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Job outlook for reliability engineers in the United States
Reliability engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected reliability engineer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 30,600 new jobs for reliability engineers are projected over the next decade.
Reliability engineer salaries have increased 6% for reliability engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,989 reliability engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 44,471 active reliability engineer job openings in the US.
The average reliability engineer salary is $105,551.
Are reliability engineer jobs in demand?
Reliability Engineer job and salary trends over time
Reliability Engineer jobs over time
Reliability Engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,989 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,899 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 6,935 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,646 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,313 | 0.00% |
Average reliability engineer salary over time
Reliability Engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $105,551 | $50.75 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $104,447 | $50.22 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $103,284 | $49.66 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $101,908 | $48.99 | +1.9% |
| 2020 | $100,045 | $48.10 | +1.0% |
Reliability Engineer jobs by state
Most common states for reliability engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 273 | 39% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,516 | 22% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 224 | 17% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,226 | 16% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,171 | 16% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 874 | 16% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 680 | 16% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 158 | 16% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,199 | 14% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 869 | 14% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 782 | 14% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 424 | 14% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,157 | 11% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 791 | 11% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 411 | 11% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 979 | 10% |
| 17 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 497 | 10% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 196 | 10% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 177 | 10% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 102 | 10% |
Most common cities for reliability engineers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 13 | 47% | $80,736 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 15 | 38% | $96,162 |
| 3 | Lansing | 14 | 12% | $89,042 |
| 4 | Hartford | 14 | 11% | $92,220 |
| 5 | Little Rock | 17 | 9% | $84,026 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 37 | 8% | $87,467 |
| 7 | Baton Rouge | 16 | 7% | $95,499 |
| 8 | Tallahassee | 14 | 7% | $88,083 |
| 9 | Des Moines | 14 | 6% | $78,128 |
| 10 | Boston | 24 | 4% | $101,971 |
| 11 | Sacramento | 18 | 4% | $134,283 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 22 | 3% | $72,998 |
| 13 | Washington | 18 | 3% | $96,743 |
| 14 | San Francisco | 21 | 2% | $134,719 |
| 15 | Denver | 17 | 2% | $95,112 |
| 16 | Chicago | 24 | 1% | $90,935 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 24 | 1% | $98,173 |
| 18 | San Diego | 15 | 1% | $117,062 |
Reliability Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of reliability engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Wilkes University
University of San Diego
University of South Alabama
North Carolina State University
Wichita State University
University of California
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
What general advice would you give to a Reliability Engineer?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: After you proved yourself to your peers and supervisors, you can always ask your price. Otherwise, there are a lot of other companies that will meet your ask and value your abilities.
What will help Reliability Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: All engineering and technical skills will be in need. People who are capable to use technology will be in high demand. Project management skills. Ability to use various software and be able to do some coding. Understanding of AI and how it applies to the specific work that you do.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Reliability 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 Reliability 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 Reliability 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 Reliability 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.
What will help Reliability Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
What Reliability Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Richard Davis: Engineers engage in various daily activities that are intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Every task is a step toward a tangible accomplishment, from innovating, designing, testing, and implementing new technologies to troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve quality. They may spend time in meetings discussing project progress, collaborating with colleagues, and planning future steps, all of which contribute to the sense of achievement. Engineers often use software tools to create designs, analyze data, and simulate systems, further enhancing their productivity and satisfaction. Depending on the field, they might spend time in labs conducting experiments, on-site overseeing construction or manufacturing processes, or in offices working on plans and reports, all of which are opportunities to see their work come to fruition. Entry-level Engineers: A bachelor's degree in engineering trains engineers with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Entry-level engineers might start with tasks like data collection and analysis or assisting senior engineers with projects. Entry-level engineers might also spend time shadowing more experienced colleagues, attending training sessions, and gradually taking on more responsibility and management as they gain experience.
What will help Reliability 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 Reliability Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What will help Reliability 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 Reliability Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Megumi Usui: Given the rapid advancement in AI technology, its potential integration into the drafting and design field remains uncertain in terms of timing and methodology. However, if and when AI becomes a significant component of this industry, it will be crucial to find ways to collaborate effectively with AI systems to leverage their capabilities for the betterment of society. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, this collaborative approach will be essential. In this evolving landscape, proficiency in CAD skills remains indispensable. It is important to emphasize that CAD expertise extends beyond mere modeling; professionals must also ensure that their designs are sustainable and adhere to the latest industry standards. This holistic approach is critical for addressing contemporary challenges and aligning with global sustainability goals. Moreover, the significance of complementary skills such as effective communication and time management cannot be overstated. These competencies are vital for the successful execution of projects and fostering productive collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. By integrating technical proficiency with these essential soft skills, professionals can excel in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment, positioning themselves to adapt to future technological advancement.
What will help Reliability 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 general advice would you give to a Reliability Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What will help Reliability 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 Reliability 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.
Dr. Imane Khalil
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Dean of Graduate ProgramsUniversity of San Diego
Mechanical Engineering
What Reliability Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Imane Khalil: While technologies like AI and data science are becoming important across all sectors from medicine to engineering, the most crucial skill for any profession remains people skills. Continuously developing your interpersonal abilities, such as respecting colleagues, honesty, reliability, and effective communication, is the most important key to success at work.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Reliability 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 Reliability 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 Reliability Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Armentrout: Expanded use of swarms of cheap sensors that communicate on multiple platforms for better understanding and control of complicated systems. Integrated use of artificial intelligence to increase our effectiveness in all aspects of our jobs.
What Reliability Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alexey Gulyuk: Being an Engineer means to be educated in many fields and, what is even more important, to be able to get out of your initial field of expertise and quickly learn new things. In essence, good Engineer has no limits or can push through the limits. Being an engineer is to be a highly-skilled individual that works on impactful projects that solve real-world problems. Currently, Engineering is in high demand and the field will continue growth with further advancements of the technologies like biotech, data science, renewable and non-conventional energy. Lastly, Engineering allows us to stay up-to-date and being able to follow the trends in diverse career opportunities.
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWichita State University
School of Accountancy, Barton School of Business
What experience really stands out on Reliability Engineer resumes?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: Employers are looking for people who can integrate in multi-disciplinary environments to solve complex problems. They are looking for resumes that show quick learning. Such resumes will permanently be in great demand. Because the world is interconnected much more than it ever was, employees today will deal with customers, supply-chains, and fellow employees who are spread all over the world. It means that an experience that showcases the global perspective will be in demand over the long-term.
What experience really stands out on Reliability Engineer resumes?
Diran Apelian: Graduates who have never had industry experience are at a disadvantage. Those who stand out have taken risks and have exposed themselves to various engineering venues through summer jobs and various internships. Theory and practice stands out.
What Reliability Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kamran Abedini: First of all, I do not recommend a gap year or any interruptions in education as it could require additional warm-up and setup for starting it again in the future. However, if they "need" to do so, I recommend they at least take one course so that they understand the trend and the expectations of students in an educational environment. For example, in the last couple of semesters, both faculty and students have learned and experienced new methods of virtual learning and assessment. If you just plan on coming to school after a few semesters, you would be highly surprised by the changes, taking you much time to prepare, and it would cause falling behind your coursework.