# data[].attributes.body
Civil engineers design and build things that help our communities, like bridges, roads, and buildings. They make sure structures are safe and last a long time.

# data[].attributes.body
Civil engineers work on construction sites, in offices, or with city planners. They often wear hard hats and team up with architects and construction crews.

# data[].attributes.body
Civil engineers use computer programs for designing (like AutoCAD), measuring tools, and their strong math and problem-solving skills.

# data[].attributes.body
Ever crossed a big bridge? Civil engineers helped plan and build it! They were also involved in creating schools, stadiums, and water parks.

# data[].attributes.body
Aerospace engineers design and create airplanes, rockets, and even spacecraft! They help us travel faster and explore space.

# data[].attributes.body
They work at airports, research labs, space agencies (like NASA), or for airplane companies. Sometimes, they even test new jets!

# data[].attributes.body
Aerospace engineers use wind tunnels, modeling software, and testing equipment. They are skilled in physics, math, and teamwork.

# data[].attributes.body
The Mars Rover and the latest fighter jets were created by aerospace engineers. Next time you see a rocket launch—that's their work!

# data[].attributes.body
Environmental engineers solve problems to help our planet, like cleaning water, improving recycling, and reducing pollution.

# data[].attributes.body
They work outside in nature, at water treatment plants, or for government agencies making local areas cleaner and safer.

# data[].attributes.body
These engineers use testing kits, lab equipment, and computer models. They are good at science, research, and caring about the environment.

# data[].attributes.body
When lakes or rivers are cleaned up, or new water filters are tested, environmental engineers are helping make that happen!

# data[].attributes.body
Robotics engineers design and build robots that can help make food, fix cars, or even explore the ocean!

# data[].attributes.body
Robotics engineers work at tech companies, in factories, or at research universities. They build and test robots in special labs.

# data[].attributes.body
They use programming software, circuit boards, and 3D printers. You need to be creative, love technology, and know some coding.

# data[].attributes.body
Self-driving cars, robotic arms in factories, and Mars rovers were all built by robotics engineers!

# data[].attributes.body
Biomedical engineers use science and technology to make life-saving medical devices, like prosthetic limbs and MRI machines.

# data[].attributes.body
They work in hospitals, labs, or medical tech companies, helping doctors and patients with new inventions.

# data[].attributes.body
Biomedical engineers use computers, microscopes, and electronics. They know biology very well and are great problem-solvers.

# data[].attributes.body
The artificial heart and bionic arms you see in hospitals? Those were created by biomedical engineers!

# data[].attributes.body
Software engineers write the computer code that powers apps, video games, websites, and more.

# data[].attributes.body
They work in tech companies, at home, or anywhere with a computer. Many work with teams to build big projects like Google or TikTok.

# data[].attributes.body
They use laptops, programming languages, and teamwork. You need to know math, logic, and love solving puzzles.

# data[].attributes.body
The games you play and the social media apps you use—those are all made possible by software engineers!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XIQSrYi0O0.

Quick Facts: Civil Engineers
2022 Median Pay

$89,940 per year
$43.24 per hour

Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects.

Civil engineers work in a variety of locations and conditions, commonly splitting their time between an office setting and construction sites. Most civil engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Civil engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. They typically need a state-issued license if they provide services directly to the public.

The median annual wage for civil engineers was $89,940 in May 2022.

Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 21,200 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for civil engineers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of civil engineers with similar occupations.

Learn more about civil engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects. These projects may include facilities, bridges, roads, tunnels, and water and sewage systems.

Duties

Civil engineers typically do the following:

Analyze plans, survey reports, maps, and other data related to project design

Consider regulations, site selection, and other factors relevant to a project

Analyze the results of tests on soil and building materials to determine strength for foundations and other support

Prepare cost estimates for equipment, materials, and labor to determine a project's economic feasibility

Use design software to plan transportation systems, hydraulic systems, and structures

Submit permit applications to local, state, and federal agencies, as needed, and confirm that projects comply with regulations

Perform or oversee surveying to establish building locations, site layouts, grades, and elevations to guide construction

Manage the construction or repair, maintenance, and replacement of buildings and infrastructure

Civil engineers work in all aspects of planning, designing, and constructing or repairing a building or infrastructure project to ensure that structures and systems are assembled correctly. Depending on the job, civil engineers may be involved in a project from start to finish or for certain stages of it.

