General
Engineering Technologies
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Engineering Technologies.
Entry Level Salary
$45,000
Median Salary
$98,000
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
31.1%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,920,000
Entry (Early)
$45,000
Median (Prime)
$98,000
High (Prime)
$95,668
ROI Sensitivity Analysis
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-50k
+389k
+370k
$25k / yr
-140k
+299k
+280k
$50k / yr
-230k
+209k
+190k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
29
30
$50k / yr
Never
35
35
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-128%
275%
258%
$50k / yr
-106%
96%
87%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate24.5%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Software developers
6.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,931
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,988|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Management occupations
4.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$101,295
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$129,433|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Computer occupations, all other
3.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$67,530
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,691|$108,970
openings
31,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.2%
Engineers, All Other
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$68,433
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$98,000|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Computer and information systems managers
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$83,691
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$140,000|$171,200
openings
55,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.2%
Industrial engineers, including health and safety
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$92,031|$101,490
openings
26,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.6%
Computer support specialists
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$48,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,000|$61,550
openings
50,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2.7%
Mechanical engineers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,020
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$96,751|$102,320
openings
18,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%
Construction managers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$55,186
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$98,919|$106,980
openings
46,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.7%
Elementary and middle school teachers
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$45,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,779|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians. | Undergrad Certificate | 300 | $31,238 - $69,705 |
| drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians. | Associate's Degree | 339 | $44,422 - $72,530 |
| drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians. | Bachelor's Degree | 18 | $58,862 - $84,622 |
| drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians. | Master's Degree | 4 | $71,613 - $71,613 |
| drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians. | Level 99 | 9 | $48,453 - $48,453 |