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Edwin
Student
Hyattsville, Maryland
4
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What is the average pay for a robotics engineer, and what should I do to keep my pay steady?
Are there some specific points or things I should focus more on?
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4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Edwin!
Average Pay for a Robotics Engineer
The average salary for a robotics engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as location, level of experience, education, and the specific industry in which they work. As of 2025, the average annual salary for robotics engineers in the United States is approximately $100,000 to $120,000. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for engineers in related fields like mechanical and electrical engineering often falls within this range.
Location: Salaries can differ greatly depending on geographic location. For instance, robotics engineers working in technology hubs such as Silicon Valley or Boston may earn higher salaries—often exceeding $130,000 annually—due to the high demand for skilled professionals in these areas.
Experience Level: Entry-level positions typically start around $70,000 to $80,000 per year. With several years of experience, robotics engineers can expect their salaries to increase significantly. Senior-level positions or those with specialized skills can command salaries upwards of $150,000.
Industry: The industry also plays a crucial role in determining salary levels. Robotics engineers employed in sectors such as aerospace and defense tend to earn more compared to those in manufacturing or academia.
Education and Skills: Holding advanced degrees (such as a Master’s or Ph.D.) or certifications in robotics-related fields can enhance earning potential. Additionally, expertise in programming languages (like Python or C++), machine learning algorithms, and familiarity with robotic systems design are highly valued skills that can lead to better compensation.
Keeping Your Pay Steady
To maintain a steady income as a robotics engineer, consider focusing on the following points:
Continuous Learning: The field of robotics is rapidly evolving with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation technologies. Engaging in continuous education through online courses, workshops, or obtaining relevant certifications will keep your skills up-to-date and make you more competitive.
Networking: Building professional relationships within the industry can lead to new opportunities and insights into emerging trends that may affect job security and salary levels. Attend conferences, join professional organizations like IEEE Robotics & Automation Society, and participate in forums related to robotics.
Specialization: Consider specializing in niche areas within robotics that are experiencing growth—such as autonomous vehicles, medical robots, or industrial automation systems—which may offer higher salaries due to increased demand for expertise.
Performance Reviews: Regularly seek feedback from supervisors during performance reviews and be proactive about discussing your career goals and salary expectations based on your contributions to projects and overall company success.
Job Market Awareness: Stay informed about market trends affecting employment opportunities within the field of robotics engineering. Understanding which industries are expanding can help you position yourself strategically when seeking new roles or negotiating raises.
By focusing on these areas—continuous learning, networking, specialization, performance evaluation discussions, and market awareness—you can help ensure that your pay remains steady throughout your career as a robotics engineer.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This government agency provides comprehensive data on employment statistics including salary information across various occupations including engineering fields.
Glassdoor: A platform that aggregates employee-reported salary information across different companies and industries which helps provide insights into average salaries based on job title and location.
IEEE Robotics & Automation Society: A professional organization dedicated to advancing innovation and technological excellence in robotics; it offers resources for networking and professional development within the field.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Average Pay for a Robotics Engineer
The average salary for a robotics engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as location, level of experience, education, and the specific industry in which they work. As of 2025, the average annual salary for robotics engineers in the United States is approximately $100,000 to $120,000. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for engineers in related fields like mechanical and electrical engineering often falls within this range.
Location: Salaries can differ greatly depending on geographic location. For instance, robotics engineers working in technology hubs such as Silicon Valley or Boston may earn higher salaries—often exceeding $130,000 annually—due to the high demand for skilled professionals in these areas.
Experience Level: Entry-level positions typically start around $70,000 to $80,000 per year. With several years of experience, robotics engineers can expect their salaries to increase significantly. Senior-level positions or those with specialized skills can command salaries upwards of $150,000.
Industry: The industry also plays a crucial role in determining salary levels. Robotics engineers employed in sectors such as aerospace and defense tend to earn more compared to those in manufacturing or academia.
Education and Skills: Holding advanced degrees (such as a Master’s or Ph.D.) or certifications in robotics-related fields can enhance earning potential. Additionally, expertise in programming languages (like Python or C++), machine learning algorithms, and familiarity with robotic systems design are highly valued skills that can lead to better compensation.
Keeping Your Pay Steady
To maintain a steady income as a robotics engineer, consider focusing on the following points:
Continuous Learning: The field of robotics is rapidly evolving with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation technologies. Engaging in continuous education through online courses, workshops, or obtaining relevant certifications will keep your skills up-to-date and make you more competitive.