Civil engineers' responsibilities during the planning stage may include researching specific topics, such as building codes for a construction proposal or traffic patterns near an intended site. They also may conduct analyses, such as for estimating availability and costs of concrete and other building materials, to determine a project's timeline and feasibility.

During design and preconstruction stages, civil engineers may focus on specific elements such as site layout, grading (shaping) the land, and identifying appropriate stormwater and sewage systems for the project. Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed project plans and may make presentations related to the final design, such as about its environmental impact. They often review project documents and secure required permits before work may begin.

Civil engineers also oversee the building of structures or systems throughout a project's construction, and they help with signoff and other postconstruction activities. They ensure that work complies with safety regulations and adheres to design specifications, helping to resolve problems that may arise. At the conclusion of a project, they may finalize billing, inspection, and other completion details.

Civil engineers may collaborate on projects with other workers, such as architects, construction managers, and urban planners. They may be assisted by civil engineering technicians.

Civil engineers often work as generalists on a variety of projects, gaining skills in different areas that are widely applicable. Some specialize in one of several areas. The following are examples of types of civil engineers:

Construction engineers manage construction projects, ensuring that they are scheduled and built according to plans and specifications. They typically are responsible for the design and safety of any temporary structures used during construction. They also may oversee a project's budget and communications.

Geotechnical engineers ensure the safety and sturdiness of foundations for streets, buildings, and other structures and systems. They focus on how these manmade objects interact with the earth, including soil and rock. In this way, their work relates to that of environmental engineers.

Structural engineers design and assess major projects, such as buildings, bridges, and dams, to ensure their strength and durability.

Transportation engineers plan, design, and maintain streets and highways, airports, mass transit systems, harbors, and related systems.

Civil engineers held about 326,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of civil engineers were as follows:

Engineering services

48%

State government, excluding education and hospitals

12

Local government, excluding education and hospitals

10

Nonresidential building construction

6

Federal government, excluding postal service

3

Civil engineers work in a variety of locations and conditions, including indoors in office settings and outdoors at construction sites. Some construction jobs require setting up a temporary office, such as in a trailer, to work onsite.

Work Schedules

Most civil engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Engineers who direct projects sometimes work extra hours to ensure that designs meet requirements and that the projects are on track to meet deadlines.

Civil engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Although licensure requirements vary by state, civil engineers usually must be licensed if they provide services directly to the public.

Education

Civil engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Civil engineering programs include coursework in math, physics, engineering mechanics, and construction systems. Courses may include a mix of academic learning and laboratory work.

Employers usually prefer to hire graduates of civil engineering programs accredited by ABET. Some students attend schools that have cooperative-education programs (also known as co-ops); others participate in internships. Co-ops and internships provide students with an opportunity to gain practical experience while pursuing a degree.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Licensure is not required for entry-level civil engineers. However, civil engineers typically must be licensed if they provide services directly to the public. Engineers who have a Professional Engineer (PE) license are called professional engineers (PEs).

A PE may oversee the work of other engineers, approve design plans, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires a bachelor's or higher degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam.

Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state's requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Some states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.

Certifications, such as in coastal engineering or geotechnical engineering from the American Society of Civil Engineers, also are available. Optional certification may demonstrate a level of competence and experience that make candidates attractive to prospective employers.

Advancement

With experience, some PEs advance to supervisory or administrative positions. Their responsibilities may focus on a specific project, such as a construction site, or encompass broad oversight, such as in working as a city engineer, public works director, or city manager.

Graduate-level education, along with a PE license and experience, may be helpful for advancing into supervisory positions, such as engineering managers.

PEs who have certification that demonstrates expertise in a civil engineering specialty also may be able to advance into senior technical or managerial positions.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Civil engineers must be able to explain, both orally and in writing, the details of their projects. They may need to convey information to a variety of audiences, including nontechnical ones.

Decision-making skills. Civil engineers must be able to balance a variety of objectives, such as the feasibility of plans against cost and safety.

Interpersonal skills. Civil engineers often manage projects and the teams that work on them. They must be able to lead urban planners, surveyors, civil engineering technicians, and others.

Math skills. Civil engineers use calculus, trigonometry, and other mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting.

Organizational skills. Civil engineers often oversee several projects at the same time and must be able to allocate resources effectively.

