Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for project field engineers in the United States
Project field engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected project field engineer job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 22,100 new jobs for project field engineers are projected over the next decade.
Project field engineer salaries have increased 6% for project field engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 11,811 project field engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 78,589 active project field engineer job openings in the US.
The average project field engineer salary is $71,292.
Are project field engineer jobs in demand?
Project field engineer job and salary trends over time
Project field engineer jobs over time
Project field engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,811 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 11,676 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 12,064 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 11,877 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 11,601 | 0.00% |
Average project field engineer salary over time
Project field engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $71,292 | $34.27 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $70,076 | $33.69 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $69,738 | $33.53 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $68,233 | $32.80 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $67,243 | $32.33 | +1.6% |
Project field engineer jobs by state
Most common states for project field engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 412 | 59% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 306 | 41% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 231 | 37% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 475 | 35% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,792 | 32% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 340 | 32% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 872 | 28% |
| 8 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 483 | 28% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,840 | 27% |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,556 | 27% |
| 11 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 359 | 27% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 286 | 27% |
| 13 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 539 | 26% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 500 | 26% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,659 | 25% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 715 | 25% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 233 | 24% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,883 | 23% |
| 19 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,961 | 23% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 967 | 23% |
Most common cities for project field engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idaho Falls | 1 | 2% | $65,607 |
| 2 | Jupiter | 1 | 2% | $63,574 |
| 3 | Kalamazoo | 1 | 1% | $68,774 |
| 4 | Kansas City | 1 | 1% | $57,831 |
| 5 | Port Saint Lucie | 1 | 1% | $63,970 |
| 6 | Roseville | 1 | 1% | $88,703 |
| 7 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $74,049 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $71,685 |
| 9 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $66,706 |
| 10 | Chandler | 1 | 0% | $66,326 |
| 11 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $70,099 |
| 12 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $66,695 |
| 13 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $65,070 |
| 14 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $82,163 |
Project Field Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of project field engineer experts
University of Pittsburgh
Clemson University
University of North Dakota
The University of Texas Permian Basin
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Missouri - Kansas City
University of Miami
George Fox University
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington
Bowling Green State University
Santa Clara University
San Diego State University
Doña Ana Community College
University of Alabama at Huntsville
Weber State University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Michigan
What general advice would you give to a Project Field Engineer?
Kishor Shrestha Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, LEED Green Assoc.: Construction engineering is a promising profession to enter now due to various factors. There is a growing demand for public infrastructure projects globally, leading to increased opportunities. Advanced technology like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable construction practices are transforming and creating new professions. This career offers competitive salaries and the chance to work on diverse projects, making it an attractive choice.
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kishor Shrestha Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, LEED Green Assoc.: People like construction engineering's dynamic nature as it gives them the opportunity to work on challenging jobs and achieve noticeable results. They enjoy working with interdisciplinary teams and the feeling of achievement after completing a project successfully. However, some find the job demanding due to long hours, tense deadlines, and the need to understand various safety standards and regulations. Additionally, working outside in different weather conditions can be challenging.
What will help Project Field Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kishor Shrestha Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, LEED Green Assoc.: A construction engineer is usually responsible for managing multiple facets of a construction project, such as estimating, scheduling, and supervision. Every day, they may check project blueprints, work with contractors/ subcontractors, visit the site, fix technical problems, and assure that works are done safely, promptly, and within the allotted budget.
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Robert Enick: Petroleum engineers can have a wide variety of jobs; for example, Some of them become part of the teams that drill the wells deep into the earth to access layers of porous rock that contain natural gas or oil. Some PetE's arrive on site when the well is being drilled with tools that can be inserted into the well to determine if the well has penetrated porous rock layers containing natural gas or oil. Some PetE's will remain at a location for a long time once the wells in the area have been completed. After oil well production slows down and becomes uneconomic, it may make sense to inject a fluid into some wells to help push the oil into neighboring wells. In the US there are two favorite injected fluids. If the oil is very thick (high viscosity), then steam can be injected; as the steam condenses it heats the oil and makes it flow more easily. If the oil is very thin (low viscosity), then one can inject high pressure CO2 into the well. CO2 is a great solvent for oil and for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). PetE's design the injection strategies for these 'EOR' processes. In the past few decades there has been a surge in the production of natural gas and/or oil from 'unconventional' rock such as shale. PetE's are involved in every step of these processes.
What general advice would you give to a Project Field Engineer?
Dhaval Gajjar: Leadership and management position that manages construction projects from concept to actual construction. It involves estimating, scheduling, project management, finance, communication, and contract management. Some positions also include on-site management, communication, and coordination with different stakeholders.
