If you like developing solutions to problems and improving processes, you may want to explore the best engineering careers. We’ve given you a head start on your research by compiling some of the hottest or most lucrative options. So, what are you waiting for? Read through our picks and start planning your professional future!
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If you are on the hunt for an engineering career, start you search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click!
20 Of Best Engineering Careers
Here are thirteen of the best engineering careers you can pursue:
1. Petroleum Engineer
Median National Salary: $130,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 22,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 8% (average)
Job Duties: Petroleum engineers focus on oil and gas. As a petroleum engineer, you’ll work with geologists to ensure the extraction of the resources is safe and profitable.
2. Materials Engineer
Median National Salary: $98,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 22,000+
Job Growth 22021 – 2031: 6% (average)
Job Duties: Materials engineers analyze various materials to determine how to use them in the manufacturing process. As a materials engineer, you might work with metals, plastics, composites, and more.
3. Software Engineer
Median National Salary: $109,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 1.6 million+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 25% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Software engineers create programs and applications for computers or mobile devices. As a software engineer, you may also assess your organization’s needs and advise management on potential updates and upgrades.
If you want to become a software engineer, take the first step by updating your resume. Learn everything you need to know about crafting a software engineer resume. You can also learn more about daily duties by checking our our software engineer job description.
4. Aerospace Engineer
Median National Salary: $122,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 58,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 6% (average)
Job Duties: Aerospace engineers develop, maintain, and troubleshoot systems related to flying machines. As an aerospace engineer, you might focus on passenger planes, space shuttles, satellites, fighter jets, missiles, and more.
Do you want a career as an aerospace engineer? Start by writing an aerospace engineer resume.
5. Mechanical Engineer
Median National Salary: $122,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 284,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 2% (average)
Job Duties: Mechanical engineers develop mechanical tools, equipment, and parts. As a mechanical engineer, you might also improve existing inventions or write technical documentation to inform users.
If you are interested in becoming a mechanical engineer, you may want to update your resume. Check out our guide to creating a mechanical engineer resume.
6. Electrical Engineer
Median National Salary: $101,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 303,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 3% (average)
Job Duties: Electrical engineers focus on electric power generation and delivery. As an electrical engineer, you’ll work to improve the efficiency and safety of related equipment and systems.
7. Environmental Engineer
Median National Salary: $96,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 44,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 4% (slower than average)
Job Duties: Environmental engineers devise solutions to protect the environment. As an environmental engineer, you might focus on slowing or reversing climate change.
8. Chemical Engineer
Median National Salary: $105,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 26,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 14% (average)
Job Duties: Chemical engineers develop safer and more efficient chemical manufacturing processes. As a chemical engineer, you may work on projects related to industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or food.
Does working as a chemical engineer sound ideal? Stand out from the crowd by crafting a chemical engineer resume.
9. Biomedical Engineer
Median National Salary: $97,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 17,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 10% (average)
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Job Duties: Biomedical engineers develop software and equipment for the medical industry. As a biomedical engineer, you may also publish research papers and train professionals to use what you develop.
10. Civil Engineer
Median National Salary: $88,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 318,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 7% (average)
Job Duties: Civil engineers work with the government to develop cities. As a civil engineer, you might design buildings, roads, bridges, and more.
For more information, check out our civil engineer job description.
11. Industrial Engineer
Median National Salary: $95,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 301,000
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 10% (faster than average)
Job Duties: Industrial engineers review company processes and procedures and improve them. As an industrial engineer, you’ll focus on increasing efficiency, decreasing waste, and lowering costs.
12. Health and Safety Engineer
Median National Salary: $99,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 23,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 4% (average)
Job Duties: Health and safety engineers focus on keeping work sites safe. As a health and safety engineer, you’ll review processes and examine equipment to identify and correct potential hazards.
13. Engineering Manager
Median National Salary: $152,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 191,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 2% (slower than average)
Job Duties: Engineering managers lead teams of engineers. As an engineering manager, you may work in various environments, such as a laboratory, construction site, manufacturing facility, or office.
14. Architect
Median National Salary: $80,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 125,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 3% (slower than average)
Job Duties: An architect is responsible for designing and planning buildings and other structures while ensuring that they meet safety, zoning, and environmental regulations. They must be knowledgeable about design principles, building materials, and construction methods, and use communication and problem-solving skills to work with clients and construction professionals to ensure that the final product meets the needs and specifications of the project.
