Engineering Technology: Low Unemployment but High Underemployment – What It Means for Your Career

Engineering technology graduates enjoy one of the lowest unemployment rates among U.S. college majors. Understanding how this advantage interacts with earnings and underemployment can help you decide if the field matches your career goals.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, engineering technologies ranked seventh out of 73 majors, with a 1.7% unemployment rate—less than half the 4.2% average across all majors. The same source reported that early‑career graduates earn a median $65,000, rising to $104,000 by mid‑career. These figures suggest strong pay potential for those who secure relevant positions.

However, the New York Fed found that 44.4% of engineering‑technology graduates are underemployed, meaning they work in jobs that typically do not require a bachelor’s degree. This high underemployment rate shows that a low unemployment figure does not guarantee a job that uses the degree. Graduates should therefore weigh both the risk of underemployment and the possible salary gains.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports electrical and electronic engineering technologists earned a median $78,190 in May 2025, with about 8,100 openings projected annually through 2035. Civil engineering technologists earned a median $64,950, with roughly 6,100 openings expected each year over the same period.

In short, engineering technology offers low unemployment and attractive median salaries, but nearly half of its graduates face underemployment. Being aware of these mixed signals can help you plan a career path that maximizes earnings while avoiding roles that underuse your degree.

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