Networking: Building professional relationships within the industry can lead to new opportunities and insights into emerging trends that may affect job security and salary levels. Attend conferences, join professional organizations like IEEE Robotics & Automation Society, and participate in forums related to robotics.
Specialization: Consider specializing in niche areas within robotics that are experiencing growth—such as autonomous vehicles, medical robots, or industrial automation systems—which may offer higher salaries due to increased demand for expertise.
Performance Reviews: Regularly seek feedback from supervisors during performance reviews and be proactive about discussing your career goals and salary expectations based on your contributions to projects and overall company success.
Job Market Awareness: Stay informed about market trends affecting employment opportunities within the field of robotics engineering. Understanding which industries are expanding can help you position yourself strategically when seeking new roles or negotiating raises.
By focusing on these areas—continuous learning, networking, specialization, performance evaluation discussions, and market awareness—you can help ensure that your pay remains steady throughout your career as a robotics engineer.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This government agency provides comprehensive data on employment statistics including salary information across various occupations including engineering fields.
Glassdoor: A platform that aggregates employee-reported salary information across different companies and industries which helps provide insights into average salaries based on job title and location.
IEEE Robotics & Automation Society: A professional organization dedicated to advancing innovation and technological excellence in robotics; it offers resources for networking and professional development within the field.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Edwin! 🤖💥 Ready to take over the world, one robot at a time? I see you’ve got your eyes on becoming a robotics engineer! Well, buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a fun and futuristic ride through salary insights and strategies to keep that paycheck nice and steady!
1. What’s the Average Pay for a Robotics Engineer? 💸
So, you want to know how much cash you can make as a robotics engineer? Well, it’s not quite a robotic handout, but it’s definitely not scraping the bottom of the barrel either! Here’s what the numbers look like:
Entry-Level: If you’re just starting out in the world of robots (congrats on that!), you can expect to make around $70,000 to $85,000 per year. Not bad for just getting started in the world of artificial intelligence and cool machines! 😎
Mid-Level: With a few years of experience under your belt, you can expect to earn anywhere from $85,000 to $105,000 per year. That’s right, you’ll be making enough to treat yourself to some fancy gadgets. (Maybe a drone? A robot pet? Who knows?!)
Senior-Level (aka Robo-Master): If you’ve been grinding for a decade or more, leading projects, or designing mind-blowing tech, your salary can easily range from $120,000 to $150,000+ per year. Cha-ching! 💰
2. How to Keep Your Pay Steady? 🛠️
You’re in it for the long run, so it’s important to not only land those big paychecks but also keep them steady. Here’s how you can do that:
a. Stay Ahead of Tech Trends (Be the Coolest Kid in Class)
The world of robotics is changing faster than a robot can do the moonwalk. You gotta stay sharp and keep up with the latest advancements. If you're not learning, you’re falling behind.
Learn new programming languages (C++, Python, ROS—hello, geeky awesomeness!).
Get familiar with AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning—that’s the hot stuff.
Keep an eye on robotic process automation (RPA) trends, because guess what? Robots are automating... robots!
b. Skill Up in Soft Skills (Yep, It’s Not Just About the Wires and Circuit Boards)
You might be a coding wizard, but don’t forget to work on your people skills. The best engineers don’t just build robots; they build relationships, too!
Teamwork: Robotics projects usually require collaboration, so work on those communication and teamwork skills.
Problem-Solving: It’s called “engineering” for a reason! Robots don’t always do what you want them to, so be ready to think outside the box (or outside the circuit board in this case!).
Leadership: As you climb the ranks, you’ll want to be comfortable leading teams and mentoring others.
c. Stay Versatile (Don't Be a One-Trick Robot)
While having specialized expertise is great, try to keep yourself versatile! Don’t limit yourself to just one area of robotics (like manufacturing or autonomous vehicles). Broaden your knowledge across different fields. If you’re good with AI, mechanical systems, software, and hardware, you’ll be more valuable to your employer.
d. Get Certified and Continue Education (Upgrade Your Skills Like a Robot's Firmware)
Who doesn’t love a good upgrade? Certifications and advanced degrees in robotics or related fields (like computer engineering or electrical engineering) will give you an edge and help you stay at the top of your game.
Look into programs from places like MIT, Stanford, or online platforms like Coursera and edX for robotics-related courses.
Stay on top of industry conferences to network, learn, and potentially find new opportunities for growth and higher pay!
e. Negotiate Like a Pro 💪💼
Alright, let’s be real for a second—if you’re not asking for raises or better compensation packages, you’re leaving money on the table. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your pay as you gain more experience or certifications. If your skills are increasing, so should your paycheck.
