Engineering is undeniably one of the most high-demand professions in the US, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down.
Considering the average salary of an Engineer in the USA, engineering is quite a prominent field of study in the US, and the country is offering lucrative opportunities & average salaries of INR 83,47,835 (as per 2023 data) to working Engineers. Consistently, engineering positions boast the highest average starting salaries annually.
Various engineering disciplines offer career choices, including mechanical, chemical, machine learning, and electrical engineering. Some highly renowned US companies hiring engineers are Jensen Hughes, Arup, Affiliated Engineers, Lockheed Martin, IBM, etc.
Moving forward, we will focus on the average salary of an Engineer in the USA by years of experience, type, state, and factors affecting the number.
Average Salary of Engineer in USA: Engineers Get Top Pay in the US
The average salary of an Engineer in the USA is around INR 83,47,835 per year. The average salary of an Engineer in the USA can vary between approximately INR 50,14,943 (lowest) and INR 138,95,709 (highest) annually. If we break it down hourly, engineers make about INR 2,044 per hour on average.
Many factors impact the average salary of an Engineer in the USA, including:
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- Location,
- Level of Education & Qualifications,
- Experience level,
- Chosen Industry,
- Company Size,
- Demand for Specialisation,
- Negotiation Skills,
- Market conditions,
- Benefits and Perks
Engineers earn the highest average salaries in New Hampshire, California, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Average Salary of Engineer in USA by Years of Experience
| Experience level | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Entry Level Engineer (0-2 years) | ₹58,75,305 |
| Mid-career Engineer (3-6 years) | ₹76,39,564 |
| Senior Engineer (7-12 years) | ₹1,13,21,160 |
*Note:
- The salaries are converted to INR based on a conversion rate of 1 USD = 82.97 INR (Sep 2023)
- The currency exchange rates can fluctuate, so the conversion rate used here is based on the given rate.
Just to mention the monetary growth, an engineer who has spent a decade in the industry can expect a 21% salary increase, and those with 15 years of experience can further boost their income with an additional 15% raise.
Average Salary of Engineer in USA by Specialty Area:
The average salary of an Engineer in the USA will be calculated based on the industry or your particular engineering stream. In the USA, companies offer salaries across various industries, such as
- In the Automotive Industry, the highest Average Engineer Salary is INR 81,04,529
- In the Finance Industry, the Average Engineer Salary is INR 78,17,346
- In the Government Industry, the lowest Average Engineer Salary is INR 56,31,234
To break down the industries mentioned above, let us mention some of the highest-paid jobs in the US:
| Profession/Job | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Petroleum Engineers | ₹100,83,448 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | ₹54,62,873 |
| Software Engineers | ₹115,72,802 |
| Aerospace Engineers | ₹86,64,541 |
| Chemical Engineers | ₹84,39,341 |
| Nuclear Engineers | ₹104,68,627 |
| Electronics Engineers (excluding Computers) | ₹77,16,861 |
| Electrical Engineers | ₹82,97,700 |
| Materials Engineers | ₹80,15,661 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | ₹75,42,787 |
| All Other Engineers | ₹83,50,805 |
*Note– The salaries mentioned may vary per the available information and different research. The figures mentioned above are based on August & September 2023 data.
Average Salary of Engineer in USA by State/Region
This is one of the most significant factors in determining the average salary of an Engineer in the USA. In the United States, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Oregon offer the highest average salaries for engineers, while Hawaii, Louisiana, and Alaska have the lowest average engineer salaries.
According to 2023 data, the Top 10 highly paid & popular regions for Engineers in the USA are:
| Region | Average Salary (INR) |
| New Hampshire | ₹80,52,974 |
| Oregon | ₹78,23,946 |
| Massachusetts | ₹78,54,234 |
| Pennsylvania | ₹77,88,928 |
| Maryland | ₹76,54,499 |
| Vermont | ₹73,91,449 |
| New York | ₹77,49,678 |
| West Virginia | ₹75,26,459 |
| California | ₹72,98,759 |
| Maine | ₹71,46,987 |
*Note:
- Many other locations offer high salaries to engineers, like Wisconsin, Kansas, Idaho, Delaware, etc.
