Engineers, All Other Salary Guide 2025: $122,930 Median, Paths to Hire
The median salary for Engineers, All Other hit $122,930 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $59 per hour. The top 10% of earners bring home over $189,950, while the bottom 10% make about $66,810. With 154,070 workers nationwide, this catch-all category covers engineers who don't fit neatly into major specialties like mechanical or electrical.
How much Engineers, All Other earn
The average mean annual wage is $125,330, slightly above the median because higher earners pull the mean up. Pay spreads widely: a new engineer might start around $66,810, while experienced professionals in senior roles or niche fields can exceed $189,950. Overtime can boost total compensation, especially for exempt employees. Bonuses and profit sharing are common in tech-heavy industries and consulting firms.
Location matters enormously. The District of Columbia and Virginia pay well above the national average due to government contracting and defense work. Engineers in New Mexico, anchored by national labs and aerospace, earn an average of $162,070. In contrast, engineers in Kansas and Arkansas average around $76,000 to $88,500 — a difference of more than $80,000.
- 10th percentile: $66,810
- Median: $122,930
- 90th percentile: $189,950
- Mean annual: $125,330
Pay by state
New Mexico tops the list at $162,070, followed by Alabama at $152,550 — both states have strong federal and aerospace presences. The District of Columbia comes in at $151,920, Virginia at $148,160, and Alaska at $142,390. These high-paying states often cluster around government labs, defense contractors, or resource extraction industries.
At the lower end, Nebraska averages $88,490, Arkansas $76,940, and Kansas $76,100. These states have fewer high-tech employers and a lower cost of living, which partly offsets the wage gap. But if maximizing salary is your goal, relocating to a high-paying region can be worth the move.
How to become Engineers, All Other
The typical path starts with a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Common majors include mechanical, electrical, civil, or general engineering. After graduation, many states require passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT). After four years of supervised work, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam for full licensure.
Because 'All Other' covers diverse fields, specialized certifications can help. For example, a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) or a Project Management Professional (PMP) may boost your resume. Internships and co-op programs during college provide critical experience. Entry-level roles often pair you with senior engineers for on-the-job training.
- Earn a bachelor's in engineering from an ABET-accredited school.
- Pass the FE exam to become an EIT.
- Gain 4+ years of work experience under a licensed PE.
- Pass the PE exam for full licensure (required for certain roles).
- Consider specialty certifications (CSEP, PMP, etc.) to stand out.
Job outlook
Employment for Engineers, All Other is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,300 openings per year are expected, largely due to retirements and workers transferring to other fields. That translates to roughly 3,200 net new jobs plus about 6,100 replacement openings annually.
Growth is tied to emerging technologies like renewable energy, automation, and advanced manufacturing. Engineers who stay current with software tools and systems integration will have an edge. Government and defense sectors will continue to hire, especially in high-paying states like New Mexico and Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Engineers, All Other?
The national median salary is $122,930 per year, according to BLS data from 2024. The mean annual wage is $125,330.
Which states pay the most for Engineers, All Other?
The highest-paying states are New Mexico ($162,070), Alabama ($152,550), District of Columbia ($151,920), Virginia ($148,160), and Alaska ($142,390).
How do I become an Engineer, All Other?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. After that, passing the FE exam and gaining work experience leads to a PE license. Certifications like CSEP or PMP can help.
Is the job outlook good for Engineers, All Other?
Yes, with 2.1% projected growth from 2024 to 2034 (about 9,300 openings per year), demand is steady. Emerging tech fields and retirements drive the need.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Engineers, All Other data.