---
3. Tips and Pathways to Boost Your Career (and Salary) 🚀
Here are some fun and futuristic ways to keep climbing the ladder as a robotics engineer:
Start Your Own Robotics Side Project: Build your own robot (you can do it!) and showcase it. It’s a fun way to put your skills to the test and it could get you noticed by potential employers or investors.
Work for a Cutting-Edge Company: Tesla, Boston Dynamics, SpaceX, and other innovative tech companies are always looking for brilliant minds like yours. If you’re in a place with great tech opportunities, your salary could grow faster than a robot on a treadmill!
Teach and Share Knowledge: As you gain experience, consider mentoring others or even teaching! Being a subject matter expert can boost your reputation and pay.
Stay Agile: No, not just the project management type of agile, but be flexible and adaptable in your career. Robotics is constantly evolving, so the more adaptable you are, the more valuable you'll be!
---
4. Final Words: Keep Your Engines Running Smoothly!
In summary, Edwin, becoming a robotics engineer is like building a robot: it’s a step-by-step process with plenty of room for innovation! Keep learning, stay flexible, and continue growing your technical and people skills.
And remember: nothing is impossible! Even when the job search seems tough or the pay isn’t quite where you want it, just keep fine-tuning your skills and you’ll get there. The robot revolution needs brilliant engineers like YOU!
Stay curious, stay creative, and most importantly—don’t let your circuits get rusty! 🤖💡
1. What’s the Average Pay for a Robotics Engineer? 💸
So, you want to know how much cash you can make as a robotics engineer? Well, it’s not quite a robotic handout, but it’s definitely not scraping the bottom of the barrel either! Here’s what the numbers look like:
Entry-Level: If you’re just starting out in the world of robots (congrats on that!), you can expect to make around $70,000 to $85,000 per year. Not bad for just getting started in the world of artificial intelligence and cool machines! 😎
Mid-Level: With a few years of experience under your belt, you can expect to earn anywhere from $85,000 to $105,000 per year. That’s right, you’ll be making enough to treat yourself to some fancy gadgets. (Maybe a drone? A robot pet? Who knows?!)
Senior-Level (aka Robo-Master): If you’ve been grinding for a decade or more, leading projects, or designing mind-blowing tech, your salary can easily range from $120,000 to $150,000+ per year. Cha-ching! 💰
2. How to Keep Your Pay Steady? 🛠️
You’re in it for the long run, so it’s important to not only land those big paychecks but also keep them steady. Here’s how you can do that:
a. Stay Ahead of Tech Trends (Be the Coolest Kid in Class)
The world of robotics is changing faster than a robot can do the moonwalk. You gotta stay sharp and keep up with the latest advancements. If you're not learning, you’re falling behind.
Learn new programming languages (C++, Python, ROS—hello, geeky awesomeness!).
Get familiar with AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning—that’s the hot stuff.
Keep an eye on robotic process automation (RPA) trends, because guess what? Robots are automating... robots!
b. Skill Up in Soft Skills (Yep, It’s Not Just About the Wires and Circuit Boards)
You might be a coding wizard, but don’t forget to work on your people skills. The best engineers don’t just build robots; they build relationships, too!
Teamwork: Robotics projects usually require collaboration, so work on those communication and teamwork skills.
Problem-Solving: It’s called “engineering” for a reason! Robots don’t always do what you want them to, so be ready to think outside the box (or outside the circuit board in this case!).
Leadership: As you climb the ranks, you’ll want to be comfortable leading teams and mentoring others.
c. Stay Versatile (Don't Be a One-Trick Robot)
While having specialized expertise is great, try to keep yourself versatile! Don’t limit yourself to just one area of robotics (like manufacturing or autonomous vehicles). Broaden your knowledge across different fields. If you’re good with AI, mechanical systems, software, and hardware, you’ll be more valuable to your employer.
d. Get Certified and Continue Education (Upgrade Your Skills Like a Robot's Firmware)
Who doesn’t love a good upgrade? Certifications and advanced degrees in robotics or related fields (like computer engineering or electrical engineering) will give you an edge and help you stay at the top of your game.
Look into programs from places like MIT, Stanford, or online platforms like Coursera and edX for robotics-related courses.
Stay on top of industry conferences to network, learn, and potentially find new opportunities for growth and higher pay!
e. Negotiate Like a Pro 💪💼
Alright, let’s be real for a second—if you’re not asking for raises or better compensation packages, you’re leaving money on the table. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your pay as you gain more experience or certifications. If your skills are increasing, so should your paycheck.
