Engineering Quick Careers Guide
What is engineering?
What are the main engineering disciplines?
What are other engineering career options?
What are the character traits of engineers?
How do I know which engineering field to pursue?
What are the education requirements to become an engineer?
How to prepare for a career in engineering?
Engineering Careers Guide
Everything you see around you was imagined, planned and made by an engineer. Engineering is an ancient profession and is the reason and means for human technology and progress.
Egyptians planned and built the Great Pyramids. Ancient Romans built aqueducts, roads, and cities that helped them rule the ancient world.
In modern times, engineers are responsible for everything you see from planes, spaceships, and computers to some of the most cutting edge medical devices, materials and life-saving drugs known to humankind. Engineers learn specialized skills and knowledge to do their work.
They apply science and math to design and build technological solutions to complex problems.
They apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills to design, develop and implement progress in the world around us.
There are a variety of dynamic and versatile engineering disciplines to choose from. Many fields of engineering are either subcategories or interdisciplinary categories of the four main disciplines.
There are four main engineering disciplines: Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical. *Engineering salaries and job outlook stats are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Chemical engineering is the application of science and math (chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, etc.) to design, create, transport and transform raw materials, energy, textiles, drugs, plants, and chemicals. Chemical engineers design and develop processes on a larger scale. Chemical engineers may monitor and control environmental emissions and help to resolve environmental problems. They work for pharmaceutical companies where they design, create and manufacture drugs and medical devices. They manufacture fuels and clean-energy systems. They make waterproof clothing and flame-retardant safety clothing.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary was $104,910 per year or $50.44 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected 2016-2026 outlook is 8% (average) with 32,700 jobs in 2016 and 2,500 new jobs by 2026.*
Civil engineering is the field of engineering that has to do with planning, designing and executing ways to develop, build and sustain natural and man-made infrastructure. This includes dams, roads, bridges and buildings.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for a Civil Engineer was $86,640 per year or $41.65 per hour.*
Typical Entry Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected 2016-2026 outlook is 11% (faster than average) with 303,500 jobs in 2016 and 32,200 new jobs by 2026.*
This field of engineering deals with the technology of electronics and electrical systems.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for an Electrical Engineer was $99,070 per year or $47.63 per hour.*
Typical Entry Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected 2016-2026 outlook is 7% (average) with 324,600 jobs in 2016 and 21,300 new jobs by 2026.*
This is the broadest branch of engineering and it deals with the design, development, improvement, and testing of mechanical and thermal processes and systems.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for a Mechanical Engineer was $87,370 per year or $42.00 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected 2016-2026 outlook is 9% (as fast as average) with 288,800 jobs in 2016 and 25,300 new jobs by 2026. *
There are many other career fields in engineering. You can find 8 below with their descriptions.
This is the application of mechanical, electrical, materials or computer engineering disciplines to plan and construct spacecraft and aircraft. Aerospace engineers design, develop, produce and test military fighter planes, helicopters, spacecraft, missiles, and rockets. They may specialize in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, propulsion systems, acoustics or guidance, and control systems.
Salary: The 2018 Median Pay for an Aerospace Engineer was $115,220 per year or $55.39 per hour.*
Typical Entry Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The projected job outlook for 2016-2026 is 6% (average) with 69,600 jobs in 2016 and 4,200 new jobs by 2026.*
Agricultural engineering is the application of science and technology to agricultural production and processing. Agricultural engineers help to increase the productivity and efficiency of food production. They develop new systems, tools and machines for agricultural products and environments. They solve environmental problems. They improve quality and safety while preserving the environment and natural resources.
