How much does an engineering manager make?
a year · about $82 an hour
A typical engineering manager in the United States makes $171,270 a year, about $82 an hour, about 3.4× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They meet with engineers or architects to review designs, test results, and project snags, then assign work and check progress. They also juggle schedules and budgets, talk with clients, and may work in an office, lab, or factory.
Did you know? In the U.S., BLS found that remote work was routinely allowed for 53% of these managers in 2025—so many can lead projects from home.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $120,810 and $262,760How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture, then build several years of experience as an engineer or architect before moving into management. Managers usually do not need a license, but architects must be licensed and some engineers earn a PE license.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like leading and selling and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, location, and employer industry; BLS shows differences across industries and local areas, and managers usually move up after years as architects or engineers. Some also work longer weeks when deadlines are near.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Mexico ($215,120), lowest in Arkansas ($140,600).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120,810 | $171,270 | $262,760 | about 220,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $215,120 | about 2,000 |
| California | $210,280 | about 30,000 |
| Massachusetts | $201,430 | about 8,000 |
| Washington | $189,680 | about 6,000 |
| District of Columbia | $185,220 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. Excludes “Natural Sciences Managers” (11-9121).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9041.00
- www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm
- ncees.org/engineering/engineering-licensure
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY