The Randstad engineering employee confidence index for the U.S. edged down to a reading of 62.1 in the fourth quarter of 2013, down from 64.0 in the third quarter. However, engineering workers remained the most confident of all workers tracked by Randstad’s confidence indexes, which measure workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment. Other industries measured include finance and accounting, IT, healthcare, office and administrative, and manufacturing.

“Engineering workers have been in high demand throughout 2013, and our Index indicates that they had some of the strongest levels of optimism amongst all other workers this year,” said Richard Zambacca, president of Randstad Engineering. “In all areas of engineering, but specifically civil, control, process and quality, we predict the need for talent will remain steady if not increase throughout 2014.”

Twenty-six percent of engineering professionals are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, down three percentage points from the third quarter. This compares with 36 percent in all other industries.

The survey found 86 percent of engineers report they are not likely to lose their jobs over the next 12 months, up five percentage points from the previous quarter.

The report is based on an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive, on behalf of Randstad, that included 120 adults employed in engineering.