How Many Engineers Are in the U.S. in 2025?
By
Liz Fujiwara
•
Jul 22, 2025
Ever wondered how many engineers are shaping the future of technology, infrastructure, and innovation across the United States? Engineers play a huge role in driving advancements that impact every aspect of modern life, from building sustainable cities to developing cutting-edge software solutions. In this article, we take a closer look at the various engineering specialties, their geographic distribution across the country, and emerging trends that are influencing the field’s evolution. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a recruiter, or simply curious about the engineering landscape, this analysis offers valuable insights into the current state and future outlook of engineering in the United States.Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
As of 2025, the United States has approximately 1.6 million engineers across various disciplines, with strong demand for mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
The engineering job market is projected to grow by 11% for mechanical engineers and 7% for electrical engineers between now and 2033, underscoring the need for skilled professionals amid a significant skills gap.
Diversity remains a challenge in the engineering workforce, with low representation of Black or African American individuals and women, highlighting the importance of initiatives to attract and retain underrepresented groups.
Total Number of Engineers in the USA
As of 2025, the total number of engineers in the United States is estimated to be approximately 1.6 million, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines from mechanical and electrical to software engineering. This large workforce underscores the critical role engineering plays in driving innovation and economic growth across the country.
The engineering workforce’s diversity reflects the field’s expansive nature, with electrical engineers alone accounting for about 334,900 individuals. This variety within engineering roles highlights the vast opportunities available to those with an engineering degree, showing their contribution to the nation’s technological advancements and economic stability.
Breakdown by Engineering Disciplines
The engineering profession is a tapestry woven from numerous disciplines, each contributing uniquely to the economy and technological progress. Mechanical and structural engineering are two of the largest branches, with approximately 308,000 professionals driving innovations in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries, among the most common sectors.
This highlights how engineering continuously adapts to meet evolving challenges and drives innovation across diverse sectors.
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers make up a significant portion of the engineering workforce, with approximately 316,000 professionals currently employed in the United States. These engineers play a pivotal role in designing and testing mechanical systems, ranging from HVAC units to robotics and automotive components. Their expertise supports industries that form the backbone of technological progress.
Mechanical engineers have a promising outlook, with projected job growth of 11% between 2023 and 2033, significantly higher than the average for all occupations. This growth is fueled by ongoing technological advancements and the increasing complexity of mechanical systems, ensuring steady demand for skilled professionals.
Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineers play a crucial role in sectors such as power generation, telecommunications, and electronics. Their work is fundamental to the infrastructure that supports modern life, from the electricity that powers our homes to the communication networks that connect us globally.
Demand for electrical engineers is projected to grow by about 7% between 2023 and 2033, driven by the industry’s need for innovation and advancement. This growth aligns with the rising reliance on electrical systems and the ongoing development of new technologies, ensuring a robust job market for electrical engineers.
Software Engineers
Software engineering has seen a surge in demand, with approximately 1.42 million software engineers employed in the United States as of 2023. This growth is driven by the expansion of technology solutions across sectors, underscoring the indispensable role of software engineers in the modern economy.
Demand for software engineers will continue to rise, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. These advancements are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities, making software engineering one of the most promising job markets.
Geographic Distribution of Engineers
Engineers in the United States are not evenly distributed across the country. California leads the nation, employing the highest number of engineers at 31,490. This high concentration is largely due to the state’s booming technology sector, including hubs like Silicon Valley and metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, which alone employs 6,410 engineers.
Other states also play key roles in the engineering landscape:
Texas: 8,200 engineers
Florida: 8,080 engineers
Maryland: 6,240 engineers
Louisiana: 6,950 engineers
This geographic spread reveals the high demand for engineering talent across the nation.
The Importance of Engineering Degrees
An engineering degree equips graduates with problem-solving skills that are highly valued across multiple industries. These degrees often lead to competitive salaries and high job satisfaction, making engineering a highly sought-after career path for individuals with a bachelor’s degree.