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dhaval Gajjar: Workforce is a huge challenge in the industry. The position pays well with good benefits. Diverse job functions and can specialize in a specific field.
What will help Project Field Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dhaval Gajjar: Like – Challenging, diverse, impact in the community, working with different types of people, can use any STEM related skills Dislike – Sometimes long hours to finish projects.
What general advice would you give to a Project Field Engineer?
Dwight Beadle: Work ethic, dedication to the team, taking on hard tasks, communication showing your value to the company will help a recent graduate to maximize their potential in their career.
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dwight Beadle: Improving worker productivity by developing detailed Work Packages for all activities and crafts. Use of technology (drones, IR, and VR) to help eliminate construction issues or find them before they become an issue.
What will help Project Field Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dwight Beadle: As a recent graduate, a new hire should 'seek first to understand then to be understood' (Stephen Covey). Graduates should go into their new job trying to soak up as much real-world knowledge as possible and ask a lot of questions. They should be good communicators. They should think ahead and go through processes before acting. When they encounter a problem, they should not be afraid to ask for help, but do so after having thought through a possible solution.
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andreas Michael Ph.D.: Bar none, the primary virtue of petroleum-engineering-degree holders must be a strong competitive advantage in the relevant jobs market, relating to oil and gas exploration and production. A strong focus on the basics of their 'trade' is what will make them 'good at their job' - completeness on all fronts.
Jon Olson Professor
Cockrell Family Chair in Engineering #17The University of Texas Permian Basin
Petroleum Engineering
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jon Olson Professor: You need to be willing to go to where the work is. For many, that means working in the Permian Basin, even though they may wish to be stationed in a big metroplex like Houston. But there is no substitute for the great experience and learning you get by being close to the field, where you can get out of the office and see first-hand how the oil business works.
What general advice would you give to a Project Field Engineer?
Ahmed Temani: As a new Petroleum Engineering graduate, it's crucial to be adaptable, eager to learn, and gain practical experience. Exploring different areas within petroleum engineering can help you discover your interests. Networking is key - attending industry events and joining professional organizations can provide valuable connections and opportunities. Staying up-to-date with new technologies in our rapidly evolving industry is also important.
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ahmed Temani: To maximize your salary potential in Petroleum Engineering, focus on continuous learning and skill development. Specializing in a specific area of petroleum engineering can increase your value to employers. Consider pursuing advanced degrees to further enhance your salary potential. Gaining experience in challenging environments or roles, such as international projects, can also be beneficial. Actively participate in professional organizations and take on leadership roles when possible. Building a strong professional online presence can also contribute to your career advancement.
What will help Project Field Engineers increase their earning potential?
Ahmed Temani: The petroleum engineering industry is moving rapidly towards data-driven decision-making, digitalization, and sustainability. Skills in data analysis, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be increasingly used to optimize processes. Demand is also rising for knowledge and technologies related to sustainability and clean energy.
What general advice would you give to a Project Field Engineer?
Dr. Alison Graettinger: Some common challenges for field based positions is the amount of travel involved or working in extreme weather conditions.
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alison Graettinger: Field tech positions are common at entry level for geologists. The work can involve multiple field days per week, and report writing. Depending on the employer specialty field techs can be focused on water or soil sampling. This can involve digging, hiking short distances, and always some level of commute to field sites within the areas covered by the company. Field techs frequently work in pairs or small teams. There is typically a period of training after being hired before being sent out in the field focusing on safety and the specific analyses or sampling expected for the project.
What will help Project Field Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Alison Graettinger: The demand for geology field engineers/techs is pretty constant. This is also a great way to get your foot in the door to a company and learn about how the company is structured and paths for advancement.
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP
Associate Professor of Practice, Dept. of Civil & Architectural Engineering, Director of Construction Management ProgramsUniversity of Miami
Architectural Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Project Field Engineer?
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP: Interdisciplinary and transformative design and construction approaches; integration of emerging technological innovations into practice; integration of software tools into everyday problem solving; solid knowledge about smart systems and AI applications; good understanding and ability to use data analytics
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP: Be flexible; highlight that you are a team player with solid leadership skills; be self driven, resourceful and confident; share your vision for your new role stemming from the strengths and knowledge that you bring based on your training, education and prior work experience.
Ben Giudice Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Civil EngineeringGeorge Fox University
Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering
What hard/technical skills are most important for Project Field Engineers?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: Specific technical skills that are important will vary widely by what the employer is looking for. Civil engineering is an incredibly broad field with many specialties and subspecialties. Having technical skills like specific software capabilities in the area of civil engineering one is proposing to enter is definitely a plus. Moreso than specific technical skills, it is important to highlight any kind of project work that has been completed, whether those be major projects as part of the coursework, a senior capstone project, or extracurricular projects of relevance that have been completed.
