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Job outlook for programming engineers in the United States
Programming engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected programming engineer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for programming engineers are projected over the next decade.
Programming engineer salaries have increased 7% for programming engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 53,907 programming engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 92,726 active programming engineer job openings in the US.
The average programming engineer salary is $80,616.
Are programming engineer jobs in demand?
Programming engineer job and salary trends over time
Programming engineer jobs over time
Programming engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 53,907 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 53,703 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 54,273 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 52,244 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 49,699 | 0.02% |
Average programming engineer salary over time
Programming engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $80,616 | $38.76 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $79,069 | $38.01 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $78,121 | $37.56 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $76,789 | $36.92 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $75,277 | $36.19 | +0.7% |
Programming engineer jobs by state
Most common states for programming engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 494 | 71% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,865 | 27% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 237 | 25% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,911 | 23% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 8,537 | 22% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,645 | 22% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,213 | 22% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 926 | 22% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,245 | 21% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,156 | 21% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 282 | 21% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 138 | 18% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 561 | 16% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 504 | 16% |
| 15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 102 | 16% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,491 | 15% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,077 | 15% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 273 | 14% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 233 | 14% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 146 | 14% |
Most common cities for programming engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middletown | 2 | 4% | $75,231 |
| 2 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $75,092 |
| 3 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $78,773 |
| 4 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $90,814 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $68,237 |
| 6 | Fort Collins | 2 | 1% | $73,399 |
| 7 | Fremont | 2 | 1% | $113,044 |
| 8 | Huntsville | 2 | 1% | $74,955 |
| 9 | New Orleans | 2 | 1% | $77,615 |
| 10 | Riverside | 2 | 1% | $102,997 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $104,284 |
| 12 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $73,326 |
| 13 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $71,585 |
| 14 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $112,837 |
Programming Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of programming engineer experts
San Jose State University
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
University of South Alabama
Oregon State University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Maryland - College Park
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
North Carolina State University
Marshall University
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Programming 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.
Professor Winncy Du
Professor, PhD, PE, ASME FellowSan Jose State University
Mechanical Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
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 Programming 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 Programming 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 Programming Engineer 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.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
Jiayue Shen: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in Mechanical Engineering Technology, contemplate acquiring certifications like the FE or PE license, or additional training in high-demand specialized areas such as semiconductors. Moreover, gaining practical experience through academic clubs, undergraduate research, internships, or co-op programs can increase your appeal to employers, potentially resulting in higher salary offers.
What Programming Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jiayue Shen: It's essential to stay curious and eager to learn, as the field is continually evolving. Keeping abreast of the latest technologies and trends through seeking out learning opportunities and maintaining a curiosity about new developments is crucial. Additionally, building a robust professional network and seeking mentorship can offer valuable insights and guidance. Embracing interdisciplinary projects is also key, as the field is expanding beyond purely mechanical aspects. Being dynamic and proactive in interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds will be beneficial, as collaboration across disciplines is increasingly important in this field.
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Programming 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 general advice would you give to a Programming 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 Programming 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 will help Programming Engineers 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 Programming 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 Programming 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.
Jerry Gintz CMfgE
Teaching ProfessorArizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: When entering a career in manufacturing engineering, consider starting as a technician to gain experience with the company before transitioning into engineering. This will allow you to build confidence and better understand the production systems you will be responsible for as an engineer.
What Programming Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: From a manufacturing engineering perspective, the most important skills an engineer will need is the ability to understand, design, assemble, and deploy production capable systems. This includes an expertise with computer-aided engineering tools to assist in the design and verification of engineered systems before a company expends capital on the equipment.
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: From a manufacturing engineering perspective, compensation is normally tied to capability so the more relevant skills a candidate has entering the workforce the higher compensation they can expect to receive. This is especially true in manufacturing given the shortage of qualified engineering talent available for hire. Additionally, consider focusing on industrial automation as a resource to aid efficient production. Manufacturing is always looking to increase efficiency and a foundational knowledge of industrial automation systems will serve you well as you build a career in manufacturing engineering.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Programming 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 Programming 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 Programming Engineer?