Problem-solving skills. Civil engineers may encounter problems during each stage of their work. They must be able to evaluate issues that arise and troubleshoot to find solutions.

Median annual wages, May 2022

The median annual wage for civil engineers was $89,940 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $138,690.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for civil engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service

$103,170

Local government, excluding education and hospitals

101,460

State government, excluding education and hospitals

87,010

Engineering services

86,440

Nonresidential building construction

78,420

Most civil engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Engineers who direct projects sometimes work extra hours to ensure that designs meet requirements and that projects are on track to meet deadlines.

Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 21,200 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

With continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.

Civil engineers also will be needed to oversee renewable-energy projects, such as construction of wind farms and solar arrays, as these projects gain approval.

Public projects may depend on funding from state and local governments. Employment of civil engineers may fluctuate with the availability of project funds.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2022

Projected Employment, 2032

Change, 2022-32

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Civil engineers

17-2051

326,300

342,500

5

16,200
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For information about general engineering education and career resources, visit

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

Technology Student Association (TSA)

For more information about licensure, visit

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

For information about accredited programs in civil engineering and civil engineering technology, visit
ABET
For more information about civil engineers, visit

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Occupational Requirements Survey

For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see

Civil engineers (PDF)

CareerOneStop

For a career video on civil engineers, visit
Civil Engineers
O*NET
Civil Engineers Transportation Engineers Water/Wastewater Engineers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnxcib-8S4s.

Quick Facts: Aerospace Engineers
2020 Median Pay

$118,610 per year
$57.02 per hour

Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.

Aerospace engineers are employed in industries whose workers design or build aircraft, missiles, systems for national defense, or spacecraft. Aerospace engineers are employed primarily in manufacturing, analysis and design, research and development, and the federal government.

Aerospace engineers must have a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or another field of engineering or science related to aerospace systems. Aerospace engineers who work on projects that are related to national defense may need a security clearance.

The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $118,610 in May 2020.

Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 4,000 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for aerospace engineers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of aerospace engineers with similar occupations.

Learn more about aerospace engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they create and test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.

Duties

Aerospace engineers typically do the following:

Direct and coordinate the design, manufacture, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products

Assess proposals for projects to determine if they are technically and financially feasible

Determine if proposed projects will result in safe operations that meet the defined goals

Evaluate designs to see that the products meet engineering principles, customer requirements, and environmental regulations

Develop acceptance criteria for design methods, quality standards, sustainment after delivery, and completion dates

Ensure that projects meet quality standards

Inspect malfunctioning or damaged products to identify sources of problems and possible solutions

Aerospace engineers may develop new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and spacecraft. They often specialize in areas such as aerodynamic fluid flow; structural design; guidance, navigation, and control; instrumentation and communication; robotics; and propulsion and combustion.

Aerospace engineers can specialize in designing different types of aerospace products, such as commercial and military airplanes and helicopters; remotely piloted aircraft and rotorcraft; spacecraft, including launch vehicles and satellites; and military missiles and rockets.

Aerospace engineers often become experts in one or more related fields: aerodynamics, thermodynamics, materials, celestial mechanics, flight mechanics, propulsion, acoustics, and guidance and control systems.

Aerospace engineers typically specialize in one of two types of engineering: aeronautical or astronautical.

Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft. They are involved primarily in designing aircraft and propulsion systems and in studying the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials. They work with the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the Earth's atmosphere.

Astronautical engineers work with the science and technology of spacecraft and how they perform inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere. This includes work on small satellites such as cubesats, and traditional large satellites.

Aeronautical and astronautical engineers face different environmental and operational issues in designing aircraft and spacecraft. However, the two fields overlap a great deal because they both depend on the basic principles of physics.

Aerospace engineers held about 61,400 jobs in 2020. The largest employers of aerospace engineers were as follows:

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

33%

Engineering services

18

Federal government, excluding postal service

17

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing

9

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences

8

Aerospace engineers are employed in industries in which workers design or build aircraft, missiles, systems for national defense, or spacecraft. They work primarily for firms that engage in manufacturing, analysis and design, research and development, and for the federal government.

Aerospace engineers now spend more of their time in an office environment than they have in the past, because modern aircraft design requires the use of sophisticated computer equipment and software design tools, modeling, and simulations for tests, evaluation, and training.

Aerospace engineers work with other professionals involved in designing and building aircraft, spacecraft, and their components. Therefore, they must be able to communicate well, divide work into manageable tasks, and work with others toward a common goal.

