Understanding Electromechanical Engineering Salaries
If you are considering studying or are already an electromechanical engineer, one of the most important things you should know is the salary you can expect to earn. The field of electromechanical engineering combines principles of both electrical and mechanical engineering to design and maintain various electromechanical systems. These professionals are in great demand and typically enjoy high salaries. However, there are several factors that determine how much they earn.
One of the most significant factors that can determine your salary as an electromechanical engineer is your level of education. While you can start with an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree will open up more opportunities for advancement and a higher salary. Most employers prefer a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, although some may require a master’s degree for certain positions. The more education and higher level of degree you have, the more you can demand in terms of salary.
Your level of experience will also play a role in your salary as an electromechanical engineer. Generally, the more experience you have on the job, the higher the salary you can expect. Entry-level electromechanical engineers can expect to make less than those who have been working in the field for several years. Some employers may also offer more money for those who have a background in a specialized area such as robotics, automation, or control systems.
The type of industry you work in can also affect your salary as an electromechanical engineer. The demand for these professionals is high in many industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and defense. Generally, those who work in industries that have high demand will earn a higher salary than those in lower demand industries. Salary rates may also differ depending on the size and location of the company. Large corporations might have more resources to pay higher salaries than small businesses or start-ups.
The location of your employer can also be a key factor in determining your electromechanical engineering salary. Salaries can vary greatly from state to state and even city to city. For example, electromechanical engineers in cities like San Francisco, California or New York City, New York can earn more than those in smaller cities or rural areas. Additionally, cost of living in certain areas can be much higher, which may affect your expenses and budget.
Overall, the salary you can expect to earn as an electromechanical engineer will vary depending on several factors including level of education, experience, industry, company size, and location. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electromechanical engineers as of May 2020 is $62,840, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $98,500 per year. As you continue to gain more experience and advance in your career, you can expect your salary to increase as well.
Factors That Affect Electromechanical Engineering Salaries
Electromechanical engineering is one of the most promising fields in the engineering industry. Aside from possessing a vast array of knowledge and skills in both electrical and mechanical engineering, an electromechanical engineer is also capable of handling complex problems that involve both fields, making them highly valuable in many industries.
Salary is one of the things that many professionals in any field usually consider. In electromechanical engineering, several factors are affecting salaries. These are:
Industry
The industry to which an electromechanical engineer belongs can affect the salary rate. Generally, the highest-paying industries are the ones that require a high level of technical knowledge and expertise from their engineers. These industries include the aerospace and defense industry, the telecommunications industry, and the energy industry. The average annual salary of an electromechanical engineer in the aerospace and defense industry is around $104,000, while in the telecommunications industry, it is around $91,000.
The healthcare industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries that require the services of an electromechanical engineer. Healthcare institutions are in constant need of electromechanical engineers to maintain and repair high-tech healthcare equipment. The average annual salary of an electromechanical engineer in the healthcare industry is around $80,000.
Education and Experience
The level of education and experience an electromechanical engineer has also affects their salary rate. Those who possess advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or a Ph.D., tend to earn higher salaries than those who don’t. The same is true for electromechanical engineers with several years of experience.
According to payscale.com, an entry-level electromechanical engineer with less than one year of experience earns an average total compensation of $62,000. The salary increases for those who have been in the field for 1-4 years, with an average salary of $68,000. Electromechanical engineers with 5-9 years of experience have an average total compensation of $77,000, while those with 10-19 years of experience earn an average salary of $87,000. Senior electromechanical engineers with more than 20 years of experience earn an average salary of $95,000 or more.
Location
Another factor that affects salary rates is the location. Salaries usually differ from state to state and even within cities within the same state. Cost of living is also a significant factor that many employers consider when setting salaries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying states for electromechanical engineers are Alaska, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, with average annual salaries of $109,300, $106,600, and $105,440, respectively. However, the cost of living is also high in these states, so the higher salary is justifiable. The states that have the most significant number of job opportunities in electromechanical engineering are California, Texas, and New York.
Skills
The level of skill an electromechanical engineer possesses also affects their salary rate. Being proficient in both electrical and mechanical engineering is a must, but having additional skills in other areas can also help an engineer increase their salary.
