Where were these jobs a few years ago? I have definitely suffered a stagnation, if not a drop in pay. Perhaps it's my industry. Which ones are garnering six figures?
Yes, I agree it is good news. Data shows engineering to be a strong career choice moving forward. While I have no hard data in this area, it seems like many companies are also starting to advertise engineering openings more frequently and aggressively.
However, one trend I also continue to see is the increasing development of 'best cost country' engineers. Engineers are cautious and many continue to watch this trend closely - as it will affect salary structures in the future.
This is good news. It will be a good day when more company executives acknowledge it. There are still a number of companies (one I know of with record profits for the last few years) who are telling there employees they are lucky to have a job and not to expect a raise this year.
This survey shows that engineers have a lot to be thankful for. We are fortunate in many ways. For one thing, we are paid good money to do work that we find interesting and challenging. How many people can say that?
I have met some engineers who seem bitter; envious of those who are better off than them (doctors, lawyers, and professional athletes, for example), and scornful of those who are worse off than them ("lazy," "unproductive," etc.). These engineers constantly complain about their workloads, the various stresses and frustrations of the workplace, and how everything in the world is going to hell in a handbasket. They seem to lose sight of just how lucky they actually are. Not only is this attitude bad for productivity and morale, it's bad for their own health.
I'm thankful for the chain of events in my life which led me into an engineering career; thankful for the family, friends, and co-workers who supported and encouraged me through engineering school; and thankful for the fact that I am able to provide my family with a reasonable standard of living while doing work I enjoy. What else could I ask for?
Hopefully, engineers who see how fortunate they are will be inspired to give back, whether by tutoring and mentoring students, getting involved with organizations like Engineers Without Borders, or other activities. This is a good way to help pass on the good fortune which we have received.
This is particularly good news given that unit labor costs are not going up. Just this past month, they've gone down. So the gains in engineering salaries are are rising as companies -- and government entities -- are pushing their costs down. Is this a matter of supply and demand?
An average of $93,465 is really quite an impressive figure, when you consider that 20% of the country makes less than $91,202. It's especially impressive when you consider that the $91,202 number I just quoted is a household number, not an individual salary number. It's probably safe to assume that many of the engineers earning in the $93,465 range have other income in their households.
It is indeed heartening to see positive economic news given all that's gone on these last few weeks. It does seem like many of the sectors catering to the engineering market (in my world, CAD and PLM vendors) are reporting strong financials indiciating that companies are investing in tools to foster innovation and engineering productivity.
It's also interesting that so many of the respondents have been in the same job or company for many years. As unemployment remains a key issue and one of the biggest drags on the economy, did the survey garnter any feedback on layoffs or even respondents' ability to find a new job if necessary or desired?
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