Work Schedules

Aerospace engineers typically work full time. Engineers who direct projects must often work extra hours to monitor progress, to ensure that designs meet requirements, to determine how to measure aircraft performance, to see that production meets design standards, to participate in test flights and first flights, and to ensure that deadlines are met.

Aerospace engineers must have a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or another field of engineering or science related to aerospace systems. Aerospace engineers who work on projects that are related to national defense may need a security clearance. U.S. citizenship may be required for certain types and levels of clearances.

Education

Aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. High school students interested in studying aerospace engineering should take courses in chemistry, physics, advanced math, and computer programming and computer languages.

Bachelor's degree programs include classroom, laboratory, and field studies in subjects such as general engineering principles, propulsion, stability and control, structures, mechanics, and aerodynamics, which is the study of how air interacts with moving objects.

Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs in partnership with regional businesses, which give students practical experience while they complete their education. Cooperative programs and internships enable students to gain valuable experience and to finance part of their education.

At some universities, a student can enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree upon completion. A graduate degree will allow an engineer to work as an instructor at a university or to do research and development. Programs in aerospace engineering are accredited by ABET.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Aerospace engineers must be able to identify design elements that may not meet requirements and then must formulate alternatives to improve the performance of those elements.

Business skills. Much of the work done by aerospace engineers involves meeting federal government standards. Meeting these standards often requires knowledge of standard business practices, as well as knowledge of commercial law. Additionally, project management or systems engineering skills can be useful.

Critical-thinking skills. Aerospace engineers must be able to produce designs that meet governmental standards, and to figure out why a particular design does not work. They must be able to ask the right question, then find an acceptable answer.

Math skills. Aerospace engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills. Aerospace engineers use their education and experience to upgrade designs and troubleshoot problems when meeting new demands for aircraft, such as increased fuel efficiency or improved safety.

Writing skills. Aerospace engineers must be able both to write papers that explain their designs clearly and to create documentation for future reference.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Licensure for aerospace engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor it is required for entry-level positions. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one's career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE canoversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires

A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program

A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years

A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

The initial FE exam can be taken after earning a bachelor's degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.

Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state's requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.

Advancement

Eventually, aerospace engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some may even become engineering managers or move into executive positions, such as program managers.

Median annual wages, May 2020

The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $118,610 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $72,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $171,220.

In May 2020, the median annual wages for aerospace engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing

$125,710

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences

124,090

Federal government, excluding postal service

123,010

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

116,750

Engineering services

112,790

Aerospace engineers typically work full time. Engineers who direct projects must often work extra hours to monitor progress, to ensure that designs meet requirements, to determine how to measure aircraft performance, to see that production meets design standards, and to ensure that deadlines are met.

Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 4,000 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Aircraft are being redesigned for less noise pollution and better fuel efficiency, particularly with the introduction of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, which should help sustain demand for aerospace engineers in research and development.

Technological advancements have reduced the cost of launching satellites. As space becomes more accessible, especially with developments in small satellites that have greater commercial viability, demand for aerospace engineers among businesses and government entities is expected to increase. In addition, continued interest in drones will help to drive employment growth for these engineers.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2020

Projected Employment, 2030

Change, 2020-30

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Aerospace engineers

17-2011

61,400

66,500

8

5,100
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit
American Society for Engineering Education Technology Student Association
For more information about licensure as an aerospace engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying National Society of Professional Engineers
For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET
For more information about current developments in aeronautics, visit
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
For more information about engineering summer camps, visit
Engineering Education Service Center
CareerOneStop

For a career video on aerospace engineers, visit
Aerospace Engineers
O*NET
Aerospace Engineers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnxcib-8S4s. Quick Facts: Aerospace Engineers 2020 Median Pay $118,610 per year $57.02 per hour Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Aerospace engineers are employed in industries whose workers design or build aircraft, missiles, systems for national defense, or spacecraft.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSxcetMCZZ0.

Quick Facts: Environmental Engineers
2021 Median Pay

$96,820 per year
$46.55 per hour

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.

Environmental engineers work in a variety of settings because of the nature of the tasks they do. When they are working with other engineers and urban and regional planners, environmental engineers are likely to be in offices. When they are carrying out solutions through construction projects, they are likely to be at construction sites.

Environmental engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or general engineering. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have practical experience. Therefore, internships or cooperative engineering programs may be valuable as well.

The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $96,820 in May 2021.

Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 3,400 openings for environmental engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for environmental engineers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental engineers with similar occupations.

Learn more about environmental engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. They also address global issues, such as unsafe drinking water, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

Duties

Environmental engineers typically do the following:

Prepare, review, and update environmental investigation reports

Design projects that lead to environmental protection, such as water reclamation facilities or air pollution control systems

Obtain, update, and maintain plans, permits, and standard operating procedures

Provide technical support for environmental remediation projects and for legal actions

Analyze scientific data and do quality-control checks

Monitor the progress of environmental improvement programs

Inspect industrial and municipal facilities and programs in order to ensure compliance with environmental regulations

Advise corporations and government agencies about procedures for cleaning up contaminated sites

Environmental engineers conduct hazardous-waste management studies in which they evaluate the significance of a hazard and advise on treating and containing it. They also design systems for municipal and industrial water supplies and industrial wastewater treatment, and research the environmental impact of proposed construction projects. Environmental engineers in government develop regulations to prevent mishaps.

Some environmental engineers study ways to minimize the effects of acid rain, climate change, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion. They also collaborate with environmental scientists, urban and regional planners, hazardous-waste technicians, and other engineers, as well as with specialists such as experts in law and business, to address environmental problems and environmental sustainability. For more information, see the job profiles on environmental scientists and specialists, hazardous materials removal workers, lawyers, and urban and regional planners.

Environmental engineers held about 44,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of environmental engineers were as follows:

Engineering services

30%

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services

18

State government, excluding education and hospitals

15

Federal government, excluding postal service

7

Local government, excluding education and hospitals

6

Environmental engineers work in a variety of settings because of the nature of the tasks they do:

Work Schedules

Most environmental engineers work full time. Those who manage projects often work more than 40 hours per week to monitor the project's progress, ensure that deadlines are met, and recommend corrective action when needed.

How to Become an Environmental Engineer About this section

Environmental engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or general engineering. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have practical experience. Therefore, internships or cooperative engineering programs may be valuable as well.

Education

Entry-level environmental engineering jobs typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering. Programs include academic, laboratory, and field work. Some college and university programs offer cooperative education in which students gain practical experience while completing their studies. Students also may choose to participate in internships.

At some colleges and universities, a student can enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor's and a master's degree. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as an instructor at some colleges and universities or to do research and development, and some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master's degree.

Students interested in becoming an environmental engineer should take high school courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and math, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.

Engineering programs are accredited by a professional association, such as ABET. A degree from an accredited program is usually necessary for a person to become a licensed professional engineer.

Important Qualities

Imagination. Environmental engineers sometimes have to design systems that will be part of larger ones. They must foresee how the proposed designs will interact with components of the larger system, including the workers, machinery, and equipment, as well as with the environment.

Interpersonal skills. Environmental engineers must work with others toward a common goal. They usually work with engineers and scientists who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.

Problem-solving skills. When designing facilities and processes, environmental engineers strive to solve several issues at once, from workers' safety to environmental protection. They must identify and anticipate problems in order to prevent losses for their employers, safeguard workers' health, and mitigate environmental damage.

Reading skills. Environmental engineers often work with businesspeople, lawyers, and other professionals outside their field. They frequently are required to read and understand documents that deal with topics outside their scope of training.

Writing skills. Environmental engineers must write clearly so that others without their specific training can understand their documents, including plans, proposals, specifications, and findings, among others.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as an environmental engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one's career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires

A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program

A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years

A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam

The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor's degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).

Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state's requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require engineers to take continuing education to keep their licenses.

After licensing, environmental engineers can earn board certification from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. This certification shows that an environmental engineer has expertise in one or more areas of specialization.

Advancement

As beginning engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move on to more difficult projects and they have greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Eventually, environmental engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a team of engineers and technicians.

Some may even become engineering managers or move into executive positions, such as program managers. However, before assuming a managerial position, an engineer most often works under the supervision of a more experienced engineer. For more information, see the profile on architectural and engineering managers.

Median annual wages, May 2021

The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $96,820 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,820, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $153,200.