---
3. Tips and Pathways to Boost Your Career (and Salary) 🚀
Here are some fun and futuristic ways to keep climbing the ladder as a robotics engineer:
Start Your Own Robotics Side Project: Build your own robot (you can do it!) and showcase it. It’s a fun way to put your skills to the test and it could get you noticed by potential employers or investors.
Work for a Cutting-Edge Company: Tesla, Boston Dynamics, SpaceX, and other innovative tech companies are always looking for brilliant minds like yours. If you’re in a place with great tech opportunities, your salary could grow faster than a robot on a treadmill!
Teach and Share Knowledge: As you gain experience, consider mentoring others or even teaching! Being a subject matter expert can boost your reputation and pay.
Stay Agile: No, not just the project management type of agile, but be flexible and adaptable in your career. Robotics is constantly evolving, so the more adaptable you are, the more valuable you'll be!
---
4. Final Words: Keep Your Engines Running Smoothly!
In summary, Edwin, becoming a robotics engineer is like building a robot: it’s a step-by-step process with plenty of room for innovation! Keep learning, stay flexible, and continue growing your technical and people skills.
And remember: nothing is impossible! Even when the job search seems tough or the pay isn’t quite where you want it, just keep fine-tuning your skills and you’ll get there. The robot revolution needs brilliant engineers like YOU!
Stay curious, stay creative, and most importantly—don’t let your circuits get rusty! 🤖💡
Brandon Recknagel
Manufacturing engineer
4
Answers
Walworth, WI
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Hi Edwin!
I'll give you the no-fluff answer.
As an Engineer with ~10-15 years experience with programming PLC's, HMI's, robots, wiring, designing, building, and troubleshooting machines, I know someone whose salary is $110k a year. Starting out, you're looking somewhere in the $70k-80k range would be my guess.
Honestly if you want to be a *GREAT* Automation & Controls Engineer - you need to know a lot about A LOT of subjects...
1. Mechanics - need to have a good understanding about machinery and equipment, how things function and are assembled. Learn to design things to both last long, require little maintenance, and to be easy to perform maintenance on when they do break/wear out.
2. Electrical - you need to know the in's and out's of electricity very well. Know AC voltage, how transformers work and how to specify wire sizes and codes. Learn how to build and wire an electrical panel (PLC/robot panel). Know how 24V DC systems work, Ethernet, etc.
3. How an Operator thinks/acts/works. This is crucial to understanding how your machines need to function and be interacted with - what information is crucial to display on the HMI to operators, and what stuff you should password protect and save for technicians, maintenance, and Engineers
4. Be good at math - there's no way around it. Even with PLC's, robots, HMI's doing math "for you", you have to know how to write the code to do the math for a lot of functions in the background. Something as simple as X + Y = X(now) in a FANUC robot turns into R[82] = R[82] + 1 and can get confusing when you have a lot of variables to keep track of.
5. Learn how to build and assemble things. Learn about using SHCS with Countersunk holes, slotted holes, how to calculate what size bolt to use for what type of load and vibration/heat, etc. Learn how to keep bolts and screws neat and good-looking while also being easy to access when the need for maintenance or modification arises.
6. This is the biggest one, and unfortunately there's no good "book" on how to learn this... Learn to hyper-dissect steps of a process, and anticipate faults/failures/problems. Something as simple as "robot picks a part up from a fixture that the operator loaded" turns into a series of checks - did the operator load the part? Did the operator load the correct part and how can we verify it? Is the part damaged or in good condition? Is the part loaded into the fixture in the correct orientation? Is the part held in a nice repeatable position or is it floating around and loose? Is the operator now outside of the robot's reach and in a safe location? Is the robot's EOAT empty and functional (grippers open, suction cups turned on, etc)? Is the robot ready to grab the part and pass it to the next process? The list goes on and on and on. I usually start a new robot cell or machine build with a nice big 11 x 17 piece of paper and draw a process map out with decision points on it so when I start programming I don't forget anything (hopefully).
7. Learn and practice patience and humility. When you program a robot cell or machine, you're going to make mistakes. You're going to forget stuff. You're going to wire a sensor incorrectly. You're going to forget a potential failure you forgot to order a camera or sensor for. It will happen - be patient with yourself, and expect to spend about half as much time debugging and running off a machine that you built as it took you to put it all together in the first place.
Cheers and good luck!
-Brandon
I'll give you the no-fluff answer.
As an Engineer with ~10-15 years experience with programming PLC's, HMI's, robots, wiring, designing, building, and troubleshooting machines, I know someone whose salary is $110k a year. Starting out, you're looking somewhere in the $70k-80k range would be my guess.
