Leaning towards engineering as a potential career path? Great choice! Engineers change the world with their big ideas, and they often get paid extremely well for it, too. In fact, some of the highest-paid bachelor’s degree jobs are found in engineering, with many disciplines having salaries that exceed $100K per year on average.
Of course, money isn’t everything, which is why it’s also important to pick a branch of engineering that plays to your personality and strengths. To help you launch an exciting career, we’ve rounded up the best engineering jobs that have fantastic job prospects and high average starting salaries.
Not sure if engineering is the right career path for you? Take our Career Interest Assessment to find out.
1. Chemical Engineer
Median Salary: $112,100 per year
Job Outlook, 2023-33: 10% growth (much faster than average) with 2,100 new openings
Chemical engineers use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to manipulate chemicals and make better products. You’ll find them working in a wide variety of industries, from manufacturing and petrochemicals to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Although they typically spend most of their time in the office, chemical engineers will occasionally visit industrial plants and refineries. As a chemical engineering major, you’ll learn all about mass and energy transfer, economies of scale, plant design, and the dynamics of fluids.
2. Electrical Engineer
Median Salary: $109,010 per year
Job Outlook, 2023-33: 9% growth (much faster than average) with 26,200 new openings
Want to feel like a wizard every day? Become an electrical engineer. Seriously though, designing and developing electrical systems is probably the closest thing anyone will ever get to real-life magic. From smartphones and computers to aircraft navigation systems and traffic lights, electrical engineers use electrical power to develop a diverse range of electronics and electrical systems. To succeed in this field, you’ll need to have a strong grasp on math and physics.
3. Industrial Engineer
Median Salary: $99,380 per year
Job Outlook, 2023-33: 12% growth (much faster than average) with 40,900 new openings
In a nutshell, industrial engineers use math and engineering principles to develop and optimize efficiency at factories and plants. This engineering discipline is often described as the “business” side of engineering because it focuses heavily on finding ways to waste less money and materials without compromising safety. One of the perks of being an IE is that you can work in a diverse range of industries, from transportation and mining to agriculture and food production. From your smartphone to your coffee cup, every product has a lifecycle that can potentially be improved by an industrial engineer.
4. Biomedical Engineer
Median Salary: $100,730 per year
Job Outlook, 2023-33: 7% growth (faster than average) with 1,500 new openings
Want to work in the field of medicine without going to medical school? Consider a career in biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineers spend their days researching and developing medical equipment, devices, and software programs that improve treatments for patients. For instance, you might develop artificial limbs or grow heart tissue in a lab. Some biomedical students choose to specialize in bioelectrics, which is a field that focuses on the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and plasma ions with cells. There are a lot of cool career options you could explore with this major.
5. Civil Engineer
Median Salary: $95,350 per year
Job Outlook, 2023-33: 8% growth (faster than average) with 24,700 new openings
Want to build the future – literally? Civil engineers are the masterminds behind our modern world’s infrastructure, from soaring skyscrapers and innovative bridges to essential water supply systems and sustainable transportation networks. These professionals split their time between offices and construction sites, where they oversee projects and ensure everything meets specifications. Civil engineering is particularly appealing if you enjoy seeing your work make a tangible impact on communities. With growing concerns about aging infrastructure and sustainable development, civil engineers are increasingly in demand to develop eco-friendly solutions for urban challenges. Plus, with several specialization options like structural, transportation, or water resources engineering, you can focus on the aspects of infrastructure that interest you most.
6. Computer Hardware Engineer
Median Salary: $138,080 per year
Job Outlook, 2023-33: 7% growth (faster than average) with 6,100 new openings
Want to be at the cutting edge of computer technology? Computer hardware engineering puts you right at the intersection of electrical engineering and computing. These engineers are the minds behind the physical components that make our digital world possible. Working primarily in research laboratories and manufacturing settings, they design and test everything from processors to circuit boards. While software may get most of the headlines, it’s hardware engineers who create the foundation that makes it all possible. If you’re fascinated by how computers physically work and want to help shape the future of technology, this field offers both intellectual challenges and excellent compensation.
7. Environmental Engineer
Median Salary: $100,090 per year
Job Outlook, 2023-33: 7% (faster than average) with 2,900 new openings
Looking to combine engineering skills with environmental stewardship? Environmental engineering might be your calling. These professionals are at the forefront of solving some of our planet’s most pressing challenges, from water quality issues to air pollution. Environmental engineers spend their time between office work and field sites, using their expertise to develop solutions for environmental and public health concerns. Many find this career particularly rewarding because it offers both competitive compensation and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in planetary health. Whether you’re interested in renewable energy systems or sustainable urban development, this field offers diverse opportunities to create positive environmental change.
A Career with Huge Rewards
A career in engineering can provide a good wage, high job satisfaction, and the chance to make a real impact on the world. If you’re still undecided on an engineering discipline, look for internships that will help you explore your passions. Once you narrow down your options, it’ll be easier to find the right specialization for your engineering career.
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*Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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