California Engineering Jobs: Salary Guide

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities in engineering and architecture will likely grow by 4 percent by 2031 in the United States, particularly in California. The growing construction activities, tech interest, and residential units demand in the Golden State play a significant role in the increasing number of engineering jobs.

Every construction project requires experienced engineering professionals like structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, and project engineers to ensure the construction projects comply with state and federal standards. . This is why  there is a growing demand for engineering professionals to fulfill these job requirements.

Apart from the rapidly increasing job opportunities and career advancement, the competitive wage rate is also one of the major driving factors for young engineers looking for California engineering jobs. As per BLS, the median annual salary of professionals within the engineering group is approximately $79,800.

If you’re an engineering applicant looking for mechanical engineering jobs, civil engineering jobs in the USA, or any other roles in this field, here’s what you need to know about the salary range within different job roles in engineering. 

Understanding salary ranges in engineering: What factors impact it?

Here are some top factors that impact salaries within different engineering branches.

Job responsibilities

Every engineering professional, be it structural, civil, or electrical, performs a wide range of job responsibilities, including designing, planning, executing, and analyzing commercial, residential, and public structures, such as bridges, hospitals, and educational centers. Most importantly, they’re responsible for ensuring all the work complies with the legal, environmental, and health standards.

Educational qualifications

Typically, engineers require a bachelor’s degree in a specialized field to kick-start their career as entry-level engineering professionals. To further excel in the area, they often opt for additional credentials and certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) certificate.

Advanced skills and expertise

A successful engineer possesses an excellent and diverse skillset to handle all job responsibilities with ease and required knowledge. Moreover, engineering is a dynamic field that requires transferable skills to perform different tasks within a job role smoothly and patiently. To excel in any given position, you must have excellent communication skills, leadership qualities, team-building skills, and an expansive deck of technical skills, among many others.

Salary range guide by job title

Following is the salary range of some popular jobs in engineering in California:

• Project Managers: On average, entry-level project managers earn approximately $83,700 annually. This can go up $87,000 with relevant experience and in-depth knowledge about the field.
• Project Coordinators: The average yearly salary of project coordinators in California is around $54,200.
• Estimators: According to BLS, the median pay of cost estimators is over $65,100 per year.
• Construction Superintendents: Some entry-level construction superintendents can get $88,900 annually.
• Field Engineers: The average yearly field engineer salary is approximately $67,800. Some top paying cities in and around California for these professionals are Sunnyvale, Los Angeles, and Santa Clara.
• Design Engineers: Entry-level design engineers can make around $85,400 per year in California with an opportunity to earn a $1,400 yearly bonus.
• Construction and Building Inspectors: For examining worksites and ensuring all constructions meet building ordinances, zoning regulations and more, the construction and building inspectors get about $61,000 per year.

Find your next California engineering job with Certis Solutions 

If you’re looking for California engineering jobs or civil engineering jobs in the USA, there’s no better engineering staffing agency than Certis Solutions, as it makes the job-hunting process a lot easier and accessible for all aspirants.Certis Solutions expands your network by connecting you with industry experts, working professionals, and veterans that help broaden your understanding and knowledge of the field. The experienced recruiting managers and consultants evaluate your personal and professional goals to help you find a job that matches your expectations and needs. Search for an engineering job at Certis Solution or visit the website to learn more about the comprehensive range of services.

How an Employment Agency Can Help Project Coordinators

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California is one of the top states in the country for Project Coordinators, considering the average salary, cost of living, and rising employment opportunities. BLS categorizes project coordinators as business operation specialists and project management specialists.  

The average salary of Project Coordinators in the Golden State is $55,000, which can increase to over $84,000 with relevant industry experience and knowledge. With growing work opportunities, the competition within the project management industry is also rapidly increasing. This is a major reason most Project Management Professionals are enhancing their expertise by gaining additional credentials and certifications, such as Certified Project Coordinator (CPC) and Project Management Professional (PMP). 