Honestly if you want to be a *GREAT* Automation & Controls Engineer - you need to know a lot about A LOT of subjects...
1. Mechanics - need to have a good understanding about machinery and equipment, how things function and are assembled. Learn to design things to both last long, require little maintenance, and to be easy to perform maintenance on when they do break/wear out.
2. Electrical - you need to know the in's and out's of electricity very well. Know AC voltage, how transformers work and how to specify wire sizes and codes. Learn how to build and wire an electrical panel (PLC/robot panel). Know how 24V DC systems work, Ethernet, etc.
3. How an Operator thinks/acts/works. This is crucial to understanding how your machines need to function and be interacted with - what information is crucial to display on the HMI to operators, and what stuff you should password protect and save for technicians, maintenance, and Engineers
4. Be good at math - there's no way around it. Even with PLC's, robots, HMI's doing math "for you", you have to know how to write the code to do the math for a lot of functions in the background. Something as simple as X + Y = X(now) in a FANUC robot turns into R[82] = R[82] + 1 and can get confusing when you have a lot of variables to keep track of.
5. Learn how to build and assemble things. Learn about using SHCS with Countersunk holes, slotted holes, how to calculate what size bolt to use for what type of load and vibration/heat, etc. Learn how to keep bolts and screws neat and good-looking while also being easy to access when the need for maintenance or modification arises.
6. This is the biggest one, and unfortunately there's no good "book" on how to learn this... Learn to hyper-dissect steps of a process, and anticipate faults/failures/problems. Something as simple as "robot picks a part up from a fixture that the operator loaded" turns into a series of checks - did the operator load the part? Did the operator load the correct part and how can we verify it? Is the part damaged or in good condition? Is the part loaded into the fixture in the correct orientation? Is the part held in a nice repeatable position or is it floating around and loose? Is the operator now outside of the robot's reach and in a safe location? Is the robot's EOAT empty and functional (grippers open, suction cups turned on, etc)? Is the robot ready to grab the part and pass it to the next process? The list goes on and on and on. I usually start a new robot cell or machine build with a nice big 11 x 17 piece of paper and draw a process map out with decision points on it so when I start programming I don't forget anything (hopefully).
7. Learn and practice patience and humility. When you program a robot cell or machine, you're going to make mistakes. You're going to forget stuff. You're going to wire a sensor incorrectly. You're going to forget a potential failure you forgot to order a camera or sensor for. It will happen - be patient with yourself, and expect to spend about half as much time debugging and running off a machine that you built as it took you to put it all together in the first place.
Cheers and good luck!
-Brandon
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
A lot has already been given to you by the earlier contributors.
I would like to emphasize a few additional ideas. Remuneration may vary significantly from one country to another. So does the cost of living. Many leading companies, especially the multi nationals, persue a total package approach to their value proposition to every employee: guaranteed pay, variable pay, insurance cover including medical insurance. There has been a progressive trend towards significant bonus pay outs to employees that exceed stretched performance targets. Outstanding employees can increase their variable pay significantly through this means. One's ability to contribute to top & bottom lines hence gets rewarded appropriately. Such companies also thrive on recruiting & developing especially young talent. Employees with high potential and performing at high levels can progress rapidly through their careers. All of this is self-driven on the part of the employee.
Some studies suggest that up to 75 percent of one's success at the workplace is determined by emotional intelligence (EQ). EQ involves such attributes as self -awareness, empathy, self-confidence, motivation, self-control & social competency. Therefore, your ability to understand yourself & your social environment plays a huge role in your success.
A lot has already been given to you by the earlier contributors.
I would like to emphasize a few additional ideas. Remuneration may vary significantly from one country to another. So does the cost of living. Many leading companies, especially the multi nationals, persue a total package approach to their value proposition to every employee: guaranteed pay, variable pay, insurance cover including medical insurance. There has been a progressive trend towards significant bonus pay outs to employees that exceed stretched performance targets. Outstanding employees can increase their variable pay significantly through this means. One's ability to contribute to top & bottom lines hence gets rewarded appropriately. Such companies also thrive on recruiting & developing especially young talent. Employees with high potential and performing at high levels can progress rapidly through their careers. All of this is self-driven on the part of the employee.
Some studies suggest that up to 75 percent of one's success at the workplace is determined by emotional intelligence (EQ). EQ involves such attributes as self -awareness, empathy, self-confidence, motivation, self-control & social competency. Therefore, your ability to understand yourself & your social environment plays a huge role in your success.