Engineering is still a lucrative career, but evolving technology and economic conditions continue to reshape what the market is willing to pay. Using data from Salary.com, this 2026 Salary Report highlights how engineering compensation varies by discipline, experience level, and region.
Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong growth in engineering, with employment expected to increase 7% from 2024 to 2034, along with nearly 186,050 openings each year.
Some fields are expected to grow even faster, including manufacturing engineering (11%), mechanical engineering (9%), and electrical engineering (7%).
Manufacturing remains a major source of engineering jobs, accounting for about 30% of employment among the top five U.S. employers, particularly in machinery (14%), transportation equipment (10%), and computer and electronics manufacturing (6%).
Salary:
Engineering salaries remain well above and nearly twice the national average, with median pay reaching $97,310. As technology becomes more integrated into engineering roles, professionals with tech-focused skills can earn 20-30% more than those in traditional roles.
CA Employment
California remains a powerhouse for high-tech manufacturing, generating roughly $390 billion in manufacturing GDP in 2025 and employing about 7% of the state’s total workforce. Supported by targeted state incentives like manufacturing tax exemptions and California Energy Commission grants, the region continues to scale advanced production across its key strategic sectors. This rapid expansion and focus on innovation are driving engineering compensation higher across the state, which boasts some of the highest technical employment totals in the country—including 28,170 electrical engineers, 28,100 mechanical engineers, and 24,640 manufacturing engineers.
CA Engineering Salary
Salary.com data shows how compensation varies across engineering disciplines, experience levels, and regions in California:
Engineering remains a strong career, with compensation continuing to reflect demand for specialized skills, experience, and technical expertise. The 2026 salary data shows that engineers with in-demand skills are well positioned for new opportunities.
For employers, these trends highlight the importance of staying competitive on compensation and having access to the right talent when demand is high.
Whether you’re exploring your next career move or looking to add experienced engineering talent to your team, SoloPoint Solutions can help.