Engineering Employment Data

Over the past 20 years, graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have more than doubled in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea whereas those in the U.S. have decreased approximately 20%, according to the National Research Council. This reduction in STEM graduates is more alarming when considering the projected increase in demand for them.^1,2

A 2009 newspaper article³ echoed these concerns: “The alarm was sounded again as recently as September, when a Bayer Corp. survey of Fortune 1,000 executives revealed concerns about the nation's STEM capacity.  The survey included 100 executives at STEM-related companies. Ninety-five said they were concerned about the nation losing its economic competitiveness because of a shortage of STEM talent; 55 reported shortages at their own companies...”

[1] Ronald H. Rockland, Howard Kimmel, Bloom J, (2002) International Conference on Engineering Education

[2] N. S. Board, (2000)

[3] Smydo J, (2009) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

More Good News about Engineering Careers: Businesses Taking Action to Increase Students in STEM

Daily Tech (8/19/2010, McDaniel) reports, “As companies brace for a flood of retirements, they anticipate a shortage of workers across the country," particularly in STEM-related fields. "Some businesses are taking measures to increase their efforts by partnering with schools, calling for higher national education standards, and sponsoring more student competitions," a recent report indicates. Raytheon CEO William Swanson went so far as to say "the shortage could pose a national security danger because it can limit the ability of the United States to be innovative and compete on the world stage." Daily Tech notes, "And while many engineering jobs in these fields are only open to US citizens because of security requirements, some aerospace and defense companies say they will recruit more workers from outside of the states recruiting in STEM-strong countries like China and India if necessary.”

Long Term Outlook

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment (numbers in thousands), Salary, and Projections: