NSPE survey: Engineers' salaries show increase

According to a survey by the National Society of Professional Engineers, total annual income for engineers rose 3.7 percent compared to a year ago, only 1 percent higher than the Consumer Price Index which rose 2.7 percent.

The median total annual income for engineers came in at $75,500, according to NSPE's 2000 Income & Salary Survey, its 34th national compensation survey, according to an NSPE release.

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

San Francisco/Oakland, Calif., was home to the highest median income by metropolitan area at $100,948. Nassau/Suffolk Counties, N.Y., came in second at $94,920. The lowest median income was found in Providence, R.I., at $62,500.

The highest median income by major branch of engineering went to those who work in petroleum engineering at $110,000. Mining and nuclear engineering were ranked second and third at $98,471 and $97,110, respectively. By industry, engineers employed by producers of food/beverage/tobacco earned the highest median income at $91,750.

The survey, an 84-page document, analyzes engineers' salaries by length of experience, level of education, level of professional responsibility, branch of engineering, job function, industry or service of employer, registration status, supervisory/managerial responsibility, region and metropolitan area, and origin. It also examines the effect of downsizing on engineers.

More than 7,950 engineers in every field and area of the country responded to the survey and copies can be ordered from the society at 800-417-0348.

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