Engineering grads projected to earn second-highest starting salary in 2026

By Phong Ngo March 12, 2026 | 07:03 pm PT

Engineering graduates in the U.S. Class of 2026 are projected to earn the second-highest starting salaries, averaging about $81,198, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

The figure marks a 3.1% increase from $78,731 in 2025, according to the NACE’s Winter 2026 Salary Survey released last month by the association.

The NACE's survey was conducted between Oct. 8 and Nov. 30, 2025, collecting responses from 150 organizations.

Among the 15 reported engineering majors, nearly all are projected to record salary increases. The only exception is engineering technology, where the average starting salary is expected to decline slightly from $77,815 to $77,294.

Petroleum engineering is projected to be the highest-paid engineering specialty, with an average starting salary of $100,750.

Students at the College of Engineering at Utah State University, U.S. Photo courtesy of the school

Computer science graduates remain the highest-paid category overall, with an average starting salary of $81,535, representing a 6.9% increase from the previous year.

Mathematics and science graduates rank third, with projected average starting salaries rising by nearly $5,000 to $74,184.

The survey also indicates strong employer demand for graduates in engineering, business and computer science fields.

At least 60% of surveyed employers said they plan to hire finance, mechanical engineering and computer science graduates from the Class of 2026.