Devin Roach PhD: Maximizing your salary potential starts with setting yourself apart from other students by developing specialized, marketable skills. To achieve this, students should aim to acquire targeted experiences, such as learning full stack programming, participating in internships that hone specific skills, or dedicating their time to a focused extracurricular activity.
What Programming Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Devin Roach PhD: Apart from a strong knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, students should focus on developing proficiency in emerging technologies such as machine learning (ML) applied to mechanical systems. Additionally, skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software will continue to be essential, especially as these tools evolve to incorporate advanced features like generative design and optimization algorithms. Moreover, expertise in sustainable design principles and renewable energy systems will likely become increasingly important as industries prioritize environmental sustainability. Finally, strong communication and collaboration skills will remain crucial, especially as mechanical engineers work in interdisciplinary teams and interact with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Devin Roach PhD: I would advise all graduates starting their careers in Mechanical Engineering to prioritize continuous learning and skill development. Stay updated on the latest advancements in the field such as emerging technologies, updated design standards, or innovative manufacturing processes. Additionally, seek out opportunities for hands-on experience to enhance your practical skills and industry knowledge. Networking with professionals in your field and joining professional organizations like ASME can also provide valuable connections and resources for career growth. Finally, don't underestimate the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as they are often just as crucial as technical expertise in succeeding in the workplace.
What general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: Maximizing salary potential may depend on what type of job or field the new graduate enters. Studies have shown that certifications and advanced degrees can lead to higher earning potential. Depending on the job and field an advanced degree in engineering, business, or project management may be required in order to advance. New ME graduates working in certain mechanical design and HVAC fields may need to get a Professional Engineering license in order to maximize their earning potential.
What Programming Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: Mechanical Engineering jobs vary depending on the industry or even subfield within a specific industry. Things that are important to all fields and jobs would be time management and communications skills. Improving these things can be helpful in all aspects of work and life in general. New graduates should learn how to make themselves useful for the specific job they are in. This may require learning more Computer Aided Design and Analysis tools, or project management tools, or specific lab or manufacturing tools or programs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and will most likely find its way into all work fields (engineering and others). New graduates should look for innovative ways to apply AI to their new jobs, even if it is not being used when they first start.
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: A Mechanical Engineering (ME) degree prepares students for a wide variety of careers. New ME graduates working for companies with large engineering teams will probably work in one area such as design, analysis, project management, manufacturing, testing, or customer/field support. ME graduates working for smaller companies or startups will be expected to work in more of these areas since the engineering team will be smaller. It is important for new graduates to get some experience so that they can figure out what type of job they like. If they find that they do not like the type of work they are doing in their first job, then they should look for a different type of job. They should also realize that their initial degree exposed them to a wide variety of general math, science, and engineering topics. They learned how to gather information and use resources available to solve problems. But there is much more to learn. Each job will require unique skills and more learning.
What general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Many of the skills that you developed during the course of your Bachelors degree are fundamental, such as self learning, teamwork, engineering approach to practical problems. These you will continue to develop further as you progress in your career. Looking to the future, learn coding and engineering softwares, e.g. ANSYS, pay attention to machine learning and additive manufacturing.
What Programming Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Mechanical engineering education gives you a broad foundation from which to make an impact in the most diverse set of practical fields, ranging from quantum computing to biomedical engineering to designing spacecraft, and everything in between. Be inquisitive and creative. Every practical problem that you encounter in your field has an engineering solution linked to what you have learned in class and is waiting to be discovered by you.
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Learn new skills from professional and technical courses. Obtain a Master's degree at some point.