Salary: The 2018 Median Pay for an Agricultural Engineer was $77,110 per year or $37.07 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The projected job outlook for 2016-2026 is 8% (average) with 2,700 jobs in 2016 and 200 new jobs by 2026.*
Biomedical engineering applies science and technology to the fields of biology and healthcare. Bioengineers work in stem cell research; create artificial limbs and prosthetic devices and work on curing diseases like cancer. It is a cutting edge field and the career opportunities are dynamic.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for a Biomedical Engineer was $88,550 per year or $42.57 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected Job Outlook for 2016-2026 is 7% (average) with 21,300 jobs in 2016 and 1,500 new jobs by 2026.*
This field of engineering involves the research, design, manufacturing, testing, embedding, and installation of computer hardware. Computer engineers apply technical skills to enhance the speed and performance of data transmission and interface. They create and build computer systems, chips and circuit boards. They work in robotics research and cyber-security.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for a Computer Hardware Engineer was $114,600 per year or $55.10 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected Job Outlook for 2016-2026 is 5% (average) with 73,600 jobs in 2016 and 4,000 new jobs by 2026.*
Environmental engineering applies scientific theories to minimize human impact on the environment and to protect humans from toxins and pollution. Environmental engineers design and develop sustainable solutions to prevent environmental degradation. They work on remediating current environmental damage and problems. They work on sanitation systems and protect water and other natural resources.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for an Environmental Engineer was $87,620 per year or $42.13 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected Job Outlook for 2016-2026 is 8% (average) with 53,800 jobs in 2016 and 4,500 new jobs by 2026. *
Material engineering has to do with the design, development and testing of new materials to advance new products and technologies. Material engineers work with a variety of materials such as: glass, ceramics, textiles, rubber, polymers, plastics, metals, composites and chemicals.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for a Materials Engineer was $92,390 per year or $44.42 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected Job Outlook for 2016-2026 is 2% (slower than average) with 27,000 jobs in 2016 and 400 new jobs by 2026.*
This interdisciplinary field of engineering uses earth science to explore and extract energy and mineral resources. Geological engineers protect against natural hazards. They stabilize slopes, design tunnels, dam foundations and mine openings. They manage underground water resources and help protect the environment from contamination.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for a Mining and Geological Engineer was $92,250 per year or $44.35 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected Job Outlook for 2016-2026 is 8% (average) with 7,300 jobs in 2016 and 600 new jobs by 2026.*
This field applies ideas from chemistry, quantum physics, biology, and electronics to build objects through manipulations at the atomic or molecular level.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for Nanotechnology Engineers was $96,980 per year or $46.62 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected Job Outlook for 2016-2026 is 8% (average) with 133,000 jobs in 2016 and 9,500 new jobs by 2026.*
This is a field of engineering that deals with the science of and application of nuclear and radiation processes. They may design and develop processes at nuclear plants or how to safely dispose of and manage radioactive waste.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for Nuclear Engineers was $107,600 per year or $51.73 per hour.*
Typical Entry Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected Job Outlook for 2016-2026 is 4% (slower than average) with 17,700 jobs in 2016 and 700 new jobs by 2026.*
This is the field of engineering that deals with the exploration and extraction of oil and gas deposits below the earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers assess reservoir sites to determine the most efficient way to extract oil. They may design equipment and processes for more efficient and profitable extraction.
Salary: The 2018 Median Salary for a Petroleum Engineer was $137,170 per year or $65.95 per hour.*
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook: The Projected Job Outlook for 2016-2026 is 15% (faster than average) with 33,700 jobs in 2016 and 5,100 new jobs by 2026.*
- Curious about the world and how things work and are made
- Good at Science and Math
- Excellent Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Sound Judgment
- Innovative
- Good Listening Skills
- Excellent Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
- Resourceful
There are so many career choices in engineering. There are a number of dynamic and versatile engineering disciplines to explore and choose from.
- You don’t have to decide right away in high school.
- Gain experience if possible and talk to others who are doing things that interest you.
- Contact student and professional organizations. They can offer many great networking opportunities and career resources.
Most entry-level engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree.
Engineering technicians and support jobs usually require an associate’s degree.
Depending on the engineering degree you are pursuing, a masters or PhD may also be required.
In addition, a license may also be required. It is also necessary that your college or university be an ABET Accredited School. ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
For a list of ABET Accredited colleges and universities, visit: http://main.abet.org/aps/ Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx
If you are thinking about pursuing a career in engineering, you will want to take as many math, science, computer and technology classes as possible.
In addition, you can join a math or science club, attend a summer engineering camp and pursue technical hobbies such as writing computer programs or robotics. There are a wealth of resources and mentors available to help you excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
(54 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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