Are you an analytical problem-solver with sharp critical thinking skills, a curiosity about what makes things work, and a passion for innovation? If the answer is yes, you might be interested in a career in engineering — a diverse, dynamic field that challenges teams and individuals to develop safer, faster, and better solutions to some of our world’s most urgent challenges.
There are numerous types of engineering, from civil and chemical engineers to industrial, electrical, and mechanical engineers. Additionally, each of these categories contains its own subfields, from transportation and aerospace to textiles and information technology.
If that sounds confusing, don’t worry: that’s why we created this handy guide, which will help you compare more than a dozen different types of engineering fields. We’ll cover key points you need to know, including salary expectations, educational requirements, https://www.bee-bubble.com/ and more. If you’ve ever thought about pursuing a career as an engineer — or, if you’re an experienced engineer who wants to advance their career even further — continue reading to learn more about some of the most popular options, along with a few of the engineering degree programs that are available at National University.
What is an Engineer?
For reasons you’ll see in just a few moments, it’s difficult to answer the question “What is an engineer?” without also asking another question: “What type of engineer do you mean?” For example, an electrical engineer will have different tasks, responsibilities, and qualifications than a civil engineer — comparisons that are described in detail below.
To make this seemingly simple question even more complex, there are numerous subcategories of engineering within each of these broader areas, creating additional nuances and layers of distinction within engineering specialties. For example, the category of “mechanical engineer” includes subcategories like “aerospace engineer,” “marine engineer,” and “automotive engineer” — all of whom have completely different duties and skills, despite all technically being classified as ‘mechanical engineers.”
So how many types of engineering are there, and what does each one do? We’ve highlighted 15 of the most popular examples below, including information about the job duties, typical salaries, and the educational requirements associated with each. Where data is available, we’ll also discuss how much certain engineering fields are expected to grow over the coming decade.
7 Different Types of Engineering Jobs
“Engineering” is such a broad term that it’s almost meaningless in today’s high-tech, highly specialized world without additional specification. For instance, the roles and duties of a structural engineer are completely different from those of a pharmaceutical engineer — both of which are completely different from environmental engineering, to provide just a few examples.
To help you make sense of the numerous career paths and which one best aligns with your interests, we’ve compiled a list comparing 15 different types of engineering jobs. We’ll look at the five main branches of engineering — civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering — then provide some examples of popular subfields and specialties within each of those branches. If you think a career in engineering might be right for you, this list is the perfect starting point.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers work on infrastructure projects, such as the design and construction of airports, bridges, water, and sewage treatment plants, roads and streets, tunnels, and other critical systems that our society needs to operate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers earned a median salary of approximately $88,050 as of 2021, with the top 10% earning “more than $133,320” annually. Additionally, the BLS expects this field to grow by 7% over the 10-year period from 2021 to 2031, which is slightly faster than the 5% national average for all occupations.
Most civil engineering jobs require, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. However, it’s important to be aware that some employers or positions may require a master’s degree and/or additional qualifications, such as a California PE license — a topic we’ll discuss more later on in this guide. For now, let’s take a closer look at some branches or subfields of civil engineering, which include environmental engineering, structural engineering, and transportation engineering.
Structural Engineering
Structural engineers are responsible for analyzing and designing construction plans, evaluating and reviewing other engineers’ calculations, and overseeing progress at construction sites. According to the employment website Indeed.com, “The average salary for a Structural Engineer is approximately $90,000 per year in [the] United States,” though that figure may be higher or lower in your area. For additional professional development resources, we recommend exploring the Structural Engineers Association of California website or researching the equivalent association in your state.
Transportation Engineering
As a transportation engineer, you’ll plan and design the construction of roads, subway systems, airports, and other transportation systems. Your roles might include calculating land needs, estimating costs, and ensuring these systems are adequately maintained.
According to Salary.com, “The average transportation engineer salary in the United States is $61,091 as of September 2022, but the range typically falls between $55,867 and $66,407.” And according to Zippia.com, the top five highest-paying states for transportation engineers are West Virginia (#5), Pennsylvania (#4), Vermont (#3), Oregon (#2), and California (#1), where the average salary is closer to $89,500.
Environmental Engineering
The role of environmental engineers is to find solutions and increase efficiency around local, state, and even global environmental issues, including but not limited to air pollution, water pollution, recycling, sustainability, and climate change. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers earn a median salary of over $96,800 annually and, like other types of civil engineers, are required to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The highest-paid industry for environmental engineers was to work for federal government organizations (excluding the U.S. Postal Service), with a median salary of over $110,000.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a subfield of engineering that deals with machinery, equipment, and mechanical sensors, such as combustion engines or steam turbines. As a mechanical engineer, you might be designing new mechanical prototypes, testing and redesigning heating systems, or investigating the causes of equipment failures and breakdowns during the course of your workday. It depends on what type of mechanical engineering career you pursue, as we’ll explore in just a few moments. Some fields that we’ll cover include aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, and marine engineering.
According to the BLS, “Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.” Additionally, all U.S. states require mechanical engineers to be licensed.
The BLS reports that mechanical engineers earn a median salary of $95,300, based on the most recent data available. The top-earning 10%, however, “earned more than $136,210,” with the highest median salaries found in the scientific research and development services industry.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers are responsible for tasks and duties like developing and testing various aerospace equipment and products; establishing design criteria and quality standards; ensuring that projects are completed safely and on time; evaluating project proposals; and complying with regulations, such as environmental protection regulations. Like other types of mechanical engineers, aerospace engineers need to possess a bachelor’s degree in a pertinent field, though some employers may require more advanced degrees, particularly for senior roles.
Data from the BLS indicates that aerospace engineers earn a median salary of more than $122,200 annually, with the top 10% earning over $168,300. The BLS also reports that the top-paying industry for aerospace engineers is “research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences,” with median annual earnings of over $128,000.
Marine Engineering
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marine engineers — who are also referred to as marine mechanical engineers or marine design engineers, depending on the employer — are responsible for “design[ing], build[ing], and maintain[ing] ships, from aircraft carriers to submarines and from sailboats to tankers.” The BLS reports that the median salary for marine engineers is over $93,300 annually, with most positions in this field requiring a bachelor’s degree at minimum.