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Engineering Careers

engineer looks at work

What do Engineers do? 

Engineers play a crucial role in shaping our modern world. From designing innovative technologies to solving complex problems, engineers are the pioneers of innovation and development. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining a wide range of systems and structures and work across a wide variety of industries. Some of the most common engineering industries are aerospace, civil, electrical, mechanical, and technical.

Educational Requirements

To become an engineer, a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is required. Depending on the specific engineering discipline you are interested in, the specific educational requirements may vary. In addition to formal education, engineers often pursue professional certifications and licenses to enhance their credibility and advance in their career.

Engineering programs are typically structured as a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on projects. A solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and core engineering principles will be the core of your coursework. As you progress, you can specialize in a chosen field through advanced coursework and practical experience.

How Much Do Engineers Make?

Engineering offers excellent earning potential because of the high demand for skilled professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for engineers in 2020 ranged from $59,420 for operating engineers to $166,970 for electrical engineers.

Best Fitting Personality Types For Engineering

Pursuing a career in engineering requires a solid educational foundation, a passion for problem-solving, and a drive for continuous learning. With excellent earning potential and a wide range of opportunities, engineering offers a rewarding and meaningful career path. While engineering attracts individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, certain personality traits are better suited for success. These include:

  • Analytical mindset: Engineers must possess strong problem-solving skills and be able to analyze complex systems and data.
  • Curiosity and creativity: A natural curiosity and a creative mindset are essential for engineers to develop innovative solutions and think outside the box.
  • Attention to detail: Engineers must pay meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision in their work.
  • Teamwork and communication: Collaboration is crucial in engineering projects, so effective communication and teamwork skills are vital.
  • Perseverance and adaptability: Engineers are faced with challenges and setbacks, so resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles and finding solutions.

Should You Be An Engineer? 

Since engineering typically requires more extensive education, it is important to decide if you are ready to commit to the necessary level of dedication for success as an engineer. Pursuing a career that aligns with your natural interests and abilities will lead to the most fulfilling career now and in the future. Consider taking a work personality assessment to find out if your work personality aligns with engineering. 

Careers In Engineering

Traditional Engineers

  • Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
    Combining engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $108,060 - $159,130
       
  • Aerospace Engineers
    Design and development of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $127,090 - $176,280
       
  • Agricultural Engineers
    Solutions for agricultural production and processing.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $90,710 - $146,350
       
  • Chemical Engineers 
    Chemical production and manufacturing processes.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $117,820 - $171,400
       
  • Civil Engineers
    Design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure or public works.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $97,380 - $138,690 
       
  • Electrical Engineers
    Electrical equipment, systems, and applications.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $114,050 - $166,970
       
  • Mechanical Engineers 
    Design and manufacturing of mechanical systems and devices.
    • Bachelors Degree  
    • $100,820 - $151,260

Specialized Engineers

  • Environmental Engineers 
    Solutions to environmental problems, including water and air pollution control.
    • Bachelors Degree  
    • $101,670 - $150,840 
       
  • Mining and Geological Engineers 
    Extraction and processing of minerals from the Earth.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $101,290 - $158,540
       
  • Nuclear Engineers 
    Development and use of nuclear energy and radiation.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $129,540 - $169,580
       
  • Petroleum Engineers 
    Extraction of oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $142,800 - $220,040 
       
  • Materials Engineers
    Development, processing, and testing of materials used to create a range of products. 
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $105,420 - $162,300

Engineering and Technology Integration

Emerging and Interdisciplinary Fields

  • Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar 
    Focus on energy efficiency and developing traditional energy sources.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $111,280 - $168,320 
       
  • Mechatronics Engineers  
    Integration of mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering.
    • Bachelors Degree  
    • $111,490 - $168,320 
       
  • Microsystems Engineers 
    Development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
    • Bachelors Degree 
    • $111,490 - $168,320
       
  • Photonics Engineers 
    Use of light (photonics) in a variety of applications.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $111,280 - $168,320
       
  • Wind Energy Engineers 
    Design and optimization of wind turbines and wind farms.
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $111,280 - $168,320
       
  • Solar Energy Systems Engineers 
    Design and development of solar energy systems. 
    • Bachelors Degree
    • $111,280 - $168,320 

Technologists and Technicians

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