How Much Do Engineering Scientists Earn Annually?

Occupation Features

The United States had an estimated 1.6 million employed engineering scientists in 2008, states the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, industrial engineers and electrical engineers held the most jobs, while agricultural engineers, geological engineers, marine engineers and biomedical engineers held the least. Approximately one-third of all employed engineers filled positions in the manufacturing industry, and slightly less than one-third had jobs that provided scientific, technical or professional services. Overall, the occupation will grow about 11 percent through the year 2018, projects the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Wages for engineering scientists depend on their specialization and other factors, such as their employer, experience and location. In May 2010, the average annual salary for engineers nationwide ranged from a high of $127,970 for petroleum engineers to a low of $74,790 for agricultural engineers. Petroleum engineers and agricultural engineers represented the high and low points for median annual salary also. Employers paid petroleum engineers median wages of $114,080 a year and agricultural engineers a median income of $74,790 per year.

As in numerous other occupations, engineering scientists tend to receive lower wages than more experienced individuals in their specialization when they first begin their professional career. Yet, entry-level engineers typically earn higher starting pay than college graduates with a bachelor's degree working in other occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In July 2009, the average beginning salary for engineering scientists with a bachelor's degree in engineering ranged from $52,048 a year for civil engineers to $83,121 a year for petroleum engineers.

Many engineering scientists can increase their annual salary if they complete additional training to enhance their knowledge and skills. Options include pursuing continuing education opportunities offered through classes or seminars -- either on the job or in a formal setting like a university -- on topics that will enhance their value to their employer at work. Engineers can also arrange to obtain professional credentials such as certification in areas relevant to managerial or senior positions that offer better pay.