Why Masters in Engineering Jobs Matter: The Value of an Advanced Engineering Degree

With the increased overlap of technology and business, engineering management is a desirable career path. A balance of technical expertise and leadership equips professionals to tackle large-scale technical challenges, drive organizational success, and earn higher salaries—up to $163,712 for roles that require a master’s degree, $18k higher than the average salary across all engineering management job postings.¹

As the demand for engineering leaders is growing, so is the number of students entering each engineering program and Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degrees conferred—the nearly 5,000 MEM degrees in the 2022-23 academic year show a growth rate of 48% over 2019.²

What makes engineering management such a standout career, and how will a master’s degree in engineering give you a competitive advantage?

Whereas many engineering management positions may demand years of experience, a master’s degree can fast-track this career path by arming professionals with advanced technical and leadership skills, preparing the graduate for positions that require both technical know-how and managerial finesse.

A broad range of opportunities

MEM graduates work across the engineering field in industries as diverse as manufacturing, technology, construction, and R&D, where they foster an engineering culture of creativity and lead teams working on designing new products, process improvement, and innovation. For instance:

The value of an advanced degree

As we pointed out at the beginning, engineering management roles increasingly favor candidates with a master’s degree, especially for positions that demand strong technical leadership. Beyond the 12% boost in the salary level, over 25% of job engineering management job postings specifically ask for a master’s degree, with MEM graduates being well-represented in top job titles such as:³

• Engineering Managers

• Directors of Engineering

• Chief Engineer

• Principal Engineer

• Engineering Program Managers

• Vice Presidents of Engineering

• Program Managers

• Vice Presidents of Operations

Engineering managers often work on projects that require technical experience as well as strategic foresight. Fortunately, MEM programs help prepare professionals to balance the demands of technical projects with budgetary constraints, excel in technical leadership, manage diverse engineering teams, technicians, and other professionals, and oversee the integration of new technologies into existing systems.

MEM graduate skills range from resource allocation to team dynamics and innovation management. The roles that demand such leadership qualities and a systems-oriented approach—both cornerstones of MEM programs—pay off.

A mechanical engineer, for instance, could increase their annual wage by 66% by becoming a mechanical engineering manager.⁴ In fact, a higher salary is one of the main reasons that students seek to become engineering managers, and knowing the current industry trend allows you to request a raise or negotiate a higher salary during an interview.

To put all this into context, note that the median annual wages for all occupations in the U.S. economy in May 2023 was $48,060. Engineering managers earn, on average, more than three times that, and with employers recognizing the value of a master’s degree, MEM graduates enter the workforce ready to take on leadership responsibilities, bypassing the slower climb traditionally required to gain managerial expertise.

Note: Although a job title and a higher salary can motivate you to pursue engineering management, your personality and interests will determine the satisfaction you can derive from your role.

A Master of Engineering Management opens doors to leadership roles and places graduates at the helm of some of the most sought-after engineering positions across various industries in both established and emerging sectors, including:

• Engineering project management

• Construction engineering management

• Cost system analyst

• Industrial engineering management

• Software engineering management

According to Lightcast and based on job postings from 2023, the following engineering specializations reflect the highest demand for managers with advanced degrees:¹

• Electrical Engineering Managers: 8,501 job postings

• Civil Engineering Managers: 7,608

• Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering Managers: 5,108

• Systems Engineering Managers: 2,694

• Mechanical Engineering Managers: 2,627

• Quality/Process Engineering Managers: 2,598

Here are some of the top employers that employ engineering managers:

• GPAC

• Northrop Grumman

• Marriott International

• Black & Veatch

• Actalent

• The College Board

• Lockheed Martin

• JP Morgan Chase

• Raytheon Technologies

• Citigroup

While we hope the above data paints a complete picture of what to expect from an engineering management job and how to prepare for it, we are here to help address further questions.

Do you need an undergraduate degree in engineering to earn an MS in Engineering Management and Leadership?

While many Engineering Management and Leadership (EML) programs require or at least prefer a candidate with an engineering or related technical background, it’s not always required. Some programs accept applicants with strong quantitative skills and relevant work experience in technical or managerial roles. However, a bachelor’s degree in engineering ensures you have a sound foundation for your studies in MEM.

Note: The master’s program you choose will depend on whether you want to transition into a more technical or general managerial role. An MBA is ideal for those seeking general managerial roles.

How do I know if a systems engineering degree is right for me?

A systems engineering degree suits individuals passionate about understanding and managing the lifecycle of complex, large-scale systems. Since it is an interdisciplinary field that requires engineering management skills, you would ideally enjoy managing technical projects and leading teams as well. Key skills for success include:

• Systems thinking to see how different components interact within a larger system.

• Communication for interacting with clients and stakeholders.

• Leadership to motivate and guide teams.

• Project management to solve challenges and oversee resources.

• Lifelong learning to stay competitive in a fast-evolving field.

Do these align with your strengths and interests? Then a systems engineering degree focused on management could be a great fit.

Image source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113021.htm#st

What mechanical engineering jobs do students tend to get upon graduation from a master’s in engineering management program?

Whether their focus is on auto research, heating and cooling systems, or robotics, you’re most likely to find a mechanical engineer in architectural, engineering, and related services (20%), machinery manufacturing (15%), or transportation equipment manufacturing (10%). Some become aerospace engineers.

Note: The median annual wage for a mechanical engineer is $99,510 as of May 2023 — more than double that of all occupations in the U.S. Economy but nearly 40% less than engineering managers earn.^{7, 5}

Graduating with a Master’s in Engineering Management positions engineers to lead. From managing manufacturing systems alongside industrial engineers to guiding teams in construction or R&D, it’s a degree designed for high-level problem-solving and responsibility. Many roles, like engineering manager or director of engineering, now expect advanced qualifications—and the pay reflects it, as salaries for engineering managers are far above national averages..

The salary boost alone makes this degree appealing, but that’s not all it has to offer. By stepping into positions where you can make an impact, you get to shape teams and drive innovation on complex challenges that have the power to move industries.