Some of the most sought-after skills in electromechanical engineering include Project Management, Control Systems, Automation, and Robotics. Having proficiency in software applications such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, and AutoCAD can also give an engineer an advantage in the job market and increase the salary rate.
An electromechanical engineer’s salary rate is a result of various factors, including industry, education and experience, location, and skills. By understanding how these factors work and how they affect salary rates, an electromechanical engineer can strive to improve their knowledge, skills, and experience to increase their earning potential.
Average Electromechanical Engineering Salaries Across Industries
Electromechanical engineering is a profession that combines the principles of electrical and mechanical engineering to design, develop, and maintain electromechanical systems. These systems can be found in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, appliances, medical devices, and robotics, among others. As a result, the salaries for electromechanical engineers can vary depending on the industry they work in. Let’s take a closer look at the average salaries for electromechanical engineers across different industries.
Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is one of the largest employers of electromechanical engineers. These engineers design and develop the electrical and mechanical systems that are used in cars, such as engines, transmissions, brakes, and suspension systems. According to salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electromechanical engineers in the automotive industry earn an average salary of $97,560 per year, which is higher than the median salary for all engineers. In addition, electromechanical engineers in the automotive industry can earn bonuses and profit-sharing, which can increase their overall compensation.
Aerospace Industry
Electromechanical engineers in the aerospace industry design and develop the electrical and mechanical systems that are used in aircraft and spacecraft. These systems include engines, communication equipment, navigation systems, and control systems. According to the BLS, electromechanical engineers in the aerospace industry earn an average salary of $101,420 per year, which is higher than the average salary for all engineers. In addition, many electromechanical engineers in the aerospace industry receive stock options and other benefits.
Medical Devices Industry
The medical devices industry is another industry that employs electromechanical engineers. These engineers design and develop the electrical and mechanical systems that are used in medical devices, such as MRI machines, pacemakers, and artificial limbs. According to the BLS, electromechanical engineers in the medical devices industry earn an average salary of $96,810 per year. In addition, many companies in the medical devices industry offer their employees health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.
Robotics Industry
The robotics industry is a rapidly growing industry that employs electromechanical engineers to design and develop robots and robotic systems. These engineers use their knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering to design the sensors, motors, and other components that are used in robots. According to salary data from Indeed, electromechanical engineers in the robotics industry earn an average salary of $94,805 per year. In addition, many companies in the robotics industry offer their employees flexible schedules, stock options, and other benefits.
Overall, the average salaries for electromechanical engineers across different industries can vary significantly. Engineers in the automotive and aerospace industries tend to earn higher salaries, while those in the medical devices and robotics industries earn slightly lower salaries. However, it is important to note that the salaries for individual engineers can vary based on their education, experience, and other factors.
Geographic Variation in Electromechanical Engineering Salaries
Electromechanical engineering is a field of engineering that combines electrical and mechanical principles. It involves designing, testing, and producing electrical-mechanical systems, processes, or products. The demand for electromechanical engineers is increasing globally, and there is a wide range of salary ranges based on different factors, such as experience, industry, and location.
Geographic variation is one of the most prevalent factors that influences electromechanical engineering salaries. The salaries differ from one region to another, mainly due to the cost of living, economic conditions, and supply and demand for these professionals.
The United States has one of the highest demands for electromechanical engineers, mainly due to the high-tech industries located there. As such, the electromechanical engineering salaries in the United States vary significantly. On average, the monthly salary of an electromechanical engineer in the United States ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, with an annual salary of approximately $98,500. However, the range of the salary varies based on the state in which one works. For example, the average salary for an electromechanical engineer in California is approximately $120,000 annually. Texas follows closely, with an average annual salary of $112,000. On the other hand, West Virginia has the lowest average annual salary, which is approximately $60,000.
Canada has become one of the leading global producers of high-tech products, so the demand for electromechanical engineers is incredibly high there. The average salary of an electromechanical engineer in Canada is approximately CAD $68,000 annually, which is relatively lower than the United States’ average salaries. In Canada, the salary also varies significantly based on the province, with Quebec having an average annual salary of approximately CAD $78,000.
