Firm Salaries Continue to Rise in the U.S.

Salaries at engineering firms are seeing a nice recovery from the Great Recession so far in 2014. An industry study from ZweigWhite, made in a partnership with the American Council of Engineering Companies, looks at salary data by U.S. region, the firm’s specific industry specialty, and the job role. There is no doubt that this year is a good time to be either getting started, or already an experienced worker, in the engineering industry.

Let’s take a closer look at the survey data.

All Experience Levels seeing Engineering Salaries go Higher

A rising tide lifts all boats is the time-honored saying, and it appears to ring true for salary levels in engineering. The ZweigWhite study shows that everyone, from entry-level engineers to firm principals, is earning more so far this year. Project engineers, project managers, and departmental heads also see an increase earning rate.

The Northeast and South Atlantic, as well as the Central regions in the survey both show salary increases. The Mountain and Pacific combined region held steady, probably because engineering salaries in those regions already rank among the highest in the United States. Wherever your location in the United States — it pays well to be an engineer!

Environmental Engineering Jobs remain Lucrative

The environmental engineering discipline garnered special attention for salary growth in the ZweigWhite survey. The Central region noted an increase of 17 percent in the median base salary for environmental engineers for 2014 compared to the previous year. Firm principals for environmental engineering companies saw a 2014 salary increase of 12.7 percent compared to 2013’s numbers.

Project managers involved in the structural engineering discipline saw a median salary increase of more than 10 percent — from $81,640 in 2013 to $90,000 in the current year. Hopefully, the still improving economy bodes well for engineering salaries in 2015 and beyond.

If you are an environmental engineer fresh out of a college, or an experienced worker looking for career advancement, talk to the engineering staffing experts at The Talley Group. They are one of the top engineering recruiting firms in the Seattle area, with the unique capabilities to help you and your career no matter your specific discipline — environmental, structural, and more. Schedule some time with them today!