(PRWEB) May 22, 2006 -- As the US job market continues to show signs of strength, one career in particular is thriving: fire protection engineering.
In fact, the job market for fire protection engineers has remained strong for years due to the disparity between the large number of job openings and relatively small pool of potential employees.
"Conservatively we estimate five positions are available per graduate," says Professor Marino di Marzo, chairman of the University of Maryland´s Fire Protection Engineering Department. "Last January, we had one graduate receive seven job offers."
The overwhelming demand for qualified fire protection engineers has meant many recent grads have received some of the highest paid engineering jobs in the country.
The median salary for an entry-level fire protection engineer (0-2 years experience) is $55,500 per year. That figure jumps to $65,000 when a person with that level of experience has a master´s degree.
The median salary for a mid-level fire protection engineer (6-8 years experience) is $72,500 per year, but it can approach $100,000 per year if he or she has a master´s degree.
These numbers are impressive, especially when compared with the national average salary for all engineers of $63,060 per year.
Fire protection engineers with work experience upwards of 15 years earn the greatest salaries in the field. It is common for senior-level fire protection engineers to make well over $120,000 per year.
Fire protection engineers work across a broad cross section of industries, from the insurance industry and private consulting to the fire service and all levels of government.
"There are so many opportunities for fire protection engineers to make a rewarding and lucrative living," says Chris Jelenewicz, engineering program manager with Bethesda, MD-based Society of Fire Protection Engineers. "The current environment is extraordinarily favorable for our profession."
More information about a career in fire protection engineering can be found at college scholarships, and distance learning opportunities.
What is a fire protection engineer?
According to the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, a fire protection engineer applies science and engineering principles to protect people, homes, workplaces, the economy and the environment from the devastating effects of fires. Fire protection engineers analyze how buildings are used, how fires start and grow, and how fires affect people and property. They use the latest technologies to design systems to control fires, alert people to danger, and provide means for escape. Fire protection engineers also work closely with other professionals, including engineers of other disciplines, architects, state and local building officials, and local fire departments to promote fire safety.
About Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Organized in 1950, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers is the professional society for engineers involved in the field of fire protection engineering. The purposes of SFPE are to advance the science and practice of fire protection engineering, maintain a high ethical standing among its members and foster fire protection engineering education. SFPE´s worldwide members include engineers in private practice, in industry, and in local, regional and national government. Chapters are located in Canada, China, France, Italy, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the United States.
Press Contact: Chris Jelenewicz
Company Name: Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 574-968-4172
Website: www.careersinfireprotectionengineering.com
More Information: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb388160.htm