Engineer: Career Information

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

Engineers held 1.5 million jobs in 2006. The highest number of these jobs were in civil engineering (256,000), mechanical engineering (227,000), industrial engineering (201,000), electrical engineering (153,000) and electronic engineering, not including computer engineering (138,000).

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.

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.

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.

In general, engineering employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016, although outlook will vary by branch.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that biomedical, industrial and civil engineering will experience faster than average growth. Environmental engineering should grow much faster than average.

Agricultural, aerospace, chemical, health and safety (except mining safety), marine, mining and geological and nuclear engineers should see as fast as average growth.

Other branches will see either slower than average growth or a decline.

Average starting salary offers vary by branch of engineering and by degree. For example, in 2006, the highest starting salary offers were in the following specialties: aerospace, agricultural, architectural, bioengineering and biomedical. The amount of the offer increased based on degree level attained.

Median annual earnings for several branches of engineering (U.S., 2006)

• Electrical: $75,930
• Civil: $68,600
• Mechanical: $69,850
• Computer Hardware: $88,470
• Environmental: $69,940
• Nuclear: $90,220
• Biomedical: $73,930

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

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;

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Engineers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm (visited July 30, 2008).

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