Mean Average Salary by Education LevelAnd while we're on that topic, concerns about job security seem to be abating among our readers as well. The portion of respondents answering "yes" to the question: "Are you concerned about job security," dropped from 54% last year to 47% in this year's responding group. A design engineer from Illinois offered a his view: "Job security and advancement are very limited in today's economy. However, I feel that will be changing soon."The Dark Side
Nevertheless, plenty of pessimists chimed in with comments from the dark side. To some, the glass will always be half empty, and these kinds of surveys are always a lightning rod for pent-up negative opinions. But having said that, such opinions remain valid nonetheless, and offer us a glimpse of the angst you and you colleagues may no doubt be feeling after several years of dramatic change and economic stress across all industries. Mean Annual Salary by Field of Study Although counting himself as "fairly satisfied," a respondent from the management ranks at a machine tool maker in New Jersey commented: "Given the unfair foreign competition allowed by government the future is bleak." Others mentioned they felt "commoditized," and expressed continuing dismay at the price they have had to pay personally to help keep the companies they work for profitable in the short term. What advice did the "disappointed" give to those contemplating entering the field? The answers ranged from a simple "don't" and "good luck" to more erudite warnings such as the one from an electrical engineer at a Connecticut-based systems integrator who advised: "Work in medical or some other such less-cyclic business where your work is appreciated and recognized." Is the grass really greener in medical? Several respondents thought so. Of all the comments received suggesting potential engineers consider an alternate career, "medical" was the only industry specifically identified as having the best prospects.This year's respondents were a diverse group, but not surprisingly EEs and MEs dominated percentage-wise. And while those reporting bachelor's degress and beyond command higher salaries, it's satisfying to note that Technical School alumni in this respondent group is reporting a higher average salary than last year (approximately $50,000). Who's in the "other" category? Respondents mention automation, engineering physics, and industrial and business management.Salary By Job Description