In May 2021, the median annual wages for environmental engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service

$110,240

Engineering services

95,730

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services

94,970

Local government, excluding education and hospitals

82,520

State government, excluding education and hospitals

80,450

Most environmental engineers work full time. Those who manage projects often work more than 40 hours per week to monitor the project's progress, ensure that deadlines are met, and recommend corrective action when needed.

Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 3,400 openings for environmental engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Heightened public awareness of the hazards facing the environment is expected to support demand for environmental engineers. For example, these workers are expected to be needed to help design solutions to improve water and air quality amid growing concerns about pollution and the lack of access to clean drinking water across the country.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2021

Projected Employment, 2031

Change, 2021-31

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Environmental engineers

17-2081

44,000

45,800

4

1,800
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about environmental engineers, visit
American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
For more information about education for engineers, visit
American Society for Engineering Education
For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET
For more information about becoming licensed as a professional engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying National Society of Professional Engineers
CareerOneStop

For a career video on environmental engineers, visit
Environmental Engineers
O*NET
Environmental Engineers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSxcetMCZZ0. Quick Facts: Environmental Engineers 2021 Median Pay $96,820 per year $46.55 per hour Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. Environmental engineers work in a variety of settings because of the nature of the tasks they do.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBKj9Uh1PgI.

Quick Facts: Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
2020 Median Pay

$92,620 per year
$44.53 per hour

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work in manufacturing, in research facilities, and for a variety of other employers. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering or in a related engineering field. Some positions require a graduate degree.

The median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers was $92,620 in May 2020.

Employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing numbers of technologies and applications to medical equipment and devices, along with the medical needs of a growing and aging population, will require the services of these workers.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for bioengineers and biomedical engineers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of bioengineers and biomedical engineers with similar occupations.

Learn more about bioengineers and biomedical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Do About this section

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

Duties

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically do the following:

Design equipment and devices, such as artificial internal organs, replacements for body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical problems

Install, maintain, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment

Collaborate with manufacturing staff on the safety and effectiveness of biomedical equipment

Train clinicians and others on the proper use of biomedical equipment

Work with scientists to research how engineering principles apply to biological systems

Develop statistical models or simulations using statistical or modeling software

Prepare procedures and write technical reports and research papers

Present research findings to a variety of audiences, including scientists, clinicians, managers, other engineers, and the public

Design or conduct followup experiments as needed

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers frequently work in research and development or quality assurance.

The work of bioengineers spans many fields. For example, although their expertise is in engineering and biology, they often design computer software to run complicated instruments, such as three-dimensional x-ray machines. Others use their knowledge of chemistry and biology to develop new drug therapies. Still others draw on math and statistics to understand signals transmitted by the brain or heart. Some are involved in sales.

Biomedical engineers focus on advances in technology and medicine to develop new devices and equipment for improving human health. For example, they might design software to run medical equipment or computer simulations to test new drug therapies. In addition, they design and build artificial body parts, such as hip and knee joints, or develop materials to make replacement parts. They also design rehabilitative exercise equipment.

The following are examples of types of bioengineers and biomedical engineers:

Biochemical engineers focus on cell structures and microscopic systems to create products for bioremediation, biological waste treatment, and other uses.

Bioinstrumentation engineers use electronics, computer science, and measurement principles to develop tools for diagnosing and treating medical problems.

Biomaterials engineers study naturally occurring or laboratory-designed substances for use in medical devices or implants.

Biomechanics engineers study thermodynamics and other systems to solve biological or medical problems.

Clinical engineers apply medical technology to improve healthcare.

Genetic engineers alter the genetic makeup of organism using recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) technology, such as in developing vitamin-fortified food crops to prevent disease in humans.

Rehabilitation engineers develop devices that aid people who are recovering from or adapting to physical or cognitive impairments.

Systems physiologists use engineering tools to understand how biological systems function and respond to changes in their environment.

Other bioengineering occupations are described in separate profiles; see, for example, chemical engineers and agricultural engineers. Some people with training in biomedical engineering become postsecondary teachers.

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers held about 21,200 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of bioengineers and biomedical engineers were as follows:

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

17%

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences

14

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing

9

Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private

8

Healthcare and social assistance

8

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work on teams with scientists, healthcare workers, or other engineers. Where and how they work depends on the project. For example, a biomedical engineer who has developed a new device might spend hours in a hospital to ensure that the device works as planned. If the device needs adjusting, the engineer might need to suggest alterations in the manufacturing process.

