Career profile · SOC 17-2141.01

Fuel Cell Engineers

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

Fuel Cell Engineers design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications. The role reports a median annual salary of $102,320 in the US with the middle 80% earning between $63,500 and $148,420 and is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.46 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Mathematics, Active Learning, Reading Comprehension.

Median salary
$102,320
per year
Growth outlook
Faster Than Average
BLS 10-yr
Education
Bachelor's degree
AI exposure
4.58/10
automation risk

Salary distribution (US)

Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.

Bottom 10%
$63,500
25th %ile
$77,420
Median
$102,320
75th %ile
$120,270
Top 10%
$148,420

Top skills

Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Mathematics Active Learning Reading Comprehension Judgment and Decision Making Systems Analysis Speaking Active Listening Operations Analysis

Knowledge you'll build

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mechanical
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • English Language
  • Production and Processing
  • Computers and Electronics

Frequently asked questions

What does Fuel Cell Engineers do?

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

How much does Fuel Cell Engineers earn?

The median annual salary for Fuel Cell Engineers in the US is $102,320. The middle 80% of workers earn between $63,500 and $148,420 annually. Entry-to-mid-career earners typically fall between $77,420 and $120,270.

What is the job outlook for Fuel Cell Engineers?

The role is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Current US employment is approximately 293,100 workers.

How do I become fuel cell engineers?

The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.

What skills does Fuel Cell Engineers need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Mathematics, Active Learning, Reading Comprehension, Judgment and Decision Making. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace Fuel Cell Engineers?

Our AI-durability model gives Fuel Cell Engineers a score of 0.46 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.

How hard is it to enter this field?

Fuel Cell Engineers has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.

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