What general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
Mohammed Daqaq: This is a difficult question to answer and is very much dependent on how satisfied an individual is about their job. I can comment on what I hear from students with regards to their ME education. Most engineers choose ME because of its breadth and that it allows them more freedom to maneuver the job market once they graduate. They can clearly see that, despite being one of the most traditional engineering disciplines, it is still very trendy with employers. They also like the hands-on nature of the discipline where they get to design, optimize, and build physical components that work and move together to achieve a desired task. As for the dislikes, some students complain about the fact that ME requires an in-depth understanding of many mathematical concepts which many students find to be challenging.
What Programming Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mohammed Daqaq: Given its breadth, I feel that ME is the most versatile engineering degree. It covers many different fundamental fields including thermofluidic sciences, dynamical systems, controls, design, mechatronics, robotics, etc. With minor additional training, ME graduates can also easily adapt to work in the aerospace industry, nuclear, and bioengineering domains. Thus, an ME degree is always trendy and companies seek to hire ME graduates regardless of how the market changes.
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mohammed Daqaq: It depends on what aspect of the job they are hired to do. Some graduating MEs work in industrial plants where they are expected to deal with and fix engineering related problems, or work on the design and testing of innovative industrial solutions. Many MEs end up in the sales and maintenance departments of companies that manufacture specialized machinery and equipment. Some ME graduates are hired by the research departments of companies and federal labs where they participate in the research and development of new technologies, etc. A recent trend that we have been observing with our graduates is that they are being sought after by major consulting companies especially in business development and finance. Such companies like the versatility of the engineering education, and the logical/structured way of thinking that engineers are trained to follow during their studies.
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor
Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate ProfessorNorth Carolina State University
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor: Experience with robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, and CNC machining processes. Understanding the emerging roles of data analytics and artificial intelligence in process optimization and quality control.
What Programming Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor: One way to maximize your salary potential is to continue the formal education process by taking graduate engineering or business courses. Many employers reimburse the tuition expenses, and with the increasing availability of online courses you can earn a master's degree in engineering or an MBA one course at a time.
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor: I'd encourage students to embrace new technical challenges and opportunities to learn and collaborate in an industrial setting, which can be quite different from the academic setting. I'd emphasize the importance of developing communication and team working skills, and building professional relationships. I'd also encourage students to join professional societies related to their field and keep updated on new manufacturing trends.
Michael Buechler
Professor Manufacturing TechnologyWhat general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
Michael Buechler: I counsel my students to know their worth and know the job market. Most important is starting out in a position that challenges you and provides training for future wage and skill growth. Many graduates can get caught in a job that pays the bills but may not provide a path to the next career step. Be ambitious and seek to attain the advanced skills quickly but keep in mind the field is complex and there is a lot to learn. If you are in a high wage position but it does not provide the training or room for advancement it might not be the best career option.
What Programming Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Buechler: Model based definition, highly technical computer skills, 5 axis & familiarity with macros is going to be the future of advanced manufacturing. It is paramount that high skill individuals START with as much set-up experience as possible. In order to command 100k + as a programmer you need to know the correct inputs and physics of the manufacturing program you are making
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Buechler: I would suggest beginning career individuals maintain an open mind as to where their carrer leads, they may find interest in areas of manufacturing not previously known or explored by them. Also work especially hard early in your career and try and find an employer that gives you the best opportunity to grow professionally and learn new skills.
Dr. Yousef Sardahi
Associate Professor of Mechanical EngineeringMarshall University
Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Programming Engineer?
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, Robotics and Automation, Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, Renewable Energy Technologies, Data Analysis and IoT, Materials Science, Systems Engineering and Integration, Project Management and Leadership, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Communication and Soft Skills.
What Programming 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.
What will help Programming Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Yousef Sardahi: To maximize salary potential in mechanical engineering, focus on companies with growth opportunities, develop in-demand skills and specializations, and enhance your marketability through continuous learning and effective networking. Negotiating skills and considering geographical influences on salary also play a key role.