If you have all the necessary skills and educational qualifications to become a Project Coordinator and still find it difficult to get your ideal job, connect with an employment agency. Construction recruitment agencies like Certis Solutions can help you get in touch with top companies and provide various job-related services, such as resume-building and interview preparation, which makes finding the job you want more convenient. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most significant reasons for signing up with Certis Solutions to get closer to your ideal Project Coordination or management job.

Searching for a Project Coordinator role? Certis Solutions can help

Certis Solutions can help you stand out among other applicants while searching for a Project Coordinator position. You’ll find the following benefits working with Certis Solutions:

• Gaining industry knowledge. There’s no better way to enhance your knowledge and expertise than learning from industry experts and professionals. When you sign up with Certis Solutions, you join an extensive network of working professionals, recruitment managers, and employers, offering you an opportunity to learn and grow. 

• Providing access to hard-to-fill roles. Some construction projects need highly skilled and experienced Project Coordinators to take up a wide range of responsibilities. Certis Solutions will help you get to these challenging roles by bridging the gap between you and the employer or project owner. 

Benefits of working with specialized construction recruitment agencies

Getting in touch with Certis Solutions has great benefits that help in career advancement and knowledge enhancement. Some of the key advantages include:

• eliminates the hassle of sending hundreds of resume and cover letters to different companies, which eventually saves time and fast track the hiring process;
• analyzes both your personal and professional goals to find a job that matches your requirements and expectations;
• offers dedicated time and services to set you apart from other project coordinator job aspirants;
• helps you stay updated with hiring trends, career development expectations, current or upcoming hiring complexities, and additional credentials requirements,
• offers access to unlisted opportunities with reputable companies. 

How Certis Solutions supports Project Coordinators in California

Certis Solutions is one of California’s construction recruitment agencies that help proficient architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals, such as Project Coordinators, find their dream employment opportunities. 

It’s a perfect platform that analyzes your work competencies, educational qualifications, and experience to find both short and long-term career opportunities. Certis Solutions works as a primary point of contact between you and your ideal employer to ensure you experience a seamless hiring process. It provides a wide range of employment services, ranging from resume-building to skill development, and detailed orientation sessions to prepare you to become a confident and well-informed job candidate.  
Looking for a Project Coordinator role? Visit Certis Solutions to search for ongoing and upcoming construction projects. You can also learn more about different AEC firms and professionals on our website.

Guide to Becoming an MEP Engineer

The increasing demand for commercial and residential properties across California is a significant reason contributing to the state’s booming construction industry. In April 2022, both single-family and multi-family residential constructions increased by 23 percent and 22 percent, respectively. 

Moreover, commercial construction projects are also following the same trajectory, with significant firms investing in California to develop tech companies, offices, and startups. To ensure all these structures adhere to the increasing demands of the users, major construction companies and project managers are actively hiring mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers. 

MEP engineers are responsible for making all the building structures more habitable and functional for users. Their work involves rigorous planning, managing, and designing various MEP systems, including heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), exhaust, and chilled water systems etc. If you’re interested in exploring this field and want to know how to become an MEP engineer, here’s all you need to know. 

Starting your career as an MEP engineer

In the United States, the market for MEP services is expected to grow by 16 percent by 2025, meaning the opportunities across different job titles within this field are also likely to grow. To kickstart your career as an MEP engineer, you need to set yourself apart from others by acquiring in-depth knowledge and must-have skills, including analytical, technical, and concentration, to perform your job duties. 

Some of the disciplines, designs, and assessment consulting services you need to be proficient in as an MEP engineer include:

• Mechanical engineers—exhaust system design, building control system, air distribution, and renewable energy system analysis and design, etc.
• Electrical engineers—power distribution, lighting, fault current analysis, security systems, and power quality assessments, etc.
• Plumbing engineers—natural gas piping, storm drainage systems, domestic hot and cold water fittings, and water softening systems, etc. 

