I’ve only been observing the engineering profession for a few years, but from what I have seen, there is a clear issue of low compensation that must be tackled. When a high school student takes on the challenge to pursue a degree in engineering and then goes on to seek professional licensure, he or she embarks upon a path of academic and professional commitment as critical and as risky as a medical doctor. I believe doctors are highly paid because they make life or death decisions.  Engineers often face this same level of risk and often times it is multiplied by hundreds or even thousands.

However, when you look at the absurd starting salaries and the snail’s pace of raises, it’s no wonder engineers seek alternate routes to secure their financial futures. They go back to school to get into the business sector or opt for Construction Management. The drain on talent eventually leads to a slow decline in engineering resources which leaves voids in specialty fields which aren’t being filled as the old guard heads into retirement.

What is the root of the problem? The Crab in the Bucket Syndrome. This syndrome is described as follows, “situations where one person is trying to better themself and others in the community attempt to pull them back down.”

In context this applies to the vicious under cutting of engineering fees and the negative slander engineering firms use to win bids for design or inspection services.

The engineering profession is in crisis.  Who can engineers turn to? Lawyers. There are tons of applicable negative cliches which can be applied to lawyers. But as far as competition amongst law firms, the engineering industry could learn a lot.

Lawyers have found a way to maintain a certain minimum rate from which you can’t escape. Engineers on the other hand, don’t seem to be able to set any kind of floor. Of course when selecting a skilled attorney there are variations in price, however, often it is commensurate with the level of service. With engineering, the low ball tactics lead to quality engineering firms having to prostitute themselves to fill their billable hours.

One possible solution could be for engineers to do a better collective effort of marketing the prestige of the industry, marketing the complicated skill sets the professionals must have to perform their tasks and value they provide to the overall public good. Engineering must be deemed to be an elite profession.

Another path to establishing better rates is to develop stronger associations. Associations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and other at the state level such as Florida Engineering Society (FLENG) need to organize the engineers in a show of force to mandate that accredited firms don’t undermine the profession. Once owner recognize that they aren’t able to steal these skilled services for bargain basement prices, the compensation will improve.

This will have the overall benefit of encouraging young scientific minds to return to the profession and replenish the dwindling talent pool.

Email me at admin@qualifiedengineer.com