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Job outlook for principal consulting engineers in the United States
Principal consulting engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected principal consulting engineer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for principal consulting engineers are projected over the next decade.
Principal consulting engineer salaries have increased 7% for principal consulting engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,286 principal consulting engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 104,810 active principal consulting engineer job openings in the US.
The average principal consulting engineer salary is $118,866.
Are principal consulting engineer jobs in demand?
Principal consulting engineer job and salary trends over time
Principal consulting engineer jobs over time
Principal consulting engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,286 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,585 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,832 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,765 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,534 | 0.00% |
Average principal consulting engineer salary over time
Principal consulting engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $118,866 | $57.15 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $116,586 | $56.05 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $115,188 | $55.38 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $113,224 | $54.43 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $110,996 | $53.36 | +0.7% |
Principal consulting engineer jobs by state
Most common states for principal consulting engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 495 | 71% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,338 | 32% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,536 | 30% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 184 | 30% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 309 | 29% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,085 | 26% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,344 | 24% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 321 | 24% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 225 | 23% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,257 | 21% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,304 | 19% |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 313 | 18% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 194 | 18% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,835 | 17% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,177 | 17% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 971 | 17% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 626 | 17% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 99 | 17% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,032 | 16% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,334 | 15% |
Most common cities for principal consulting engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milford | 1 | 4% | $113,299 |
| 2 | Sunnyvale | 2 | 1% | $137,405 |
| 3 | Chattanooga | 1 | 1% | $100,382 |
| 4 | Santa Clara | 1 | 1% | $137,333 |
| 5 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $113,261 |
| 6 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $100,671 |
| 7 | Tampa | 1 | 0% | $115,772 |
| 8 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $121,073 |
Principal Consulting Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of principal consulting engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Wilkes University
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Bellingham Technical College
University of South Alabama
North Carolina State University
Marshall University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
University of Hawaii at Manoa
What general advice would you give to a Principal Consulting Engineer?
Tzuyang Yu Ph.D.: Employee must add value to the company by improving efficiency, reducing cost, and ensuring safety. Being able to bring value to the company leads to a salary raise and a promotion.
What Principal Consulting Engineer 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 general advice would you give to a Principal Consulting Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
What Principal Consulting Engineer 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 Principal Consulting Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Misorski FASM: While it is tough to predict the future with any accuracy, the best skill-set(s) for succeeding revolve around continuing education and learning what is possible with future materials or future manufacturing methods. Just remember, what you may learn at a conference or meeting may not be immediately relevant to your job, but down the road it could provide valuable solutions or insights into new problems that require “fixing”. In addition to continuing education in your field of interest, improving communication skills, both oral and written are important. Having the solution to a problem is useless unless the ideas can be communicated effectively and clearly to the audience that needs to hear the message. Remember, many in the audience are probably not materials engineers or any type of engineer potentially, so communicate at the appropriate level.
What will help Principal Consulting Engineers 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.
What Principal Consulting Engineer 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 a Principal Consulting Engineer?
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 will help Principal Consulting Engineers 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 Principal Consulting Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: To maximize salary potential, I recommend growing your professional network and being flexible within your career. Attending professional gatherings and rubbing shoulders goes a very long way. It’s amazing how you can casually bump into some well-respected team leader that’s trying to fill an opening or glean information about a new project that needs fresh talent. Network with people in diverse fields and roles. You never know who knows who. Making a positive impression and having someone recognize your name down the line can go a very long way!
What will help Principal Consulting Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: My advice to recent graduates is to be open to non-conventional roles. Taking on responsibilities beyond one’s official discipline provides broader value to employers. Many students that graduate with degrees in mechanical engineering (or similar disciplines) find great success by stepping outside of their expected job title. Sometimes exploring roles with titles like “analyst” or “manager” or “designer” can provide interesting opportunities to apply one’s engineering skillset in an alternate context. The real strength of your degree is the transferable skillset that you developed along your educational journey. Keep your options open!
What general advice would you give to a Principal Consulting Engineer?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Build skills in high demand areas such as data analytics, supply chain management, and automation. Certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP) can make a candidate more attractive and justify a higher starting salary. Internships can also provide valuable industry experience and can often lead to higher starting salaries.
What Principal Consulting Engineer 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 Principal Consulting Engineer 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 Principal Consulting Engineers 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 general advice would you give to a Principal Consulting Engineer?
Marleen Troy Ph.D., P.E., BCEE: Plan to get your PE license. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and become proficient with a new skill or a new area of expertise. Continue to develop both your technical and leadership skills.
What general advice would you give to a Principal Consulting Engineer?
Dr. Elizabeth Adams PhD, PE: It’s ok that you don’t know everything. Make good use of the skills you’ve built around working with others: communicating effectively, asking questions, listening, and paying attention. The first years are going to fly by, and you are going to continue to learn A LOT. Be someone people want on their team, someone that people like to work with.
What will help Principal Consulting Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelvin Erickson: a. Artificial Intelligence - The use of artificial intelligence as a tool in engineering has been around for awhile, but there have not been many successes. There is a lot more interest now, which I expect will eventually find some uses. Programming - The programming may not be in the “traditional” language sense. But, one will be faced with an occasional programming task like writing an Excel macro, or a JavaScript or Python script.