What skills will help Project Field Engineers earn the most?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: Top earners in civil engineering are those that can effectively manage projects and people. At the early stages of the career, gaining project experience is vital, and the quicker one can demonstrate the ability to manage projects, the quicker earnings should rise. Project management involves understanding scope and client requirements, but also tracking resources and schedules, and having the intuition and experience to plan and intervene effectively when and where it is needed.
What skills stand out on Project Field Engineer resumes?
Bijan Shapoorian: -Leadership
-Cost estimating
-Planning and Scheduling
What soft skills should all Project Field Engineers possess?
Bijan Shapoorian: Effective interaction and communication with project stakeholders.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Project Field Engineers?
Bijan Shapoorian: Knowledge and experience with the latest software and technological tools.
What skills will help Project Field Engineers earn the most?
Bijan Shapoorian: Work experience and Internship during academic years results in higher salary for CM graduates. Employers always search for more experienced candidates with knowledge in
Planning and scheduling and cost estimating.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Field Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Bijan Shapoorian: Construction Management as a profession involves performance of several different tasks such as Cost Estimating, Planning and Scheduling, Supervision and Inspections to name a few. Some tasks such as cost estimating and planning and scheduling can be conducted remotely while some tasks such as supervision and inspection remain face to face. Recent pandemic along with the increased usage of technological tools have influenced the method of conduct for many professions and businesses. However, construction management will not be going through a transition as fast as some other profession such as Engineering and Architectural services. This is due to the nature of this profession.
What Project Field Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bijan Shapoorian: Staying up to date with the new software and available technology remains as one of the major challenges in this industry. Most software offer online tutorials.
What general advice would you give to a Project Field Engineer?
Bijan Shapoorian: In most Construction Management programs, Internship courses prepares the students for the job market and the industry. Those CM students who have obtained a degree in CM but lack work experience are recommended to search for internship opportunities if finding employment becomes a challenge. Students are advised to be flexible and willing to relocate to geographical areas with higher demand for this profession.
Alan Atalah Ph.D.
ProfessorBowling Green State University
College of Technology Architecture and Applied Engineering
What soft skills should all Project Field Engineers possess?
Alan Atalah Ph.D.: Dealing with people to earn their trust and faith in you. Knowing that people skills are much more than small talk and schmoozing. Communications orally and in writing. Listening to other people and trying your best to serve their interests as much as possible. Reading people. Creating a working environment where there is mutual trust among the project team members. Honoring your word and commitments to the best of your abilities. Willingness to learn and eagerness for professional growth.
Steering and focusing their intellectual and physical abilities to create the maximum value to their employer.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Project Field Engineers?
Alan Atalah Ph.D.: Problem-solving involves defining the problem correctly, comprehending the facts related to the problem, identifying potential alternative solutions, devising selection criteria evaluate the alternatives, and selecting the best alternative solution.
Ability to use the a/c software programs to create value for the employer.
Simultaneously, visualizing the site and its surroundings, building and its requirements, time and sequence of operations, cost, quality, safety, etc., simultaneously avoids problems and solves problems quickly when they arise.
What skills will help Project Field Engineers earn the most?
Alan Atalah Ph.D.: In the short run, the a/c technical and hard skills are crucial to enhance their chances of getting a decent job. In the long run, the a/c soft skills are crucial for adding value to their employers and their customers (owners), subcontractors, vendors, consultants, etc. I would also add the managerial and leadership abilities; they are two different sets of skills.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Project Field Engineers?
Amin Ghafooripour Ph.D.: Teaching at University requires advanced degrees, Licensed engineers may have a better chance.
Janusz Supernak Ph.D.
Professor and ChairSan Diego State University
Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
What's a good job out of college for Project Field Engineers?
Janusz Supernak Ph.D.: All fields are different. In Civil Engineering, there will be a lot of work in any foreseeable future. According to ASCE, American infrastructure needs a $3 trillion (!) investment to be back in great shape. This is an example of a "good job out of college". Two factors: 1) good prospects for sustainable employment, and 2) good prospects for a high salary when demand for civil engineers and constructors is higher than supply of new graduates.
Chipper Moore
Department Chair & ProfessorDoña Ana Community College
Architecture & Construction Technologies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Field Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Chipper Moore: I believe the ability to work independently and effectively remotely are highly-valued skills at the moment. With many individuals having to work from home, the ability to remain productive is critical to success in the current business environment. I also believe the utilization of collaborative technologies that have facilitated communication during the pandemic will continue to be used, and used to a greater extent, in the post-pandemic workplace.
How have salaries changed over time for Project Field Engineers?
Chipper Moore: In my experience, I have seen starting salaries and demand for well-prepared architectural technology graduates increase over the last several years. I have also seen an increase in salaries for individuals with experience, as companies compete for the services of those individuals.
