Engineering shortage looms in France

The IESF Observatory warns that France faces a critical shortage of engineers, with 236,599 engineers set to retire by 2040. However, only 50,045 new graduates enter the profession annually, creating a significant gap between supply and demand.

Aging workforce in key sectors

The 37th annual survey by the Observatory of French Engineers and Scientists, published on October 9, 2026, highlights that nearly a quarter of the 1,028,700 active engineers under 65 will reach retirement age within fifteen years. The telecommunications sector is particularly affected, with 39% of its professionals aged between 50 and 64, compared to 24% in industry.

Replacement deficit grows

French engineering schools graduated 50,045 new engineers in 2025, but this number is far below the 236,599 expected to retire, resulting in a ratio of 1 graduate for every 4.7 retirees. Over fifteen years, France will produce about 750,000 engineers, but only 236,599 will retire, a calculation that does not consider emigration, career changes, or disaffection with industry.

Industry struggles to attract young talent

French industry faces challenges in attracting young graduates, with only 30% of the last two graduate cohorts entering the sector, compared to 42% for all active engineers. In 2025, only 15,013 of the 50,045 graduates chose the industrial sector, while most opt for information services, consulting, and finance.

High salaries abroad deter return

Approximately 145,000 French engineers work abroad, and 76% of them earn more than they would in France. In 2025, the median gross salary for engineers in France was 67,800 euros, while expatriates in countries like Switzerland, the United States, or Germany earn 30% to 60% more, worsening the talent drain.

Hiring increases but uncertainty remains

Engineer hiring in France increased by 11.2% in 2025, reaching 138,700 hires. Industry accounted for 45,800 of these, while information services and technological consulting dominated contract signings. However, analysts question whether this increase signals a sustainable recovery or a temporary rebound.

Aging workforce in telecommunications

The telecommunications sector shows a worrying aging rate, with 39% of its professionals aged 50 to 64, far above the 24% in manufacturing. Operators face challenges in renewing their teams amid digital transformation and the rollout of 5G networks.

Lack of succession planning

Only 25% of senior engineers are actively preparing their succession, and while 60% say their companies would allow it, the lack of technical skill transmission threatens productivity and innovation. Marie-Liesse Bizard, president of the IESF Observatory, emphasizes the need to promote the profession's opportunities, which offer diverse career paths and high satisfaction. Without swift action, France risks losing a major competitive advantage.