Career as an Engineer

Introduction

Engineering is a broad field that encompasses many different disciplines, from civil engineering to electrical engineering to software engineering. Engineers use their knowledge of math, science, and technology to solve problems and design solutions for a wide range of industries.

If you’re interested in a career in engineering, there are many different paths you can take. You can get a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a master’s degree in engineering, or even a doctorate in engineering. You can also choose to specialize in a particular area of engineering, such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, or software engineering.

No matter what path you choose, a career in engineering can be very rewarding. Engineers are in high demand, and they can earn a good salary. They also have the opportunity to make a real difference in the world by solving problems and designing solutions that improve people’s lives.

What Engineers Do

Engineers use their knowledge of math, science, and technology to solve problems and design solutions for a wide range of industries. They work on projects such as designing bridges, developing new medical devices, and creating software applications.

Engineers typically work in one of the following areas:

Civil engineering: Civil engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, and buildings.
Electrical engineering: Electrical engineers design and build electrical systems, such as power plants, electrical grids, and electronic devices.
Software engineering: Software engineers design and develop software applications, such as operating systems, web browsers, and mobile apps.
Mechanical engineering: Mechanical engineers design and build machines, such as engines, robots, and airplanes.
Chemical engineering: Chemical engineers design and build chemical plants, such as refineries, petrochemical plants, and pharmaceutical plants.

Engineers can also work in other areas, such as environmental engineering, biomedical engineering, and aerospace engineering.

Education and Training

To become an engineer, you will need to get a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university. Some engineering programs also offer master’s and doctoral degrees.

In addition to your coursework, you will also need to complete a number of internships and projects. These experiences will give you the practical skills you need to succeed in the workplace.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for engineers is very good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of engineers will grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

There are a number of factors that are driving the demand for engineers. These factors include the increasing complexity of technology, the growing need for infrastructure, and the increasing focus on sustainability.

Salary

The median annual salary for engineers was $100,960 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $162,110, while the bottom 10% earned less than $56,310.

Your salary will vary depending on your experience, education, and location. Engineers who work in high-tech industries, such as software engineering and aerospace engineering, typically earn higher salaries than those who work in other industries.