MEP engineering qualifications

Typically, to start working in MEP engineering firms, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electronic, or other related engineering fields. You can further opt to offer a specialization by pursuing a master’s or associate’s degree to acquire specific mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering skills. 

With relevant education, you can further become an Engineer-In-Training, which helps you gain a Professional Engineering license. To stand out among other aspirants, try to attend Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited programs, as it enhances your credibility as an MEP engineer.

Engineering is a competitive field, which means gaining an education isn’t always enough to stand out among other job candidates or aspiring engineers. This means you must opt for additional credentials and certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge. Some of the popular licenses for MEP engineers include:

• Certified Plumbing Designer (CPD) by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers
• Professional Engineering (PE)License
• Professional Managers Professional (PMP)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)

What to include in your MEP engineer resume

Your resume and cover letter showcase your understanding of the field and skills that help you perform your job responsibilities better than other candidates. Building a resume that fits industry standards and helps you stand out among other candidates is significant. Below are a few tips to keep in mind while creating your professional resume.

• Always use the latest format and style when creating a resume to match industry standards.
• Begin by mentioning the most recent work experience/internship/education.
• Use quantifiable metrics in your resume because numbers help evaluate the proficiency, knowledge, and work competencies of a candidate.
• Add keywords from the job description while writing your career objective or defining your previous job responsibilities/experience, as this helps you match search results with the applicant tracking system (ATS). 
• Use a resume-building tool or take help from a skilled resume writer or recruiting manager by signing up with an engineer staffing agency like Certis Solutions. 

Certis Solutions shares a strong partnership with some of the top MEP engineering firms to provide clients exclusive access to work on the biggest construction projects across California and all over the country. Visit our website or contact us today to browse our wide range of employment services.

Job hunting can be overwhelming at any stage in your career. However, you can make the process easier with help from an engineering staffing agency. Some people have the wrong impression that staffing agencies do nothing for your job search, but this is false. 

There are also misconceptions that staffing agencies limit your access to benefits, are in it for the money, and supply temporary roles. But this is also not right. These agencies work with companies to find the best candidates for the job.

Are you searching for an engineering job in California?

The AEC industry thrives despite the hit job markets have taken over the last few years. There’s a constant need for qualified workers in the construction industry, and jobs need to be filled urgently. 

Looking for an engineering job in California on your own can be frustrating. You may have already applied for many jobs and gotten no results. Working with professional engineering employment agencies can make the process much less stressful.

Five reasons to work with an engineering staffing agency

1. They improve your image 

Working with an engineering staffing agency will improve your professional image. They provide helpful advice and feedback on your existing profile and show how to improve yourself. These recruiters are skilled at creating and editing your resume to stand out. They also provide tips and guidance on how to ace interviews. 

2. Access to a variety of jobs 

Staffing agencies often have many unadvertised jobs in their database. Many companies will first approach recruiters for engineering jobs before posting them on public sites. If you work with these agencies, you’ll have first access to job openings, which can increase your likelihood of being selected.

3. Time-saving 

Searching for jobs is often time-consuming. It can take hours to find suitable job postings and fill out applications. You’ll skip the lengthy job application processes when you register with an engineering staffing agency. Once you sign up with and fill out your information with an agency, they’ll have your records on file. 

4. It’s free 

Working with an engineering employment agency is free for job seekers. Companies pay the agencies to find the right candidate for their job posting. You don’t have anything to lose by signing up for this free resource.

5. There’s a higher chance of getting a callback

You have higher chances of getting called back for another job in a company your profile is suited to. They’ll submit your profile for new vacancies even if the company didn’t select you for the role you originally applied for. 

Find your next engineering job opportunity with Certis Solutions 

It’s time to take the hassle out of your job search for a lucrative engineering job. With guidance from Certis Solutions staffing recruiters, you’ll land your dream job in record time. 

We have an extensive database and resources for construction and engineering jobs, spanning different roles and industries. Contact us today to learn more about our process and start your journey to finding the right position. 

