ACEC Survey Shows High Compensation Levels For Engineering Graduates

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
New college graduates with engineering degrees can expect to earn
an average starting salary of $46,746 according to the 2008-2009
Design & Construction Industry Trends Survey published by the American
Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

ACEC's annual survey of U.S. engineering firms analyzes critical
aspects of a firm's operations including staff development, markets
served and profitability.

Driving the high starting salaries is a current shortage of
qualified engineers. For the second consecutive year, firms surveyed
pointed to the "shortage of engineers" as their most pressing business
challenge. "Our industry has seen a steady increase in salary levels
in recent years," said Dave Raymond, president and CEO of ACEC. "It's
a simple case of supply and demand."

Survey results show that for engineers who have earned their state
Professional Engineer License, which typically occurs about four years
after entering the industry, the average salary ranges from $60,000 to
$65,000. And for engineers with more than 20 years experience, the
salary averages ranges from $85,000 to $99,000 annually.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that engineers earn
some of the highest average entry salaries among those holding
bachelor's degrees. In comparison, college graduates in business
administration will earn an average of $43,823, those with journalism
degrees will average $32,250 annually to start, and graduates with a
psychology degree will earn $30,877 in their first year.

"These salary levels and the continuing shortage of engineers
suggest exceptional career opportunities for young men and women in
high school and college today," said Raymond.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the
business association of America's engineering industry, representing
approximately 5,700 independent engineering companies throughout the
United States engaged in the development of America's transportation,
environmental, industrial, and other infrastructure. Founded in 1909
and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation
of 51 state and regional organizations.

American Council of Engineering Companies
Alan D. Crockett, 202-682-4301
Cell: 443-995-6364
acrockett@acec.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008