News | July 20, 2000

NSPE publishes 2000 Income & Salary Survey

Engineers' salaries show an increase of 1% over the CPI.

Total annual income for engineers rose 3.7%, according to the National Society of Professional Engineers' (NSPE; Alexandria, VA) 2000 Income & Salary Survey. During this same period, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.7%.

The median total annual income for engineers came in at $75,500, according to NSPE's 34th national compensation survey. Income includes:

  • salaries
  • fees
  • cash bonuses
  • commissions
  • profit
    received from the respondents' primary jobs during the preceding 12-month period, but specifically excludes overtime pay. The median income for a licensed engineer was $77,392, while it was $57,000 for an engineer with no professional registration or certification. Salaries are as of January 1, 2000.

    San Francisco/Oakland, California, was home to the highest median income by metropolitan area at $100,948. Nassau/Suffolk Counties, New York, came in second at $94,920. The lowest median income was found in Providence, Rhode Island, at $62,500. The highest median income by major branch of engineering went to those who work in petroleum engineering at $110,000. Mining and nuclear engineering were ranked second and third at $98,471 and $97,110, respectively. By industry, engineers employed by producers of food/beverage/tobacco earned the highest median income at $91,750.

    The survey, an 84-page document, analyzes engineers' salaries by

  • length of experience
  • level of education
  • level of professional responsibility
  • branch of engineering
  • job function
  • industry or service of employer
  • registration status
  • supervisory/managerial responsibility
  • region and metropolitan area
  • origin

    It also examines the effect of downsizing on engineers. The 2000 Income & Salary Survey with diskette analyzes salary data for three or more variables simultaneously — as far as the data will allow. The survey is also available without the diskette. More than 7,950 engineers in every field and area of the country responded.

    For more information or to order, visit www.nspe.org and click on "Shop NSPE" or call 1-800-417-0348.

    Edited by Jerry R. Borland, P.E.
    Managing Editor, EC Online

    About NSPE
    NSPE is the national society of engineering professionals from all disciplines that promotes the ethical and competent practice of engineering, advocates licensure, and enhances the image and well-being of its members. Founded in 1934, NSPE serves more than 59,000 members and the public through more than 500 chapters and 53 state and territorial societies. For more information, please visit www.nspe.org.