The engineering field has several specializations and positions waiting to be filled by the right candidate. This abundance of jobs doesn’t mean the engineering job search is easy, though. 

Since many people are also qualified for these roles, it usually falls to engineering staffing agencies to find the right fit. Candidates may find it tricky knowing where to look for the best engineering jobs. This confusion can be because the majority of job candidates aren’t well versed in marketing themselves and finding the best job fit for their skills.

The state of engineering in California

California is considered one of the best states for engineers. There are numerous job opportunities for candidates in the job pool. Whatever your specialization, expect the engineering industry to keep growing for the next few years. 

There are fantastic career prospects for entry-level engineers and growth opportunities. It’s also noteworthy that the median salary for engineers in California is over $100,000 annually. 

How to start the engineering job search process

Finding a job as an engineer shouldn’t be difficult as long as you position yourself appropriately. Before looking for the ideal engineering job, job seekers must have a few documents ready. Every candidate should have a well-constructed resume and cover letter. 

Your resume should highlight your experience and qualifications (including your licenses). You can tweak these two documents continuously to suit the job description of each role you apply for. Customizing your application will increase your resume’s visibility out of the dozens of applications received for the same job.

There are abundant job opportunities whether you’re looking for an entry-level job as a graduate or a more experienced role. Here are four more tips to help you begin your search for the engineering job you want.

Take an internship 

Not many people like the idea of internships, but they can be great for your career. Interning is one way to gain some experience, especially if you’ve just graduated. It will make your resume more appealing to employers. Learning about engineering in the classroom is different from real-world applications, so seeing how things work as an intern can be eye-opening. Internships can also prove you’re willing to work and learn.

Obtain a relevant license

You can get several qualifications to help improve your skills and stand out. They allow you to move forward in your career and show competitiveness and a willingness to improve your craft. Some job roles also require you to have specific licenses, so acquiring them as soon as possible is beneficial. They’ll boost your chances of getting selected for lucrative positions.

Apply to many jobs

It can be tempting to think you’ll get hired after the first job you apply to. It’s easy to think this if you’re a qualified engineer with some experience. But the reality is, you’ll have to apply for many jobs and go through interviews with different companies before you find a job. If you meet the requirements, apply to jobs as often as possible to increase your chances of getting selected.

Leverage your network

Make the most of your connections and contacts by asking them for job openings and recommendations. There are many ways to expand your network if you’re concerned about not knowing many people. You can grow your network through internships, or by connecting with colleagues from school and even your professors. Another good way to increase your network is to join relevant groups on professional sites like LinkedIn. 

Where to look for engineering jobs

There are several places you can look for an engineering job. Some of these include: 

• Certis Solutions

Another great place to find engineering jobs is engineering staffing agencies. Companies looking for engineers will usually collaborate with a staffing agency to fill the role from their database of candidates. Signing up with an engineering staffing agency will significantly increase your chances of finding lucrative jobs. They’ll leverage their contacts at top firms and match you to open positions since they have access to unadvertised jobs. 

Interview preparation guide: Top tips

Interviews are one of the most nerve-racking parts of the job search process. To ease your tension, you can approach interviews as a conversation. Focus on showing the recruiter how valuable you can be to the organization. You may also use our tips for a successful interview to alleviate your anxiety and have a stress-free discussion. 

1. Research the company. Learn as much as possible about a company before going in for an interview. It’ll help you prepare questions and learn about the company’s needs and challenges. Doing your due diligence will also give you some insights on their goals and company culture. You don’t need to become an expert but knowing the basics helps you know if the role is a good fit. Also, research who will be interviewing you if you’re privy to that information. You can look at their background on LinkedIn to see their experience and interests, which can be helpful for conversations.

