Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Microsystems Engineers
SOC: 17-2199 O*NET: 17-2199.06
Median Salary
$117,750
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
9.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
What does a Microsystems Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$70,650
25th
$94,200
50th (Median)
$117,750
75th
$141,300
90th
$176,625
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:158,800
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.1%
Annual Openings:9,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)158,800
Current
2034 (Projected)162,100
+2.1%
+3,300
Employment Change
+2.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Mathematics
86%
#4
Judgment and Decision Making
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Speaking
60%
#8
Systems Analysis
54%
#9
Active Listening
46%
#10
Operations Analysis
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Mathematics
intermediate4.3
86%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Systems Analysis
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Operations Analysis
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Aerospace Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Computer Hardware Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Energy Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Analysis
- →Writing
- →Speaking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Microsystems Engineers
Technology Intensity
Low
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What education is required?
Education Required
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Experience Required
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Job Training
Extensive training and work experience required