The U.S. Shale Gas Industry Needs Engineers

The global demand for experienced engineers is increasing, and there are not enough engineers to go around.

CNNMoney reports that the U.S. is facing an engineering shortfall, along with other foreign countries such as Canada, the U.K., Australia and Germany. China, India and Brazil are not producing enough engineers either. One reason for the shortfall in the U.S. is due to the shale gas boom.

"Right now the hardest individuals to recruit are people who have anywhere from five to 15 years of experience. That's a real sweet spot right now," says Houston-based Gladney Darroh, president of Piper-Morgan Associates Personnel Consultants, a specialist in recruiting oil and gas engineers (CNNMoney).

Salaries have been reported to reach as high as $200,000 to $350,000 for experienced engineering professionals. Recent graduates and entry level jobs can land high paying jobs, as well.