Work Schedules

Most bioengineers and biomedical engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer About this section

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related engineering field. Some positions require a graduate degree.

Education

In high school, students interested in becoming bioengineers or biomedical engineers should take classes in sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They should also study math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. If available, classes in drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer programming are also useful.

At the bachelor's degree level, prospective bioengineers should enter bioengineering or traditional engineering programs, such as mechanical and electrical. Students who pursue traditional engineering degrees may benefit from taking biological science courses.

Bachelor's degree programs in bioengineering and biomedical engineering focus on engineering and biological sciences. These programs typically include laboratory- and classroom-based courses in biological sciences and subjects such as fluid and solid mechanics, circuit design, and biomaterials.

These programs also include substantial training in engineering design. As part of their study, students may have an opportunity to participate in co-ops or internships with hospitals and medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Bioengineering and biomedical engineering programs are accredited by ABET.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers must assess the needs of patients and customers prior to designing products.

Communication skills. Because bioengineers and biomedical engineers sometimes work with patients and customers and frequently work on teams, they must be able to express themselves clearly in discussions. They also write reports and research papers.

Creativity. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers must be creative to come up with innovations in healthcare equipment and devices.

Math skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers use calculus and other advanced math and statistics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically deal with intricate biological systems. They must be able to work independently and with others to incorporate ideas into the complex problem-solving process.

Advancement

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers may increase their responsibilities as they gain experience or advanced degrees. To lead a research team, a bioengineer or biomedical engineer typically needs a graduate degree. Those who are interested in basic research may become medical scientists.

Some bioengineers attend medical or dental school to specialize in techniques such as using electric impulses in new ways to get muscles moving again. Others earn law degrees and work as patent attorneys. Still others pursue a master's degree in business administration (MBA) and move into managerial positions. For more information, see the profiles on lawyers and architectural and engineering managers.

Median annual wages, May 2020

The median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers was $92,620 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $149,440.

In May 2020, the median annual wages for bioengineers and biomedical engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing

$104,050

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

94,960

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences

93,630

Healthcare and social assistance

79,870

Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private

71,820

Most bioengineers and biomedical engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers are expected to see employment growth because of increasing technologies and their applications to medical equipment and devices. Smartphone technology and three-dimensional printing are examples of technology being applied to biomedical advances.

As the baby-boom generation lives longer and stays active, the demand for bioengineers and biomedical devices and procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, is expected to increase. In addition, as the public awareness of medical advances continues, increasing numbers of people will seek biomedical solutions to their health problems from their physicians.

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work with scientists, other medical researchers, and manufacturers to address a range of injuries and physical disabilities. The ability of these engineers to collaborate on activities with workers from other fields is enlarging the range of applications for biomedical engineering products and services.

Job Prospects

About 1,400 openings for bioengineers and biomedical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2019

Projected Employment, 2029

Change, 2019-29

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers

17-2031

21,200

22,200

5

1,000
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For information about education and career resources for bioengineering, biomedical engineering, and general engineering, visit
American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering American Society for Engineering Education Biomedical Engineering Society IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Technology Student Association
For information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET
CareerOneStop

For a career video on biomedical engineers, visit
Biomedical Engineers
O*NET
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBKj9Uh1PgI. Quick Facts: Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers 2020 Median Pay $92,620 per year $44.53 per hour Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work in manufacturing, in research facilities, and for a variety of other employers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WQ_VV4pXPc.

Quick Facts: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
2022 Median Pay

$124,200 per year
$59.71 per hour

Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.

Many software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work in computer systems design and related services, in manufacturing, or for software publishers. They often work in offices and on teams with other software developers or quality assurance analysts and testers.

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master's degree.

The median annual wage for software developers was $127,260 in May 2022.

The median annual wage for software quality assurance analysts and testers was $99,620 in May 2022.

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 153,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers with similar occupations.

Learn more about software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers Do About this section

Software developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute software tests to identify problems and learn how the software works.