Kyle Miller
Welding Technologies instructor - Pipe TradesBellingham Technical College
Precision Metal Working
What general advice would you give to a Principal Consulting Engineer?
Kyle Miller: The advice I feel the most compelled to offer, based on personal experience, is to embrace the first few years in the field as a nebulous growth period. There is often a rush for graduates to 'realize their identity' in the field, at the risk of narrowing their potential in the trades. The first year or two is a great time to shake every hand and make every acquaintance possible. A lot of those interactions can help guide a trades-person along a pathway they didn't realize was possible upon their first steps into the working world.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Principal Consulting Engineer 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 a Principal Consulting Engineer?
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 a Principal Consulting Engineer?
Alexey Gulyuk: In my opinion, being an engineer is to be a problem-solver. Regardless of the conditions and situations. As one of my colleagues and mentors said: 'I am an engineer, I can learn and fix anything' - this was a short comment regarding some questionable repairs offered by a car mechanic. For people who are curious, this is the perfect field to be at: you continuously learn new things about yourself and about the world around us. Being an engineer also means that you have access and able to interact with the smartest people: every day my colleagues share some new facts, and this challenges you and allows you to grow professionally. Live and learn in action. Lastly, being an engineer opens the path to make some real societal impact - in essence, most of the things that changed the world one day and are essential to us nowadays were created by great engineers like DaVinci, Rutherford, Marconi, Benz, or Wright brothers.... As of the dislikes. One can mention things like heavy workload and endless learning. Everything comes at a price, and, sometimes, engineers cannot balance work and life. Moreover, being surrounded by intelligent and straightforward people sometimes may be a challenge, and having scientific disputes can be something that drains your batteries very fast. In many instances, the bright ideas may hit the wall of lack of the resources available, while some scientists may not be that realistic with their budgeting expectations.... Lastly, setting up experiments require rigorous planning and following all the safety protocols - sometimes, this may impose some limitations on the activities planned initially. Again, live and learn and adjust according to the external conditions.... However, despite all challenges, many people will definitely find engineering rewarding and very opportunistic field to join and thrive at.
Dr. Yousef Sardahi
Associate Professor of Mechanical EngineeringMarshall University
Engineering
What Principal Consulting Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Yousef Sardahi: In the next 3-5 years, several skills are expected to become increasingly important in the mechanical engineering field:
Advanced Computational Skills: Proficiency in simulation and modeling software (like ANSYS, SolidWorks, or MATLAB) will be crucial as these tools become more integral in designing and testing complex systems.
Robotics and Automation: With industries moving towards automation, skills in robotics, automated systems, and knowledge of AI integration will be highly sought after.
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing: Expertise in 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques will be valuable as these technologies revolutionize product development and manufacturing processes.
Renewable Energy Technologies: As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, mechanical engineers with knowledge in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies will be in high demand.
Data Analysis and IoT: Skills in data analytics and understanding the Internet of Things (IoT) will be important as more mechanical systems are connected and produce large amounts of data.
Materials Science: Knowledge in advanced materials, such as composites or smart materials, will be crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable products and systems.
Systems Engineering and Integration: The ability to understand and integrate various subsystems within a larger system will be key, especially in complex projects.
Project Management and Leadership: As projects become more complex, skills in project management and leadership will be essential for overseeing projects and leading teams effectively.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The ability to work effectively across disciplines, understanding aspects of electrical engineering, computer science, and even business, will be increasingly important.
Communication and Soft Skills: Strong communication skills, both for technical and non-technical audiences, along with teamwork and problem-solving skills, will always be invaluable in the engineering field.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
What will help Principal Consulting Engineers increase their earning potential?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
Song Choi Ph.D.
Assistant DeanUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
What soft skills should all Principal Consulting Engineers possess?
Song Choi Ph.D.: Critical thinking - logical, problem-solving methodology... I'm not quite sure to categorize this as soft/professional skills or hard/technical skills, but probably one of the most necessary assets.
Communication - written, verbal, and overall listening (helps focus on the problem statement and requirements). Most, if not all, projects/tasks are worked in large groups; thus, listening and expressing correctly is important.
Time management - scheduling of tasks and deadlines are important in all levels of engineering, from small fabrication projects/tasks to medium-sized manufacturing projects/tasks to large development/research endeavors. In Hawaii, one of the most important has been the transportation of materials, parts, components, etc., as most items are flown or shipped to us, and the overall project schedule is dependent on the availability of sub-units.
Collaboration - as most if not all engineering projects are dependent on multiple sub-categories. Due to the collaborative nature of engineering, communication is of importance again.
Creativity, innovation, and initiative - it's really about making our future better, more convenient, safer, cleaner, etc. Think outside of the box or live outside of your comfort zone.
Detail-oriented - it is about replicating results. Everything an engineer performs should be documented and clear.
Honesty and integrity as there have been too many fabricated claims and fraud as well as engineering espionage.