Michael Anderson
Department chairUniversity of Alabama at Huntsville
Department of civil and environmental engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Field Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Michael Anderson: The biggest trend is employers want motivated employees. Given the pandemic and the inability to work in typical office settings, employers need employees that have the self-motivation to work remotely.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Project Field Engineers?
Michael Anderson: Obviously the Fundamental of Engineering Exam is vital. Senior Design course and the role of the individual is important. During an interview the ability to speak to your contribution on the project, both technical and management is key to impressing a potential employer.
How have salaries changed over time for Project Field Engineers?
Michael Anderson: They have risen. Civil Engineering salaries for entry-level positions have almost doubled in the last 25 years.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Field Engineers?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: The effect of the pandemic on the electrical engineering job market heavily depends on location, since some industries are thriving and others are struggling. However, more companies than ever are moving towards automation, machine learning, and AI driven solutions. Electrical engineers are well suited to all of these positions, particularly for those with graduate degrees. Recent surveys have indicated that the pandemic has been a bigger influence on technological innovation inside of companies than any other factor, so expect rapid growth in electrical engineering careers, limited more by the lack of graduates than a lack of jobs.
Additionally, for better or worse, expect the work environment to change as companies re-evaluate whether they really need as many applications engineers as they have. On a brighter note, expect more work from home positions to be created. Whether these positions stick around is yet to be seen, but I side with the majority when I say I think they will. It's hard to get skilled workers to live where land and taxes are cheap, but not so hard to convince them to work from home.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Project Field Engineers?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: Locally (and I suspect nationally), we're seeing a boom in the demand for systems engineers: those that can bring together a diversity of skills and manage a project. These positions have traditionally gone to skilled engineers with a decade of experience or more, but the shortfall in experienced systems engineers has resulted in new grads working in these positions. Getting a certification in systems engineering will allow students to capitalize on the opportunity.
What will help Project Field Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: Getting a master's degree goes a long way to making candidates stand out and improving earnings. My recommendation is to tailor your MS degree to the specific field you're interested in working in, because employers really want to see candidates that are passionate about the field, and very few people survive a graduate degree without at least a little passion. Available salary data indicates that if you choose an affordable program (let's just say Weber State University), it takes only a few years to pay off the added cost, increases starting salaries, and dramatically improves long-term earning potential. Moreover, you can find electrical engineers with MBAs at C-level positions all over the country. It turns out being an EE makes you a good candidate for business leadership.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Field Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.: One of the biggest trends that we will see is lesser reliance on brick and mortar office space for hosting workplace activities. While this will be a general trend, this will be particularly true in the civil engineering field since infrastructure is "outside," which already oriented many civil engineering activities toward "field" work. Further, as many engineering planning and design activities are solitary pursuits, working remotely on those tasks makes a great deal of sense. Design review, public involvement, and the like are activities that require social interaction. These undertakings will be better practiced in group settings like an office or public meeting space.
What technical skills for a Project Field Engineer stand out to employers?
Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.: Given this trend, employers will be looking for the usual superior engineering knowledge and skill sets, but they will also be interested in those who can prove that they are excellent self-starters and time managers. Being able to demonstrate one's "flexibility" and an ability to think on one's feet will also be highly desirable.
What's a good job out of college for Project Field Engineers?
Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.: Any job when you are getting out of college is a good job. Government, consulting, small organization, large organization-each of these provide valuable experience for the engineer just starting out in a career. There is something to be learned from each of these fundamentally different kinds of experiences. In government service, you get great exposure to the regulatory side of the field. In consulting, you get to experience the business aspects of engineering and client relations. In a big organization, you get to bore down and develop some very specific expertise in a technical area. In a small firm, you get to do a little bit of everything.
Brian Denton Ph.D.
Professor and Department ChairUniversity of Michigan
Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering
What soft skills should all Project Field Engineers possess?
Brian Denton Ph.D.: Communications, both written and verbal, are always important. So is leadership training, teamwork, and resilience. We expose our students to all of these topics, often referring to them as "essential skills" to make it clear how important they are.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Field Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Brian Denton Ph.D.: The job market remains strong for our students. Perhaps there will be less hiring in areas most affected by the pandemic (e.g. sports, events management, restaurant chains, airlines and other transportation companies). On the other hand, our students are often hired to work on opportunities for creating greater efficiencies, and reducing costs, so opportunities may still be strong in these areas.
What's a day at work look like for a Project Field Engineer?
Brian Denton Ph.D.: It really depends on the specific job, but a common theme for grads from our department would include analyzing data to understand operations of an industrial system, working with non-engineers to develop an understanding of business goals, and developing a data driven model that can be used to support decision making.