What Does an Engineer Do?
An engineer applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and improve systems, structures, machines, or processes. This entry-level engineering role involves working under the guidance of senior engineers on technical projects.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Engineer, Industrial Energy Engineer, Measurement And Verification Engineer, Test and Balance Engineer.
Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an engineer include:
- Assist in the design and development of engineering projects
- Perform calculations, simulations, and analyses to support design decisions
- Create technical drawings and specifications using CAD software
- Conduct research and evaluate new materials, processes, or technologies
- Participate in testing and quality assurance of designs and prototypes
- Prepare technical reports and documentation
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing and operations
- Review designs for compliance with codes, standards, and regulations
- Support project planning, scheduling, and cost estimation
- Attend site visits and inspections as needed
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an engineer, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Proficiency with CAD software and engineering tools
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills
- Knowledge of engineering principles and practices
- Technical writing and documentation skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Communication skills for team collaboration
- Understanding of relevant codes and industry standards
- Attention to detail in calculations and designs
Education and Training
A bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical, or another discipline). An Engineer in Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is common for entry-level roles. A Professional Engineer (PE) license can be pursued with experience.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $90,970 - $158,090 per year, with a median of $122,930.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Engineers, All Other.
BLS projects employment of engineers, all other to grow about 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 8,800 openings a year. Engineering continues to be a strong career field with diverse opportunities. Engineers with specializations in renewable energy, automation, and technology are particularly in demand.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Engineers, all other.
Engineer Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $66,810 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $90,970 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $122,930 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $158,090 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $189,950 |
Highest-Paying States for Engineers
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are New Mexico ($162,070), Alabama ($152,550), District of Columbia ($151,920), Virginia ($148,160), Alaska ($142,390). Pay is lowest in Nebraska ($88,490), Arkansas ($76,940), Kansas ($76,100).
Median pay in all 51 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $152,550 |
| Alaska | $142,390 |
| Arizona | $102,280 |
| Arkansas | $76,940 |
| California | $130,850 |
| Colorado | $132,590 |
| Connecticut | $124,110 |
| Delaware | $103,580 |
| District of Columbia | $151,920 |
| Florida | $105,410 |
| Georgia | $112,260 |
| Hawaii | $122,800 |
| Idaho | $130,970 |
| Illinois | $111,930 |
| Indiana | $120,880 |
| Iowa | $103,090 |
| Kansas | $76,100 |
| Kentucky | $99,830 |
| Louisiana | $99,070 |
| Maine | $120,430 |
| Maryland | $129,770 |
| Massachusetts | $131,260 |
| Michigan | $121,000 |
| Minnesota | $108,850 |
| Mississippi | $111,030 |
| Missouri | $102,980 |
| Montana | $97,470 |
| Nebraska | $88,490 |
| Nevada | $103,780 |
| New Hampshire | $128,130 |
| New Jersey | $132,450 |
| New Mexico | $162,070 |
| New York | $117,600 |
| North Carolina | $112,450 |
| North Dakota | $100,250 |
| Ohio | $120,470 |
| Oklahoma | $119,810 |
| Oregon | $123,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $108,950 |
| Rhode Island | $117,080 |
| South Carolina | $110,490 |
| South Dakota | $112,260 |
| Tennessee | $96,640 |
| Texas | $115,810 |
| Utah | $110,320 |
| Vermont | $126,550 |
| Virginia | $148,160 |
| Washington | $134,570 |
| West Virginia | $118,800 |
| Wisconsin | $110,360 |
| Wyoming | $113,050 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as engineers, all other about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 95% use email every day
- 91% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 77% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 73% are on the phone every day
- 62% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 62% usually work more than 40 hours a week
- 50% spend more than half the workday sitting
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 50% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 14% |
| Master's degree | 14% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 9% |
Tools and Software Engineers Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors as well as analyzing problems and working with ideas.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving.
Knowledge areas used most: Engineering and Technology, Mathematics, Building and Construction, Customer and Personal Service, Mechanical.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for an Engineer Job
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 17-2199.00 (Engineers, All Other). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.