The world we know wouldn’t exist if not for engineers. These technical professionals design the technologies that we use every day. From the roadways that guide people to work to the tools they use when they get there and the programs they use in their leisure time, almost every modern innovation is the result of an engineer’s work.
If you’ve studied to join these ranks, you probably have an inquisitive mind, an eye for details, and a knack for figuring out how things work. This will give you near unlimited job opportunities for your future. However, great possibility can lead to great indecision. Even if you’ve already found the field in which you hope to specialize, you’ll still need to get a job that will allow you to follow your passions.
This list may be able to help you. It outlines a few broad careers in engineering you can follow and describes some of the characteristics you can expect from these fields. Read on to learn what the future may hold for your profession.
1. Aerospace Engineers
Are you interested in slipping the surly bonds of earth and launching your career into the stratosphere? If so, a career as an aerospace engineer might be right for you. These professionals work on everything from spacecraft to military-grade helicopters and more. Their work is often interdisciplinary, incorporating elements of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering.
Aerospace engineers need a bachelor’s degree to practice within their field, as well as a license from a reputable industry body. On average, they can expect to make about $110,570 per year, which makes these careers in engineering especially lucrative.
2. Medical Engineers
Medical technology literally saves lives. These devices can also reduce the impact of chronic conditions on patients’ lives. Biomedical engineers are responsible for researching and designing these instruments, so if you want to help people in a very direct way, this might be the best application for your skills.
Unlike other engineers, biomedical professionals often need a master’s degree or doctorate to advance in their careers. This is largely due to the substantial amount of research the role requires. The field offers many opportunities to specialize, and engineers can expect to earn a median salary of over $85,000 per year.
3. Software Engineers
It takes a diverse set of professionals to design computer programs, which is why software engineers are in high demand. These professionals specialize in specific programming languages that allow them to create and test particular aspects of a given product. As a result, careers in software engineering can lead to a variety of opportunities.
Most positions only require a bachelor’s degree, and developers can expect to earn a median salary of about $100,000 per year for their work. Continuing education is highly valuable, as professionals will need to learn new languages and methods to stay relevant.
4. Nuclear Engineers
Nuclear energy accounts for over 10 percent of the world’s total electricity production. As a result, power plants need engineers to design and maintain systems that will keep these systems running smoothly. Nuclear professionals can also apply their knowledge in other fields such as medicine.
Most engineers will need at least a master’s degree to advance into new roles. While job prospects will decline slightly until 2024, nuclear professionals can expect to take home about $102,000 a year.
5. Environmental Engineers
As news about climate change has become more prevalent, companies have started hiring environmental engineers to make their products more sustainable. These professionals learn how to mitigate environmental hazards and solve current issues within both the public and private spheres.
Like many careers in engineering, environmental sciences only requires a bachelor’s degree. On average, professionals in the field can expect to earn about $88,000 per year.
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