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Job outlook for microelectronics engineers in the United States
Are microelectronics engineer jobs in demand?
Microelectronics engineer job and salary trends over time
Microelectronics engineer jobs over time
Microelectronics engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 20 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 20 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 20 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 19 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 18 | 0.00% |
Average microelectronics engineer salary over time
Microelectronics engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $68,752 | $33.05 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $68,033 | $32.71 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $67,276 | $32.34 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $66,379 | $31.91 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $65,166 | $31.33 | +1.0% |
Microelectronics engineer jobs by state
Most common states for microelectronics engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 181 | 26% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 592 | 9% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 89 | 9% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 700 | 8% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 461 | 8% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 98 | 7% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,251 | 6% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 450 | 6% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 339 | 6% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 319 | 6% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 258 | 6% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 472 | 5% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 167 | 5% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 97 | 5% |
| 15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 30 | 5% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 400 | 4% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 367 | 4% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 137 | 4% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 65 | 4% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 21 | 4% |
Most common cities for microelectronics engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $65,157 |
| 2 | Pasadena | 1 | 1% | $79,761 |
Microelectronics Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of microelectronics engineer experts
Fairfield University
Xavier University
North Dakota State University
East Tennessee State University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Liberty University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Northern Michigan University
Elon University
University of Illinois
Marietta College
University of Maryland
University of California Merced
Lake Superior State University
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Microelectronics Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Harvey Hoffman: The significant fields in electrical engineering include electronics, microelectronics, signal processing, power, telecommunications, instrumentation, medical devices, imaging, automotive, Internet of Things, information technology, manufacturing, and transportation.
Electrical engineers are in a unique position to influence the climate change landscape, from solar power to creating small, inexpensive and efficient devices to light the world. Electrical engineers are exploring ways to convert energy from natural sources to the grid, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In every field, nanotechnology is being used for innovations. The universe of technology blending will continue to integrate engineering, science, and medicine. Bionic devices will become commonplace. Enormous challenges and opportunities exist. Disruptive fusion technologies will change business and society in unimaginable ways.
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Professor and ChairXavier University
Department Of Physics
What skills stand out on Microelectronics Engineer resumes?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.
What soft skills should all Microelectronics Engineers possess?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Communication, teamwork.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Microelectronics Engineers?
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 Microelectronics Engineers earn the most?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, independent learner.
Andriy Voronov
ProfessorNorth Dakota State University
Coatings and Polymeric Materials Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Microelectronics Engineers?
Andriy Voronov: I think most graduate programs in materials science offer opportunities for interdisciplinary research and educational activities. Their philosophy is to educate and prepare job prospects by providing advanced aspects of work, including extensive collaborations between departments, programs, institutions or with industrial partners. Offering specialized trainings in various areas, graduate programs aim to merge basic and applied research within the certain field. With this said, quit often graduate programs work also with leading industrial scientists who help to provide to the graduates new and practical directions to become competitive at the job market. Answering your question more specifically, graduate programs do target as complementary and comprehensive education as possible. It will be interesting to hear from graduates what courses they took have the biggest impact for them, as well as if they need any additional certifications/licenses and which specifically.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Microelectronics Engineers 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.
How do you envision technology impacting Microelectronics Engineers in the next 5 years?
Jared Wilson: Technology is rapidly changing many professional fields, and land surveying is not immune from the change; however, it is not technology that makes the professional decisions necessary for the field; it is the individual. Technology is a tool, and as such, the correct tool needs to be selected for the task at hand. My opinion is that technology will drive the speed of data collection and analysis, but it has been and will be the professional who ultimately makes the final decisions.
Dr. Sohrab Asgarpoor
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Professor of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln
College of Engineering
How do you envision technology impacting Microelectronics Engineers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Sohrab Asgarpoor: Adopting new technology should be an exciting (and expected) reality for those with an engineering degree. The virtual space will continue to grow as folks seek jobs and work online more. But what holds paramount, no matter what particular technological changes arise, is the ability to adapt-and to demonstrate that critical aptitude in their application documents and through their interviews, always highlighting those moments they've done so and articulating their propensity for learning.
What experience really stands out on Microelectronics Engineer resumes?
Robert Rich: -Certification such as green belt, black-belt, machine learning, Lean Manufacturing, and APICS supply chain/inventory
-Specialized undergraduate research projects that go deep into various leading-edge topics like integrating AI with manufacturing and logistics
-Consulting experience/real projects within areas of undergraduate research
How do you envision technology impacting Microelectronics Engineers in the next 5 years?
Robert Rich: Many industrial, logistics, and financial decisions require artificial intelligence solutions to remain competitive in the global marketplace.
Dr. Galen Duree
Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and ProfessorRose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Department of Physics and Optical Engineering
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Microelectronics Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Galen Duree: People with knowledge, even introductory experience, in quantum effects, quantum computing, optics in general (communication, measurements, imaging, illumination, detection), material science and engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will be in high demand.
What experience really stands out on Microelectronics Engineer resumes?
Dr. Galen Duree: It depends on what you are applying for. If you are working on product development, then internships or co-ops provide a definite advantage. If you are working on developing new ways of doing things, research experiences in academia or companies are advantageous. Either case, this shows a certain maturity in your career path - you have participated in an activity related to the career you are currently pursuing.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microelectronics Engineers?
Michael Rudisill: It depends on what you really mean by enduring, but for all practical purposes, once the pandemic has passed, the economy will return, and anyone in the engineering field who wants a job will have many opportunities. Obviously, the short-term effect can be brutal for new graduates as jobs are not as plentiful as "usual"-but in the long term, those that persevere will end up in great careers. In some ways, it will be harder on the senior engineers who haven't stayed employed, as they are missing out on years when their income should be the highest. New graduates are missing relatively low earning years, so the long-term effects should not be as bad looking at lifetime earnings.
