Best Engineering Career Paths

Introduction

Engineering is a broad field that offers a wide range of career paths. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. To help you make an informed decision, this post will provide an overview of some of the best engineering career paths, including their salaries, job outlook, and required education and experience.

Software Engineering

Software engineering is one of the most popular and in-demand engineering careers. Software engineers design, develop, and maintain computer software. They work on a variety of projects, from small-scale applications to large-scale enterprise systems.

Salary

The median annual salary for software engineers is $110,140. The top 10% of earners make more than $162,150 per year.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for software engineers is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of software engineering jobs will grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Required Education and Experience

Most software engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is another popular and in-demand engineering career. Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems. They work on a variety of projects, from power plants to medical devices.

Salary

The median annual salary for electrical engineers is $100,420. The top 10% of earners make more than $146,710 per year.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for electrical engineers is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of electrical engineering jobs will grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Required Education and Experience

Most electrical engineers have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a broad field that encompasses the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers work on a variety of projects, from cars and airplanes to medical devices and robots.

Salary

The median annual salary for mechanical engineers is $90,120. The top 10% of earners make more than $134,050 per year.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for mechanical engineers is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of mechanical engineering jobs will grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Required Education and Experience

Most mechanical engineers have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, and operation of chemical plants and processes. Chemical engineers work on a variety of projects, from producing pharmaceuticals to developing new materials.

Salary

The median annual salary for chemical engineers is $105,590. The top 10% of earners make more than $156,960 per year.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for chemical engineers is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of chemical engineering jobs will grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Required Education and Experience

Most chemical engineers have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. Civil engineers work on a variety of projects, from bridges and roads to water treatment plants and airports.

Salary

The median annual salary for civil engineers is $87,060. The top 10% of earners make more than $131,140 per year.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for civil engineers is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of civil engineering jobs will grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Required Education and Experience

Most civil engineers have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many different engineering career paths available. With so many options to choose from, it is important to do your research and find a career that is a good fit for your interests and skills. With the right education and experience, you can have a successful and rewarding career in engineering.