2. Practice. Research questions commonly asked during engineering interviews and practice your answers. It also helps to practice your answers out loud to ensure you sound confident as you respond to questions. Don’t rush and take some time to collect your thoughts before answering questions, to avoid rambling, and answering the questions incorrectly. Some of the questions engineers get asked often cover previous projects and questions that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. You’ll also likely be asked some general questions about yourself, like your strengths and weaknesses, and why you want to work with them.

3. Maintain eye contact. Whether you’re interviewing in person or online, it’s important to maintain eye contact. Look directly at the person or the camera, especially as you answer questions. It can be unsettling for the interviewer if you keep looking away. You may also seem uninterested if you’re not focused on the interviewer. Your body language and the tone of voice you use also matters. The way you carry yourself can show confidence and can leave a good or bad impression. Also remember to speak in a friendly but professional manner. 

4. Ask questions.  This section usually comes at the end of an interview. Remember to come prepared with at least three questions from your research about the company and role. You may also think of some more questions as you speak with the interviewer. It shows you’ve done research and know what the position is about. It also shows thoughtfulness and interest. Some areas you can ask questions about include the onboarding process, qualities of a successful employee, and training programs offered.

5. Post-interview activities. Doing some follow-up activities after the interview is essential. You can send them a quick email within twenty-four hours of the discussion. Doing this will keep you at the top of the interview’s mind and increase your chances of getting a progress update. It helps to mention the things you discussed and reinforce your qualifications for the job. You can also ask questions about the next steps in the interview process.

Start your search with an engineering staffing agency. 

Your search for an engineering job can be simple and stress-free. It helps to have support from a qualified engineering staffing agency concerned with finding the best engineering candidates for open positions. Certis Solutions offers guidance on how to stand out to companies and land their perfect role in addition to other services. Contact us today to get started.

Job Outlook for Air Quality Specialists

California’s fight against air pollution goes back to 1967 when the Federal Air Quality Act was enacted, which offers the state government the right to develop stringent rules and regulations to reduce air pollution. In the past few years, many factors, including wildfires, increasing population, and the growing number of residential, industrial, and commercial construction projects, led to the poor air quality standard of the state. 

Many architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms are hiring air quality specialists to monitor air quality and ensure there’s clean air to breathe. If you’re an aspiring air quality specialist and want to work with top companies in California, here’s what you need to know about the current job outlook. Read further to find out which AEC firms are hiring across different air quality projects. 

Are air quality specialists needed in California?

The major pollutants that affect the residents of California include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and toxic air contaminants. And the popular sources for all these air pollutants are:

• diesel-operated cars and trucks 
• fireplace and woodstove smoke
• residential heaters and stoves 
• building materials and products and,
• windblown dust from agriculture and construction activities 

California is among the top states in the United States with the worst air quality index, majorly due to climate change, which, consequently, led to wildfire and seismic activities. It was also labeled as the state with the highest ozone level by the American Lung Association in its State of the Air 2017 report, with Los Angeles-Long Beach, Bakersfield, and Fresno-Madera as the top three regions with the worst smog levels. With worsening air quality in the Golden State, hiring air quality specialists for companies involved in different AEC and other projects has become significant. 

The job outlook: What can these AEC professionals expect?

Air quality specialists are categorized as environmental scientists and specialists in the United States. The employment opportunities for environmental specialists and scientists are likely to grow by 8 percent in the next seven years. In fact, the average annual salary of these professionals is more than $76,000. 

Moreover, as the population and construction activities grow, the need for air quality specialists is also expected to increase in the upcoming decade. In addition, climate change can also result in the frequency and severity of wildfires and storms, potentially damaging industrial activities. 

Air quality specialists and environmental resources management professionals are required in these situations to curb the harmful effects on the environment and to devise stringent ways to maintain and monitor the conditions.  
Find your dream air quality specialist job with Certis Solutions, an all-inclusive engineering staffing agency in California. It shares a strong partnership with top AEC firms to provide the candidate with an opportunity to work on different engineering, architecture, construction, and environmental projects. Contact us today to learn more about our exclusive AEC services.