Microsystems Engineers
Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Also called: Applications Engineer, Arrhythmia Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Design Engineer, Device Engineer, Engineer
Median pay
$122,930
Pay for the broader BLS group “Engineers, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$66,810 – $189,950
People employed
154,070
Whole BLS group
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
Microsystems Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Engineers, All Other”.
What microsystems engineers do
- 01Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.
- 02Evaluate materials, fabrication methods, joining methods, surface treatments, or packaging to ensure acceptable processing, performance, cost, sustainability, or availability.
- 03Refine final microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) design to optimize design for target dimensions, physical tolerances, or processing constraints.
- 04Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
- 05Conduct 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.
- 06Develop or file intellectual property and patent disclosure or application documents related to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, products, or systems.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Science
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from microsystems engineers
- Materials Scientists86% · —
- Physicists77% · —
- Computer and Information Research Scientists77% · —
- Biochemists and Biophysicists74% · —
- Hydrologists74% · —
Change into microsystems engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Materials Scientists87% · $117,790
- Computer and Information Research Scientists76% · $140,300
- Biochemists and Biophysicists74% · $127,410
- Bioinformatics Scientists74% · $98,920
- Astronomers73% · $128,820
Majors that lead here
- Engineering, General
- Applied Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Laser and Optical Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
- Engineering Science
- Ocean Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.