The last five years have reshaped the labor market for engineering, architecture, construction, and manufacturing professionals. Between pandemic disruptions, infrastructure investments, supply chain challenges, and new pay transparency laws, compensation has shifted in ways employers and job seekers can’t ignore.
At DAVRON, we track these changes closely to help both candidates and companies make informed decisions. Here’s a look at how salaries have evolved from 2020 through 2025 — and what to expect next.
The Big Picture: Salaries on the Rise
From 2020 to 2025, salaries across technical industries have increased by an estimated 15–20% overall, with some specialties outpacing others. This growth reflects a combination of:
- Labor shortages in skilled professions.
- Higher demand driven by infrastructure, green energy, and housing needs.
- Inflationary pressures, which have pushed compensation upward across industries.
- Transparency laws, which make pay ranges more competitive and visible to candidates.
Engineering Salary Trends (2020–2025)
- Civil Engineers: Average salaries rose from around $87,000 in 2020 to $102,000 in 2025, driven by federal and state infrastructure projects.
- Mechanical Engineers: Increased from about $88,000 to $104,000, with growth fueled by renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
- Electrical Engineers: Jumped from $96,000 to $113,000, reflecting strong demand in power distribution, semiconductors, and automation.
Key takeaway: Engineers with certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) or PMP (Project Management Professional) command a premium of 10–15% more.
Architecture Salary Trends (2020–2025)
- Registered Architects: Salaries climbed from $82,000 in 2020 to $97,000 in 2025.
- Project Architects/Managers: Now average $108,000, reflecting their crucial role in balancing design, compliance, and construction execution.
- Specialists (Healthcare, Sustainability, Historic Preservation): Earn 10–20% more than generalists, reflecting specialized expertise.
Key takeaway: Firms embracing sustainable design and LEED certification are paying more to attract talent in high-demand niches.
Construction Salary Trends (2020–2025)
- Construction Managers: Increased from $95,000 to $118,000, reflecting their importance in keeping large projects on schedule.
- Estimators: Rose from $70,000 to $85,000, with high demand in cost-control and project forecasting.
- Skilled Trades (electricians, welders, HVAC technicians): Saw some of the sharpest increases — often 25% or more — due to acute labor shortages.
Key takeaway: Companies that don’t keep up with competitive pay risk losing workers to competitors, often mid-project.
Manufacturing Salary Trends (2020–2025)
- Industrial Engineers: Rose from $87,000 to $100,000 on average.
- Production Managers: Now earn around $112,000, up from $92,000 in 2020.
- CNC Machinists & Skilled Operators: Wages increased by 20–30%, reflecting demand for advanced manufacturing talent.
Key takeaway: Automation hasn’t reduced the need for skilled professionals — it’s increased demand for specialized operators and technicians.
The Impact of Pay Transparency Laws
Since 2022, states like California, Colorado, and New York have required employers to post salary ranges in job listings. This has had three major effects:
- Upward pressure on salaries — Candidates compare ranges, forcing companies to stay competitive.
- Smaller gender pay gaps — Organizations with transparent pay structures report gaps 5–7% smaller than those without.
- Better applicant flow — Job seekers are 60% more likely to apply when salary is disclosed.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
- Continued salary growth: Especially in civil engineering, electrical work, and construction management.
- Retention challenges: Companies will need more than pay — career development, benefits, and culture will be deciding factors.
- Regional differences: Salaries in California and New York are significantly higher than in the Southeast or Midwest, though remote work is narrowing some gaps.
Final Takeaway
Salaries in engineering, architecture, construction, and manufacturing have steadily risen from 2020 to 2025, and competition for top professionals is only intensifying. For employers, staying informed on pay trends is critical to attract and retain talent. For candidates, understanding market value provides leverage for career growth.
At DAVRON, we help both sides navigate this evolving landscape — connecting top professionals with companies ready to invest in their future.