How To Become An Engine Monitor: What It Is and Career Path

What is an engine monitor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted Expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an engine monitor. For example, did you know that they make an average of $28.09 an hour? That's $58,421 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to an Engine Monitor?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, California State University - East Bay

*The anxiety of AI is likely to change the landscape of computer networking, is a real threat but in my opinion, it won't eliminate the need for human network engineers. The focus will likely shift towards more strategic tasks, complex problem-solving, and leveraging AI tools to improve network efficiency and security.*

*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*

* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*

*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*

*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*

*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*

ScoreEngine MonitorUS Average

Salary

4.6

Avg. Salary $58,421

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.7

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 8.68%

Black or African American 9.23%

Hispanic or Latino 12.91%

Unknown 5.11%

White 63.75%

Gender

female 7.27%

male 92.73%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress Level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

6.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an engine monitor

Explore engine monitor education requirements

Most common engine monitor degrees

Bachelor's

53.7 %

Associate

27.3 %

High School Diploma

9.9 %

Start to develop specific engine monitor skills

Skills	Percentages
PA	24.35%
Digital Consoles	12.26%
RAN	12.23%
Sound Equipment	12.23%
Wedges	6.51%

Complete relevant engine monitor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New engine monitors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an engine monitor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real engine monitor resumes.

Research engine monitor duties and responsibilities

Manage and perform the onsite installation, configuration and setup of all PLC and network monitoring software.
Perform sound checks, run monitor desk during show time, prepare and strike stage, sound and lighting systems.
Ensure that no frequency feedback run through the system.
Monitor band with Soundcraft SM20 mixing console and mix to bands taste for stage wedges.

Prepare your engine monitor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your engine monitor resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an engine monitor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Engine Monitor Resume templates

Build a professional Engine Monitor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Engine Monitor resume.

Apply for engine monitor jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an engine monitor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do engine monitors rate their job?