- Source: https://www.zippia.com/engineer-jobs/salary/
Top 10 Highest-Paying Engineer Companies in the USA
- Apple
- IBM
- BMW Group
- WSP USA
- Fluor Corporation
- Arup
- Terracon
- Jensen Hughes
- Vanderweil Engineers
- Syska Hennessy Group
- Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
- Henderson Engineers
Common Benefits for Engineers in the US
Usually, in the US, Engineers working with top-rated companies receive the following benefits:
- Tuition Reimbursement: The company reimburses employees’ tuition fees for postgraduate studies up to a specified amount.
- Health Insurance: The company contributes to employee healthcare benefits.
- Life Insurance: The company provides life insurance coverage for employees in case of illness or accidents, benefiting their dependents.
- 401(k): A retirement savings plan with tax advantages where employees allocate a portion of their paycheck to an investment account.
- 401(k) Matching: The employer adds funds to an employee’s 401(k) account to match their contributions, enhancing long-term savings.
- Vision Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Flexible Schedule
- Relocation Assistance
- Professional Development Assistance
- Parental Leave
- Meals
Salary of Engineers: The US vs. India
According to different sources, it has been observed that the average salary of an Engineer in the USA is 3 times better than in India.
Pursuing engineering and a career in the US often offers several advantages compared to India,
- Firstly, the US boasts a vast and dynamic job market with many opportunities in diverse engineering fields.
- Engineers in the US frequently enjoy higher average salaries, better job security, and access to cutting-edge technologies and research facilities.
- Moreover, the American education system is renowned for its quality, offering world-class engineering programs and opportunities for research and innovation.
- The US also encourages a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which can be highly rewarding for engineers looking to explore their ventures.
- Additionally, the US provides a welcoming environment for international talent, fostering diversity and cultural exchange.
Here is a table for your reference to give an insight into the approximate salary comparison of Engineers in the USA and India.
| Profession | Salary in the USA (INR) | Salary in India (INR) |
| Software Engineers | ₹115,72,802 | ₹8,65,000 |
| Petroleum Engineers | ₹100,83,448 | ₹9,44,897 |
| Aerospace Engineers | ₹86,64,541 | ₹11,93,154 |
| Mechanical Engineers | ₹75,28,207 | ₹383,667 |
| Chemical Engineers | ₹84,39,341 | ₹6,49,714 |
*Note: Only a few professions are mentioned in the above table. Their salaries may vary per the recent research and dollar rate updates.
Where to Pursue Engineering in India or the US?
It’s a big dilemma for the aspiring engineers. Most Indian students find pursuing Engineering in the USA challenging vs. India. Pursuing engineering in the US often offers several benefits compared to India:
- Competitive Entrance Exams
- World-class Quality of Education
- Top-notch Engineering Universities
- Global Exposure
- Diversified Engineering Environment,
- Wide range of specialisations to study,
- Comprehensive Curriculum,
- Best Teaching Practices
- Quality of life
- Leadership and Soft Skills
- Industry Partnerships
- Diversified Opportunities
- High Earning Potential (Competitive salaries)
While India has strengths in engineering, the US often provides a broader spectrum of opportunities and resources, making it an attractive destination for aspiring engineers.
Also read:
Artificial Intelligence Engineer Average Salary In The USA: Overview, Scope & Benefits
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, the average salary of an Engineer in the USA for 2023 reflects financial rewards and the vast scope and numerous benefits of pursuing an engineering career there. The US offers engineers various opportunities across various industries, ensuring they can specialise and find their niche.
These career prospects come with a higher earning potential and the opportunity to continue their financial growth. Moreover, the US stands out for its top-notch engineering curriculum, fostering innovation, research, and entrepreneurship culture.
Engineers in the US are well-positioned to contribute to technological advancements and are part of a global network of professionals. With a high quality of life, immigration opportunities, industry partnerships, and an emphasis on soft skills, pursuing engineering in the US opens doors to a fulfilling and prosperous future.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Which state pays highly to Engineers in the US?
A. According to a recent survey conducted by various prominent bodies, New Hampshire is one famous state in the US that pays high and competitive salaries to engineers. The average engineer salary in the state is INR 80,52,974. Other than this, Massachusetts and Oregon offer the highest average salaries for engineers, while Hawaii, Louisiana, and Alaska have the lowest average engineer salaries.
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Q. What is a good starting salary for an Engineer in the US?