Duties

Software developers typically do the following:

Analyze users' needs and then design and develop software to meet those needs

Recommend software upgrades for customers' existing programs and systems

Design each piece of an application or system and plan how the pieces will work together

Create a variety of models and diagrams showing programmers the software code needed for an application

Ensure that a program continues to function normally through software maintenance and testing

Document every aspect of an application or system as a reference for future maintenance and upgrades

Software quality assurance analysts and testers typically do the following:

Create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for new software

Identify project risks and recommend steps to minimize those risks

Implement software testing, using either manual or automated programs and exploratory testing, and evaluate results

Document and report defects or problems with software

Provide feedback to software developers and stakeholders regarding usability and functionality

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are involved in the entire process of creating a software program. Developers may begin by asking how the customer plans to use the software so that they can identify the core functionality the user needs. Software developers also determine other requirements, such as security. They design the program and then work closely with programmers, who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers.

Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute systems to check the software for problems. As part of their testing, these workers document and track the software's potential defects or risks. They also assess its usability and functionality to identify difficulties a user might have. After completing testing, they report the results to software or web developers and review ways to solve any problems they found.

After the program is released to the customer, a developer may perform upgrades and maintenance. Quality assurance analysts and testers run manual and automated checks to look for errors and usability problems once the software is released and after any upgrades or maintenance.

The following are examples of types of software developers:

Applications software developers design computer applications, such as games, for consumers. They may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public. Some applications software developers create databases or programs for use internally or online.

Software engineers take a broad view of a project's system and software requirements, planning its scope and order of work. These workers may direct software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.

Systems software developers create the operating systems for the public or specifically for an organization. These operating systems keep computers functioning and control most of the consumer electronics in use today, including those in cell phones and cars. Often, systems software developers also build the interface that allows users to interact with the computer.

Developers who supervise a software project from the planning stages through implementation sometimes are called information technology (IT) project managers. These workers monitor the project's progress to ensure that it meets deadlines, standards, and cost targets. For information on IT project managers who plan and direct an organization's IT department or IT policies, see the profile on computer and information systems (CIS) managers.

Software developers held about 1.6 million jobs in 2022. The largest employers of software developers were as follows:

Software quality assurance analysts and testers held about 200,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of software quality assurance analysts and testers were as follows:

Developing software is usually a collaborative process. As a result, developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work on teams with others who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.

Work Schedules

Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.

How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester About this section

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master's degree.

Education

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics. Computer and information technology degree programs cover a broad range of topics. Students may gain experience in software development by completing an internship, such as at a software company, while in college. For some software developer positions, employers may prefer that applicants have a master's degree.

Although writing code is not their primary responsibility, developers must have a strong background in computer programming. They usually gain this experience in school. Throughout their career, developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.

Advancement

Software developers can advance to become project management specialists or computer and information systems managers, positions in which they oversee the software development process.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must evaluate users' needs and then design software to function properly and meet those needs.

Communication skills. These workers must be able to give clear instructions and explain problems that arise to other team members involved in development. They must also be able to explain to nontechnical users, such as customers, how the software works and answer any questions that arise.

Creativity. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be innovative in their approaches to designing, identifying problems with, and improving computer software.

Detail oriented. These workers often need to concentrate on many parts of an application or system at the same time, and they must pay attention to detail when looking for potential areas of user error.

Interpersonal skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, programming, and testing successful software.

Problem-solving skills. Because these workers produce software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.

Median annual wages, May 2022

The median annual wage for software developers was $127,260 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $71,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $198,100.

The median annual wage for software quality assurance analysts and testers was $99,620 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $159,740.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for software developers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

In May 2022, the median annual wages for software quality assurance analysts and testers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 153,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Increased demand for software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers will stem from the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation applications.

In response to concerns over threats to computer security, organizations are expected to increase investment in software that protects their electronic networks and infrastructure. This investment could result in an increased demand for developers to create security software and for quality assurance analysts and testers to create and execute software tests.

Software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers are likely to see new opportunities because of the increasing number of products that use software. For example, software systems continue to be built for consumer electronics and other products, including IoT-connected devices and electric vehicles.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2022

Projected Employment, 2032

Change, 2022-32

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers

-

1,795,300

2,246,500

25

451,200

-

Software developers

15-1252

1,594,500

2,004,900

26

410,400
Get data

Software quality assurance analysts and testers

15-1253

200,800

241,600

20

40,800
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, visit
Association for Computing Machinery Association for Software Testing IEEE Computer Society Computing Research Association CompTIA
For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit
National Center for Women & Information Technology
CareerOneStop

For career videos on software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, visit
Software developers, applications Software quality assurance analysts and testers
O*NET
Software Developers Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.