Introducing Different Types of Engineering Jobs

When someone introduces themselves and says that they are an engineer, the first logical question you might have is: what type? There are many different types of engineering jobs that will allow you to advance your career and make a difference in potentially millions of people’s lives. There’s nothing better than knowing that your knowledge is supporting communities, industries, or governments. Learn more about your engineering career options and take your pick now based on your personal mission and interest.

1. Petroleum engineering

With the constant race for non-renewable resources, such as oil and gas, a petroleum engineer will find ways to dig the earth’s surface for gas and oil. However, in recent times, under-sea oil wells, as well as fracking, have been developed, and engineers are responsible to create the most effective and safest methods of retrieving this important energy source. A petroleum engineer will work in the gas and oil industries; either retrieval or production. There is a chance for being placed off-shore, and certain safety guidelines need to be followed. In return, engineers are rewarded with a high average salary of around $115,000 per year, but they do work long hours. This is one of the highest paying engineering jobs.

2. Electrical engineering

This is one of the roles that is never going to disappear. People in this job are responsible for efficient energy production and distribution, and some of them will need to complete lighting projects, wiring, and safety installations. Electrical engineers can work in construction, maintenance, or product design. There are, of course, more interesting roles in electrical engineering, too, such as remote operation, energy monitoring, and factory infrastructure development. People in this role can earn $84,540 on average, depending on their specialist area, experience, and education level.

3. Computer engineering

This is a relatively new industry, but it has a lot of opportunities. You can develop computers that are fulfilling specialist needs, but you might be just working on fixing wiring or upgrading systems. The two main types of engineering jobs in this field are software and hardware engineering. If you are a person who likes working with machines, you can become a hardware computer engineer. However, the opportunities in software (and application) engineering are greater in number. To get a job in this field, you will need a degree in computer engineering and you can earn an average salary of around $99,000 per year.

4. Chemical engineering

Most chemical engineers work for large companies, in the research and development department. There are different aspects of engineering jobs in the field such as energy storage, computing, or nanotechnology. You might need to have a degree in chemical engineering and can earn over $90,000 per year. The demand for people in this job is constantly rising, so this is a good area to enter as a fresh graduate.

5. Mechanical engineering

This is one of the traditional types of engineering jobs. You can earn around $87,500 per year on the average, and a lot of design work is involved in your role. You can be involved in product design, development, production machinery, or maintenance and repair. One of the most interesting parts of this role is investigating why faults occur and designing solutions for preventing breakdown and damage of mechanical equipment. Find out more about mechanical engineer careers.

6. Civil engineering

In case you have always been focused on improving infrastructures and communities, civil engineering roles might be just for you. People in these types of engineering jobs usually work on supply, wastewater management, electricity supply, construction, or road projects that impact people’s lives. As a graduate of a Civil Engineering Bachelor’s degree program, you can earn around $86,640 per year.

7. Industrial engineering

Normally, to embark on this career path, you will need at least a Bachelor’s degree. As one of the fastest-growing types of engineering jobs, the demand for workforce is expected to rise by 8 percent by 2028. Most of the engineers in this field are required to design systems that will reduce waste and increase productivity within the manufacturing organization. This career can get you a salary of around $85,000 per year.

8. Environmental engineering

As a growing industry, environmental engineering is a field that has a lot to do with biology. You will be working with either soil, natural resources, or public health. If you have always been interested in green technologies, you can select an area like developing solutions to environmental problems, such as waste disposal, recycling, or pollution control. The median salary for these types of engineering jobs is $87,620.

9. Biomedical engineering

A biomedical engineer will need to have a degree in medical sciences and natural sciences or engineering. Their role is to develop medical equipment that improves patient outcomes and impact people’s lives. You can expect a salary of around $88,000, and design systems that have quality and safety assurances built-in to protect the customers of the medical or drug company.

10. Agricultural engineering

Food production is one of the most important aspects of the economy, and companies are constantly seeking new ways of improving food safety, pest control, and genetic modifications. As an agricultural engineer, you will either be working on researching plants or technologies. You can earn $77,000 per year and need a Bachelor’s degree to get a job in this field.

11. Marine engineering

In case you have always been fascinated by what lies below the surface of the water, you can become a marine engineer. The potential career paths include designing vessels, improving the safety of oil platforms, or maintaining and designing electrical systems. You can earn $84,850 per year on average and can become a supervisor after a couple of years of experience. A Bachelor’s Degree is needed to pursue a career in this field of engineering.

12. Aerospace engineering

Are you a Star Wars fan? If yes, as an aerospace engineer, you can design space vessels and aircraft. You will need a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering and have a mind that is able to comprehend really complex systems. In the next seven years, the demand for people with this qualification is likely to rise by five percent, and your salary will depend on your specialty and your experience. On average, you can take home about $97,480 a year.

13. Software engineering

This is a field of computer engineering, but a more complex one than the hardware side of it. You might be working with artificial intelligence and automation to improve applications and software that make organizations’ work more effective. You will need a BA and you could be involved in the design, programming, testing, or application maintenance side of this field. Applicants should also have a strong mathematical background. A major in applied science, software engineering, or information technology could improve your career chances. You can earn about $42.26 per hour on average.

14. Nuclear engineering

With a median salary of $107,600, this is one of the most popular types of engineering jobs fresh graduates pursue. You will need a Bachelor’s Degree and you will work with nuclear energy and radiation management. You can also work in the area of using radiation for medical purposes and treatments.

15. Health and safety engineering

Public health is a growing field, and many engineers enter the workforce to improve the safety and health of the public. You might be a graduate of health and social sciences, as well as engineering. You can expect to earn around $84,850 per year, and progress your career by taking on research projects, leading a team of engineers developing safer health outcomes for communities.

16. Biomechanical engineering

You will need a physics-related degree with a medical major, and can work on different mechanical solutions that improve the lives of people living with long-term conditions or disabilities. You might be working on designing prosthesis or medical equipment innovation, and can earn around $88,000. After a few years’ experience, you can advance your career and lead a research team on your own.

17. Automotive engineering

With innovation driving the automotive industry, you are likely to work on projects that improve the performance and efficiency, as well as the safety of vehicles used by customers and businesses. You need at least a college-level physics or applied science degree, and can earn $117,600 annually. Which types of engineering jobs made your heart sing? Choose a career that helps you find your purpose.