What Does an Engineering Manager Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does an engineering manager do?

Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies and departments. The median pay is $171,270 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5+ years of engineering experience, and employment is projected to grow +5.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$171,270
$82.34/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+5.5%
2025–35, faster than average
Openings per year
14,900
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
5+ years of engineering experience
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
220,900
Employment, 2025

What engineering managers do

Engineering managers lead technical work. They set project goals, hire and coach engineers, manage budgets and schedules, review designs, solve technical problems and connect engineering with business leaders.

Most have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and five or more years of experience; many have a master’s or MBA. Pay is very high.

Typical duties

Lead engineering teams
Set project goals
Manage budgets
Review designs
Hire and coach engineers
Solve technical problems
Report to leaders

Work environment and schedule

Engineering managers work in offices, labs and plants.

Schedule: Full time, often more than 40 hours.

A day in the life

8:00 AMReview project dashboards.
9:00 AMLead a design review.
10:30 AMOne-on-one with an engineer.
12:00 PMLunch with product leaders.

See a full day in the life of an engineering manager →

Engineering Manager salary

Half of engineering managers earned more than $171,270 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $120,810 for the lowest 10% to $262,760 for the top 10%.

$120,81010th$171,270Median$262,76090th

Full engineering manager pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an engineering manager

Earn an engineering degree
Work as an engineer
Lead projects
Earn a PE or master’s
Become a manager

A bachelor’s degree in engineering and five or more years of experience are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an engineering manager →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Engineering expertise
Project management
Budgeting
Design review
Technical strategy

People skills

Leadership
Communication
Decision-making
Coaching

All engineering manager skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Very high pay
Lead technical teams
Shape products
Strategic role

Cons

Less hands-on engineering
Budget pressure
People problems
Long hours

Certifications and licenses

PE license: Often valued.
PMP: Project management.
MBA or MS in engineering management: Optional.
Six Sigma: Helpful.

Career path

Engineer: Entry.
Senior Engineer: Lead projects.
Engineering Manager: Lead teams.
VP of Engineering: Lead organization.

Learn the job before day one

Our Engineering Manager training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run an effective engineering design review and make the move from engineer to manager, safety and how to land your first job.

View Engineering Manager training Is this career right for me?

Mechanical Engineer

Design machines, engines, tools and products that move and work.

$104,110
4 years

Civil Engineer

Design and build roads, bridges, water systems and the infrastructure we rely on.

$100,840
4 years + PE path

Industrial Production Manager

Run a factory’s production so products get made safely, on time and on budget.

$126,060
5+ years of manufacturing experience

Project Manager

Plan projects, lead teams and deliver results on time, on budget and in scope.

$102,320
1–4+ years

Compare: Engineering Manager vs. Mechanical Engineer · Engineering Manager vs. Civil Engineer · Engineering Manager vs. Industrial Production Manager · Engineering Manager vs. Project Manager

Engineering Manager FAQ

How do you become an engineering manager?

Usually after years as an engineer and project lead.

Is pay high?

Yes, BLS reports very high median pay.

Do managers still do engineering?

Less hands-on work, more reviewing and deciding.

How much does an engineering manager make?

The median annual wage for engineering managers was $171,270 ($82.34 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $120,810 and the highest 10% earned more than $262,760.

How long does it take to become an engineering manager?

Most people need about 5+ years of engineering experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in engineering and five or more years of experience are typical.

Do you need a degree to be an engineering manager?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9041 (Architectural and engineering managers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Architectural and engineering managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Engineering Manager