15. Cartographer
Median National Salary: $68,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 13,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 3% (slower than average)
Job Duties: A cartographer is responsible for creating maps and charts that visually represent geographic and spatial data. They must be knowledgeable about cartography software and techniques, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret and communicate data in a clear and accurate manner, while ensuring that the maps meet the needs and specifications of the client.
16. Systems Engineer
Median National Salary: $80,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 333,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 3% (slower than average)
Job Duties: A systems engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems and infrastructures such as computer networks, software applications, or manufacturing processes. They must be knowledgeable about systems engineering principles and tools, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues, while ensuring that the system meets the needs and specifications of the client.
17. Nuclear Engineer
Median National Salary: $120,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 13,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: -11% (decline)
Job Duties: A nuclear engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining nuclear power plants, radiation detection systems, and other nuclear equipment. They must be knowledgeable about nuclear physics and safety regulations, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to nuclear energy, while ensuring that the equipment and facilities meet safety and environmental standards.
18. Computer Hardware Engineer
Median National Salary: $128,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 76,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 5% (decline)
Job Duties: A computer hardware engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing computer hardware components such as processors, circuit boards, and memory devices. They must be knowledgeable about computer hardware and engineering principles, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to computer hardware, while ensuring that the products meet quality and performance standards.
19. Agricultural Engineer
Median National Salary: $82,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 1,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 1% (little to no change)
Job Duties: An agricultural engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing equipment and systems used in agriculture, such as irrigation systems, farm machinery, and food processing facilities. They must be knowledgeable about agricultural practices and engineering principles, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to agricultural operations, while ensuring that the products and systems meet safety and environmental standards.
20. Marine Engineer
Median National Salary: $93,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 7,500+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 4% (as fast as average)
Job Duties: A marine engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining ships, boats, offshore platforms, and other marine equipment. They must be knowledgeable about marine engineering principles and safety regulations, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to marine operations, while ensuring that the equipment and facilities meet safety and environmental standards.
Requirements And Skills To Work In Engineering
The requirements and skills to work in engineering include technical and soft skills. The technical skills includes having a strong understanding of the engineering field including understanding engineering principles and theories.
Soft skills like critical thinking and problem solving skills, project management, collaboration and communication skills are important to have as well. With technical skills and soft skills under your belt, you’ll have a solid foundation to work in the engineering industry.
How Do You Get A Good Paying Job In Engineering?
Getting a good paying job in engineering starts with meeting the minimum education requirements which are a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field of study. Gaining practical experience while pursuing your career like internships or work study programs can get you hands on experience.
Then, including these things can improve your chances of finding a high paying engineering job:
- Choosing a high-demand engineering field: Some examples include electrical engineering or mechanical engineering.
- Upskill: Continuously work on your skills and developing your knowledge in engineering.
- Create a solid resume and portfolio: Review your resume and make sure it’s well-written and highlights all your skills, experience, competencies, and achievements. For resume help, check out our guide to the best resume writing services.
- Get professional certifications: Set yourself apart from the competition by getting professionally certified or licensed.
- Be strategic in your job research/application phase: Choose companies that align with your career goals and salary expectations.
- Negotiate: Advocate for a higher salary and negotiate your pay.
Where To Find Engineering Careers
Ready to start applying for engineering positions? Here’s the job posting sites where you should look first:
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a popular job board for a good reason: it makes finding your next opportunity simple. Just enter in your search criteria, filter the results, review your matches, and submit your resume!
ZipRecruiter also allows you to apply for jobs with a single click, making the whole process super easy!
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
LinkedIn is the premier place to connect with other professionals online, so you should kick off your job search by updating your profile. Then, you can quickly search and apply for roles on the platform’s built-in job board.
For more information, check out our LinkedIn review.
Indeed
Indeed features job postings from all over the internet, so your odds of finding your ideal engineering position are good. Like ZipRecruiter, all you have to do is run a quick search and apply to the roles that excite you.
For more information, check out our Indeed review.
The Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about becoming an engineer, we hope this article gives you an idea about the best engineering jobs available. But, before you submit your resume to your next potential employer, consider updating it through one of our suggestions for the best resume writing service. Then, log in to ZipRecruiter, and start applying!