The engineering profession’s diversity is reflected in the variety of disciplines available, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. In 2024, the median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $97,310, significantly higher than the median wage for all occupations.
Colleges and universities prepare students for careers in these fields through focused curricula and hands-on experience, promoting creativity and innovation.
Employment Statistics and Trends
Employment for engineers in the United States is strong, with:
Approximately 1.6 million engineers are employed across various disciplines.
Mechanical, electrical, and software engineers make up a significant portion of this workforce, reflecting diverse opportunities.
Around 195,000 engineering job openings annually, driven by both growth and the replacement of workers leaving the profession.
Despite high demand, the United States will need about 400,000 new engineers each year to meet workforce needs. This significant skills gap shows the importance of attracting more talent to the engineering profession.
Employment in architecture and engineering fields is projected to grow at a rate surpassing the national average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033, indicating a strong outlook for new engineers in the coming decade.
Factors Influencing Engineering Workforce Numbers
Several factors influence the number of engineers in the workforce, including:
A significant talent gap
Approximately 92% of business executives emphasize the importance of attracting and retaining engineering talent to fill crucial roles.
An increasing demand for engineers, driven by rapid technological advancements.
The evolving needs of various industries.
The gap between engineering graduates and those obtaining professional licensure highlights the dynamic nature of the profession. By 2031, there is projected to be an oversupply of 41,000 qualified candidates in certain engineering fields due to evolving technologies.
These factors underscore the need for strategic workforce planning to ensure a steady supply of skilled engineers.
Diversity in Engineering
Diversity continues to be a challenge within the engineering workforce. In 2021, only 8% of STEM professionals identified as Black or African American, lower than their 11% representation in the overall U.S. workforce. Women are also underrepresented, making up just 18% of STEM workers, compared to 30% of men in these roles, highlighting the ongoing need for greater gender diversity.
Improving diversity in engineering is essential for addressing the talent gap and fostering innovation. Expanding female representation in engineering education and developing more inclusive training programs for women can make a significant impact. These efforts not only help close the skills gap but also introduce new perspectives and ideas to the field.
Future Projections for Engineering Jobs
The outlook for engineering jobs is strong, especially for software engineers, who are projected to see 22% growth between 2023 and 2033. This rapid expansion is fueled by increasing dependence on technology and digital services, highlighting the vital role software engineers play in today’s economy.
Employment across architecture and engineering occupations is also expected to grow faster than the average for all professions between 2023 and 2033. This growth is expected to generate about 195,000 job openings annually, fueled by both industry expansion and workforce turnover.
Addressing the substantial skills gap in engineering will require coordinated efforts from employers, educators, and government agencies.
Lifelong Learning and Professional Development
In the constantly evolving field of engineering, lifelong learning and professional development are essential. Engineers must continuously update their skills to keep pace with rapid technological advances and shifting industry demands. Staying competitive in the job market depends largely on an engineer’s commitment to ongoing education and skill development.
Continuous learning enhances an engineer’s flexibility and adaptability while fostering personal satisfaction and motivation. Higher education institutions offer professional development opportunities in machine learning, ensuring engineers stay at the forefront of their field.
Summary
In summary, the engineering field in the United States is vast and diverse, with approximately 1.6 million professionals fueling innovation across multiple fields. The value of engineering degrees cannot be undermined, as they equip graduates with essential skills that lead to competitive salaries and high job satisfaction. However, the profession faces challenges such as a significant talent gap and underrepresentation of diverse groups, which must be addressed to ensure a steady supply of skilled engineers.
Looking ahead, demand for engineers is expected to grow, particularly in fields such as software engineering. Lifelong learning and professional development will be essential for engineers to stay competitive and meet the industry’s evolving needs. By fostering collaboration among employers, educational institutions, and government entities, these challenges can be addressed, ensuring sustainable growth in the engineering profession.
