Engineer: Career Information


Job Description of Engineers: Engineers research and develop solutions to technical problems by applying the theories and principles of science and mathematics. The branches of engineering include:
  • Aerospace
  • Agricultural
  • Biomedical
  • Chemical
  • Civil
  • Computer Hardware
  • Electrical and Electronics
  • Environmental
  • Industrial
  • Materials
  • Mechanical
  • Mining and Geological
  • Nuclear
  • Petroleum
Employment Facts for Engineers: Engineers held 1.4 million jobs in 2004 *. The highest number of these jobs were in civil engineering (16.4 %), mechanical engineering (15.6 %), industrial engineering (12.2 %), and electrical engineering (10.8 %).

Educational Requirements for Engineers: To get an entry-level engineering job, one usually needs a bachelor's degree in engineering. Sometimes a bachelor's degree in physical science or mathematics may suffice, especially in high-demand specialties. Generally engineering students specialize in a particular branch of engineering but may eventually work in a related branch.

Other Requirements for Engineers: Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed. These licensed engineers are called Professional Engineers (PE). To become licensed one must have a degree from a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), four years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a state examination. Requirements vary by state.
How Do Engineers Advance?: As entry level engineers gain experience and knowledge, they may work more independently, making decisions, developing designs, and solving problems. With further experience, engineers may become technical specialists or supervisors over a staff or team of engineers or technicians. Eventually, they may become engineering managers, or may move into other managerial or sales jobs.
Job Outlook for Engineers: In general, engineering employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014, although outlook will vary by branch.

Engineering branches predicted to have faster than average growth through 2014:

  • Biomedical
  • Environmental

Branches of engineering predicted to have as fast as average growth through 2014:

  • Agricultural
  • Chemical
  • Civil Engineers
  • Computer Hardware
  • Electrical
  • Electronics
  • Health and Safety
  • Industrial
  • Materials
  • Mechanical

Other branches will see either slower than average growth or a decline in the number opportunities.

How Much Do Engineers Earn?:

Average starting salary offers vary by branch of engineering and by degree. For example, in 2004, the highest starting salary offers were in aerospace, agricultural, and in bioengineering and biomedical engineering. The amount of the offer increased based on degree level attained.

Median annual earnings for several branches of engineering (U.S., 2004*)

  • Electrical: $41,610
  • Civil: $64,230
  • Mechanical: $66,320
  • Computer Hardware: $81,150
  • Environmental: $66,480
  • Nuclear: $84,880
  • Biomedical: $67,690

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much engineers currently earn in your city.

What Do Engineers Do?:

Engineers who work in design and development:

  • design, plan, and supervise the construction of buildings, highways, and transit systems;
  • develop and implement improved ways to extract, process, and use raw materials;
  • develop new materials that both improve the performance of products and take advantage of advances in technology;
  • analyze the impact of the products they develop or the systems they design on the environment and on people using them;

Engineers who work in testing, production, or maintenance:

  • supervise production in factories;
  • determine the causes of breakdowns;
  • test manufactured products to maintain quality;
  • estimate the time and cost to complete projects;

*This is the most recent year for which this information is available.

Information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Engineers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm (visited February 19, 2008).

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