Microsystems Engineers

SOC code 17-2199 · O*NET-SOC 17-2199.06 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering

Microsystems Engineers pay

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

Median pay

$122,930

a year

Hourly

$59.10

per hour

10th$66,810Median$122,93090th$189,950

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

Average pay

$125,330

$60.26 per hour

Middle 50%

$90,970 – $158,090

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$66,810 – $189,950

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

154,070

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 “Engineers, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $66,810; $32.12/hr
25th percentile: $90,970; $43.73/hr
Median percentile: $122,930; $59.10/hr
75th percentile: $158,090; $76.01/hr
90th percentile: $189,950; $91.32/hr

What does a microsystems engineer do?

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.
Evaluate materials, fabrication methods, joining methods, surface treatments, or packaging to ensure acceptable processing, performance, cost, sustainability, or availability.
Refine final microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) design to optimize design for target dimensions, physical tolerances, or processing constraints.
Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
Conduct harsh environmental testing, accelerated aging, device characterization, or field trials to validate devices, using inspection tools, testing protocols, peripheral instrumentation, or modeling and simulation software.
Develop or file intellectual property and patent disclosure or application documents related to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, products, or systems.
Conduct or oversee the conduct of prototype development or microfabrication activities to ensure compliance to specifications and promote effective production processes.
Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.

How to become a microsystems engineer

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 34% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Master's Degree34%
Bachelor's Degree31%
Doctoral Degree22%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate13%

Common questions

How much does a microsystems engineer earn?

The national median is $122,930 a year. The full range runs from $66,810 at the 10th percentile to $189,950 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 microsystems engineer without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Writing3.8/5
Speaking3.6/5
Science3.6/5
Monitoring3.6/5

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics4.6/5
Engineering and Technology4.6/5
Mathematics4.1/5
Physics4.0/5
Design3.9/5
English Language3.5/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
Mechanical3.2/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Systems Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making.