In Europe, the average salaries for electromechanical engineers differ based on factors such as the company size and industry in which one works. The United Kingdom is one of the countries that offer the highest salaries for electromechanical engineers in Europe. There, the average annual salary for an electromechanical engineer is approximately £38,500. Switzerland follows, with an average annual salary of approximately CHF 95,000. Meanwhile, the salaries in Eastern European countries, such as Poland, Lithuania, and Romania, can range anywhere from €16,000 to €28,000 annually.
In Asia, the average salaries for electromechanical engineers vary significantly from one country to the other. In China, the average annual salary for an electromechanical engineer is approximately ¥230,000, equivalent to $33,600. Japan follows closely, with an average annual salary of ¥5,770,000, approximately $54,900. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the average annual salary for an electromechanical engineer is approximately ₩55,000,000, equivalent to $49,600. The cost of living in these countries plays a significant role in determining the salaries offered to electromechanical engineers.
Overall, the geographic variation in electromechanical engineering salaries varies significantly based on the location. High-tech industries located in various regions is considered the main factor influencing the salaries offered to electromechanical engineers.
Career Advancement and Its Impact on Electromechanical Engineering Salaries
Electromechanical engineering is a highly competitive field with great potential for career advancement and salary growth. As engineers gain experience and expertise in their respective fields, they can take advantage of multiple opportunities for advancement, including promotions to managerial positions or pursuing higher education to specialize in a particular area of electromechanical engineering.
1. Management Positions
One of the most common routes to career advancement in electromechanical engineering is through management positions. As engineers gain experience, they can take up supervisory or managerial positions in their companies. These positions require individuals to lead teams of engineers or oversee entire projects, and they come with higher levels of responsibilities and salary packages.
Additionally, engineers who have pursued management track careers can earn a higher salary as they would have developed a broad skill set and an understanding of the business side of engineering. Typical management positions in electromechanical engineering include project managers, sales managers, and technical directors, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $160,000 annually.
2. Specialization through Higher Education
Another path to career advancement in electromechanical engineering is to specialize in a particular area of engineering through higher education. Engineers can pursue a Master’s or a Ph.D. degree in engineering and specialize in fields such as robotics, nanotechnology, or mechatronics, to name a few.
By developing in-depth knowledge and expertise in a particular area, engineers can become subject matter experts and command higher salaries. They can also apply their expertise to research and development projects in the industry. Engineers with a higher degree of qualification can expect to earn salaries exceeding $100,000 annually.
3. Professional Certification
Additionally, attaining professional certification is a great way to advance a career in electromechanical engineering. Professional certification in fields such as systems engineering, mechatronics, or robotics is highly respected and demonstrates a broad range of engineering skills. These certificates help to distinguish engineers from their peers and provide a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.
Engineers who have attained professional certification are more in demand in the industry, and this translates to higher salaries. Salaries for positions requiring a professional certification in the electromechanical engineering field can range from $70,000 to $140,000 annually.
4. Positioning oneself as an expert
Developing a reputation as an expert in a particular field of electromechanical engineering can open up many career advancement opportunities. Engineers can do this by publishing research work, presenting at conferences, and serving on technical committees.
The higher the level of expertise, the better the chances of being picked for high-profile projects, which comes with higher salaries. Additionally, engineers who are regarded as subject matter experts can consult and work on freelance engineering projects, which typically pay more than standard engineering jobs.
5. Geographical Location
Electromechanical engineering salaries also vary according to geographical location. As opposed to other fields, engineering salaries differ in different cities. Engineers located in large cities such as San Francisco, Houston, and New York earn higher salaries than those located in smaller cities in the United States.
Similarly, engineers located in developed countries like USA, Germany, and the UK earn higher salaries than those located in developing countries. This is because companies in developed countries have more funding to pay higher salaries, as opposed to companies in developing countries where salaries are constrained by the economy.
In conclusion, career advancement opportunities in electromechanical engineering are vast, and there is great potential for salary growth. Engineers can advance their careers by pursuing management positions, specializations, professional certification, or positioning themselves as experts in their field. It’s also important to take into account the geographical location as it affects salaries considerably.