A. A good initial salary for an engineer in the United States is INR 53,15,299. This puts you in the 10th percentile of annual salary as an engineer in the United States, which is relatively good as per your expectations.
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Q. What factors influence the average salary of an Engineer in the USA?
A. Several factors influence the average salary of an Engineer in the USA, including Experience, Level of Education, Engineering Field, Location, Industry, Company Size, Skills and specialisations, Market conditions, Benefits, and perks.
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Q. What are the key benefits of pursuing engineering in the USA?
A. Pursuing an engineering degree in the USA is blessed with a wide range of benefits such as world-class education, diverse specialisations, global recognition, research opportunities, internships & co-op programs, innovation culture, networking, scholarships, and other financial aid, improved English language skills, cultural experience, Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs for international students (valid for 12 months working tenure after graduation), etc.
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Q. What are the best career paths for engineering aspirants in the US?
A. Given the diverse specialisations and job market, US engineering aspirants have many available career paths. Some of the best career paths are:
-Software engineering,
-Electrical Engineering,
-Automotive Engineering,
-Mechanical Engineering,
-Computer Science Engineering -
Q. Is IELTS compulsory to apply for an engineering program in the US?
A. Although IELTS is not mandatory for applying for an engineering program in the US, most top-notch universities usually demand it for enrolling international students. You can acquire a value-added language skill for an added advantage. To know more about it and to enrol in a suitable online IELTS course, LEAP can help you with it! We have different courses available in our IELTS segment. Check & enrol now!
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Q. What top software engineering career options are available for US aspirants?
A. Some of the best software engineering career options in the US are:
–Data Scientist: Creating relevant data-based software using statistics and analytics.
–Cybersecurity Engineer: Development of layers of security or protection to prevent a data breach.
–Machine Learning Engineer: Area of Artificial intelligence that allows drawing valuable data from insights and identifying patterns to empower the computer to become more efficient. -
Q. Which type of engineers are highly paid in the US?
A. Some of the engineering disciplines known for offering high average salary of an Engineer in the USA:
–Petroleum engineers, with an average salary of INR 100,83,448
–Aerospace engineers, with an average salary of INR 86,64,541
–Mechanical engineers, with an average salary of INR 75,28,207
–Nuclear engineers, with an average salary of INR 79,12,321
–Software engineers, with an average salary of INR 115,72,802
There are many other speciality areas, and the average salary significantly depends on the industry and location. -
Q. What are the top engineering colleges in the USA?
A. Some of the top engineering colleges in the USA are:
a. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
b. Stanford University, California
c. University of California – Berkeley, California
d. Purdue University – West Lafayette
e. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta -
Q. What are the educational requirements for engineering positions in the USA, and how do they correlate with salary levels?
A. The educational requirements for engineering positions in the US can vary depending on the specific role, industry, and employer. However, there are some common educational paths for engineers, and these qualifications can correlate with salary levels-
-With a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a candidate can study in the USA and earn INR 73.2 lakhs annually, up to 24% more than candidates with a certificate or diploma.
-Professionals with a Master’s degree in engineering can get INR 81 lakhs or nearly 29% more salary than those with a bachelor’s degree.
-PhD or doctorate holders in engineering can earn up to INR 84 lakhs annually. -
Q. What is the job outlook for engineers in the US for the coming years?
A. The job outlook for engineers in the US remains positive for the coming years. Engineering continues growing with opportunities in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. As the demand for technology and innovation increases, engineers are expected to play a vital role in solving complex problems and advancing industries. However, specific job prospects can vary by engineering discipline and geographic region, so it’s essential to research the field and location of interest for the most accurate outlook.
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Q. What Benefits Do Engineers Get in the US?
A. Engineers working in the US can avail of comprehensive benefits packages, which might include health insurance, paid vacations, flexible work arrangements, global relationships, professional development, tuition reimbursement, employer assistance programs, life insurance and disability coverage, commuter benefits, on-site amenities like gyms/cafeterias/childcare facilities, a good average salary of an Engineer in the USA and a lot more.
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Q. What are the most popular engineering certifications that can be obtained for a good hike?
A. Some of the credible Certifications in the engineering industry that lead to a significant hike in the salary of engineers are
-Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE certification): +32.77%
-CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional): +31.85%
-CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): +28.42%
-CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): +28.02%
-SANS / GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) certification: +27.62%
