) industry. I believe the convention sector will be impacted as attendees find virtual conventions via webinars convenient and cost effective. The food service industry will recover over time, but slowly. I believe travel for business will be reduced based on generally favorable experiences businesses have had with Zoom, Teams, etc. Engineering, particularly civil engineering, has not been affected much through the lockdown as it is an industry where the "office" engineers can work remotely very effectively using Zoom, Teams, and corporate VPNs with virtual desktops for specialized software. Those civil engineers that work outside in construction will still work as long as there is a housing demand. With infrastructure upgrades and replacements being emphasized by government, the civil engineering business will likely see a "boost"; and I believe there will be minimal impact. I do consulting for a medium-sized water district (20,000 services) in the inland empire and we have not noticed much, if any, reduction in requests for new water service and plan checks as new housing developments are continuing at near their pre-pandemic pace.
There will be an impact will be on engineering and other students getting/finding part-time jobs to support their education. Many worked in the hospitality sector; those jobs are essentially gone for a while. But they may be able to find some employment in the construction/engineering sector as interns or part-time workers. I believe this reduction in jobs may affect engineering schools and enrollment.
Education has learned a lot from the pandemic and more universities will go to distance learning and I believe there will be major improvements in distance education software particularly in the area of exam security.