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The field ranked seventh among 73 college majors analyzed by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, based on 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data covering graduates aged 22 to 27, according to Forbes.
Engineering technologies focuses on applying engineering principles to practical tasks, including developing, testing, operating and maintaining equipment and technical systems Graduates can pursue careers in manufacturing, electronics, construction, infrastructure and other technical industries.
Their median annual earnings stood at $65,000 early in their careers, rising to $104,000 by mid-career. The field's 1.7% unemployment rate was less than half the 4.2% average across all majors surveyed.
Education-related degrees dominated the rankings of majors with the lowest unemployment rates.
Special education recorded the lowest rate at 0.7%, followed by miscellaneous education at 1.1% and elementary education at 1.2%. Agriculture ranked fourth at 1.4%, while foreign languages and geography both recorded 1.6%.
At the other end of the rankings, anthropology had the highest unemployment rate at 7.9%, followed by computer engineering at 7.8%, fine arts at 7.7%, and computer science and performing arts, both at 7%.
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A California Institute of Technology student works in a lab. Photo courtesy of Caltech |
10 U.S. college majors with the lowest unemployment rates
|
Major |
Unemployment |
Underemployment |
Early-career pay |
Mid-career pay |
|
Special education |
0.7% |
16.0% |
$46,000 |
$56,000 |
|
Miscellaneous education |
1.1% |
24.5% |
$48,000 |
$60,000 |
|
Elementary education |
1.2% |
16.2% |
$45,000 |
$55,000 |
|
Agriculture |
1.4% |
57.1% |
$56,000 |
$80,000 |
|
Foreign language |
1.6% |
54.0% |
$48,000 |
$77,000 |
|
Geography |
1.6% |
43.0% |
$50,000 |
$88,000 |
|
Engineering technologies |
1.7% |
44.4% |
$65,000 |
$104,000 |
|
Social services |
1.9% |
30.1% |
$43,000 |
$60,000 |
|
Nursing |
2.1% |
12.8% |
$70,000 |
$87,000 |
|
Secondary education |
2.1% |
21.7% |
$45,300 |
$62,000 |
Despite their relatively strong employment prospects, engineering technologies graduates did not always secure jobs requiring a university degree. The New York Fed found that 44.4% were underemployed, meaning they worked in positions that typically did not require a bachelor's degree.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earned a median annual salary of $78,190 in May 2025, with approximately 8,100 job openings projected annually through 2035.
Civil engineering technologists and technicians, who assist engineers in planning and building roads, bridges and other infrastructure, earned a median $64,950, with around 6,100 annual openings expected over the same period.
The broader U.S. job market remains challenging for young graduates. The New York Fed reported that unemployment among recent college graduates stood at approximately 5.6% in the second quarter of 2026, while 42% were working in jobs that typically did not require a college degree.
