Fuel Cell Engineers

SOC code 17-2141 · O*NET-SOC 17-2141.01 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Fuel Cell Engineers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$104,110

a year

Hourly

$50.05

per hour

10th$73,990Median$104,11090th$164,340

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$113,610

$54.62 per hour

Middle 50%

$84,130 – $132,590

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$73,990 – $164,340

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

296,810

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Mechanical Engineers”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $73,990; $35.57/hr
25th percentile: $84,130; $40.45/hr
Median percentile: $104,110; $50.05/hr
75th percentile: $132,590; $63.75/hr
90th percentile: $164,340; $79.01/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+9%

Growing much faster than average

293,100

jobs in 2024

319,600

projected for 2034

About 26,500 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a fuel cell engineer do?

Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Plan or conduct experiments to validate new materials, optimize startup protocols, reduce conditioning time, or examine contaminant tolerance.
Provide technical consultation or direction related to the development or production of fuel cell systems.
Characterize component or fuel cell performances by generating operating maps, defining operating conditions, identifying design refinements, or executing durability assessments.
Plan or implement fuel cell cost reduction or product improvement projects in collaboration with other engineers, suppliers, support personnel, or customers.
Conduct fuel cell testing projects, using fuel cell test stations, analytical instruments, or electrochemical diagnostics, such as cyclic voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
Analyze fuel cell or related test data, using statistical software.
Conduct post-service or failure analyses, using electromechanical diagnostic principles or procedures.
Define specifications for fuel cell materials.

How to become a fuel cell engineer

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 57% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree57%
Master's Degree43%

Common questions

How much does a fuel cell engineer earn?

The national median is $104,110 a year. The full range runs from $73,990 at the 10th percentile to $164,340 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a fuel cell engineer without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is fuel cell engineer in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 9% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Writing3.8/5
Speaking3.8/5
Science3.8/5
Active Listening3.6/5
Active Learning3.6/5
Monitoring3.6/5

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology4.6/5
Chemistry4.0/5
Design3.9/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Physics3.6/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Mechanical3.5/5
Production and Processing3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.