However, individual members gained two years of experience during this period. To measure what has happened to them, one may compare the incomes of those at any particular level of experience in 1995 with the incomes of those with two more years of experience in 1997. Such gains for increased experience are largest during the early and middle years of a career, tapering off for older engineers as the relative significance of another year of practice is reduced. This year's salary study contains some added elements. For the first time, detailed results are provided for those whose area of specialization is computer software.
New information is provided on hourly rates used by self-employed engineers.
Another new measure assesses the members' subjective satisfaction with various aspects of engineering work.