How do you envision technology impacting Microelectronics Engineers in the next 5 years?
Michael Rudisill: Technology will continue to advance-which will increase the need for trained engineers. Even areas such as sales that not many people would think would be looking for engineers when dealing with technologically advanced products need people who understand how the product works, perform, etc.-in other words-trained engineers.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Microelectronics Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Michael Rudisill: Impossible to pick a technology - but in general, renewable energies, electric cars; in that area, will undoubtedly continue to grow. And even with some public resistance, I think we will continue to see more expert systems, artificial intelligence systems, etc.; everywhere from self-driving cars to security systems.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Microelectronics Engineers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Michael Rudisill: From what we've seen, salaries haven't been reduced, even though demand is down. I would expect wages and salary progression to remain strong as the need for engineering will only continue to grow.
What type of skills will young Microelectronics Engineers need?
John Ring: While our universities consistently educate engineering students with hard skills and strong engineering fundamentals, tomorrow's engineers need to be strong communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Our professional environments are filled with data and information, and the constraint is typically how much time individuals can dedicate to solving a problem. At Elon University, we educate tomorrow's engineers to have the hard skills necessary to analyze the information and situations, apply critical thinking techniques to determine ways to solve the issue, and then concisely and efficiently communicate with colleagues as solutions are being set in motion.
How do you envision technology impacting Microelectronics Engineers in the next 5 years?
John Ring: An engineering student learns "how to learn" during their time in college. Technology will evolve, and tomorrow's engineers must learn at the same pace so that new technology can be applied to solve a problem.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microelectronics Engineers?
Bruce Flachsbart: Yes, I believe there will be an enduring change to the society that will exist after this pandemic:
-Wearing face coverings in public will be more accepted and continue, especially during flu season, and by those with health concerns.
-There will be less hand-shaking when people meet, especially in business settings. This cultural practice may eventually die out.
-Because of the above, I think the flu season will be milder in the future-we are becoming well trained on how to not spread a virus.
-I think in the future more virus tests will become available, and someday before entering an airplane or attending an expensive event, people will need to be tested. With speed and costs improvements there likely will be more applications of entrance virus testing.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microelectronics Engineers?
Ben Ebenhack: I believe that the impact of the pandemic on the US economy is still unfolding and that we won't be able to see any kind of robust turnaround until vaccines are widely available and seen, in practice, to be effective. Until that time, I suspect that we'll continue to see a lot of volatility as investors speculate about recovery, reopening, etc., but the trends will probably vacillate.
Once the pandemic is clearly seen to be reasonably well-controlled, I think that there will be a good deal of pent-up demand for energy and its services. I expect to see a modest recovery in energy prices, but that may not translate to jobs for a few years. Ultimately, the world's need for energy will drive prices up, and there will probably be another boom. Everyone should remember that half of humanity (~3.5 billion people) lack access to modern energy, on which development depends. With global economic recovery, I would expect that to apply considerable upward pressure on energy (and related resource) demands for the next several decades. Alternative energy will continue to grow, but I don't think it can grow as fast as some optimists expect.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microelectronics Engineers?
Craig Carignan: Yes, it will have an enduring impact on aerospace grads, especially those going into aeronautical engineering. The airline industry has been hit especially hard by the pandemic, and commercial aircraft manufacture has come to a screeching halt. That means not just the airplane manufacturers being affected but all of the hundreds of aircraft parts suppliers too. The other factor is that people are learning how to attend conferences and meetings virtually, through applications like Zoom and Teams, which also saves a lot of money on travel. So even when things do start returning to normal, I think that the demand for air travel will not return to the same levels as before.
Some long term impact may also be felt by the space industry. Even though there are quarantine precautions in place (before and after a flight), human space flight might be seen as riskier due to possible infection from viruses that may not show symptoms. So we might try to do more from the ground using robotics. Also, the density of workers in a lot of places in the aerospace industry is very high, and I would expect telecommuting to become more common.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Microelectronics Engineers to find work opportunities?
Craig Carignan: My bet would be in remote sensing, automated delivery systems (e.g., quadcopters), and robotics. These fields were all doing well before the pandemic, and the current situation has just increased demand for these services. The telecommunications satellite industry is probably also going to be a strong area due to the heightened need for satellite TV and other communications services. I also think the automotive industry will be great for aerospace engineers because of their skills in vehicle design and development of autonomous technology.
Ashlie Martini
Professor of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of California Merced
Sustainability Research & Engineering
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Microelectronics Engineers to find work opportunities?
Ashlie Martini: I am assuming you are asking about the physical location in this question. If so, then I don't think there is some specific geographical location that is best for finding work opportunities. If anything, the pandemic has shown companies that remote work is a viable alternative to traditional in-person work. So, it is likely that location is now less important than it was before, at least for functions that can be carried out remotely.
Edoardo Sarda Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Robotics EngineeringLake Superior State University
Mechanical Engineering
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Microelectronics Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Edoardo Sarda Ph.D.: It's evident that social distancing regulations have already affected our way of life, including our work routine, and will continue to do so for the near future. This is only going to accelerate the growth of robotics and automation that we had already been experiencing in recent years. A human working closely with a robot is still tolerated, while multiple humans being close to each other is becoming less acceptable. Besides, robots are not affected by any sort of virus, including COVID19 (the exception being computer viruses, of course). This tells me that the trend towards human-robot collaboration will become more dominant as the regulations for social distancing become stricter in the industry. Mobile robots represent another technology that may gain popularity, due to the pandemic. Applications that require non-stationary, autonomous systems, such as disinfecting facilities, greeting people, serving customers, and others, will benefit from using mobile robots.