What Can You Do with an Engineering Degree?

Engineering is an extremely diverse field that influences most aspects of life. Everything from the buildings we live in to the cars we drive are all a result of engineering. Because of this, engineering skills are highly demanded in a variety of sectors and these professionals are well compensated for their significant contributions. 

In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best jobs for engineering majors based on your level of education. Additionally provided are some of the best community colleges, universities, and graduate programs you can attend in your pursuit to become an engineer.  

What Is an Engineering Major?

An engineering major is a student who studies the real-world application of mathematics and science. They develop, design, and maintain a range of machines and efficient systems that affect private sectors, global businesses, governments, and the daily lives of people within society.  

While engineering is an incredibly broad field, there are primarily six engineering disciplines. These are mechanical, civil, electrical, bioengineering, geotechnical, and chemical engineering. Each one comes with unique theories, descriptions, applications, and employment growth. 

How to Become an Engineer: Engineering Education Options 

Most engineering positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some entry-level engineering jobs accept associate degree holders, especially if they have experience. Some senior-level positions may require a master’s degree. Ultimately, the educational requirements depend on the employer, and will likely be influenced by your level of prior experience. 

Engineering Associate Degree 

An associate degree in engineering is the lowest college-level engineering degree. The coursework depends on what kind of engineering you pursue, but all programs take two years to complete. An associate degree in engineering can be used as a stepping stone to your bachelor’s degree, or you can use it to land an entry-level position.  

Best Associate Degree Programs in Engineering 

• Associate of Science in Engineering | CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College 
• Associate of Science in Engineering | Fullerton College
• Associate of Science in Engineering | Houston Community College
• Associate of Science in Engineering | Ivy Tech Community College
• Associate of Science in Engineering | Palomar College 

Engineering Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor’s degrees in engineering are standard for most engineering positions, and take four years to complete. If a graduate degree is required for your career path, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree first. Students in these programs gain a wide range of technical engineering skills and background knowledge that will be applicable to many engineering career options. 

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Engineering 

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering  | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Stanford University
• Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering | University of Houston
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Georgia Institute of Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | University of Florida 

Engineering Master’s Degree 

Although it isn’t required for most engineering positions, a master’s degree is an excellent option if you’re pursuing a senior-level engineering position. As most engineers can land an excellent job without this additional education, having a master’s degree helps to set you apart from other candidates. An advanced degree will also help you specialize in a specific field of engineering. 

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Engineering  

• Master of Science in Energy and Mineral Engineering
• Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | University of Wisconsin 
• Master of Science in Environmental Engineering| the University of Texas at Austin
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Master of Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | Princeton University 

Engineering Career Overview: Is an Engineering Career Worth It?

Engineering Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a seven percent growth in mechanical engineering positions between 2020 and 2030, resulting in 20,900 more jobs for engineering graduates. However, this doesn’t reflect the job growth of all engineering occupations, as the data will differ depending on the specific job. 

Engineering Salaries

According to BLS, the median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations is $83,160. However, the annual wage varies significantly based on location, company, type of engineering, industry, level of education, and experience. Payscale reports that Washington State has the highest annual salary for engineers, while North Carolina has the lowest. 

Best Jobs for Engineering Majors: What Can You Do with an Engineering Degree?

As an engineering graduate, you can work as an aerospace engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, chemical engineer, materials engineer, or nuclear engineer, just to mention a few. The more experience and education you have, the more job opportunities will become available to you. The tables below show the best jobs for engineers based on their required education levels. 

Best Jobs for Engineering Associate Degree Majors

Design Drafter 

• Average Salary: $57,960
• Job Outlook: – 2 percent 

A designer drafter often works with architects and uses technology to convert the designs of engineers into technical drawings for projects. Drafters need to know the fundamental concepts of software engineering, as they will use things like computer-aided design software (CAD). 

Engineering Associate 

• Average Salary: $48,094
• Job Outlook: 2 percent 

These are entry-level workers who assist in the analysis, development, and maintenance of engineering equipment. While the exact job description varies depending on the engineering field, all engineering associates work alongside a product engineering manager.  

Engineering Technician 

• Average Salary: $58,230
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

An engineering technician helps engineers in the development and maintenance of machinery or equipment. They are required to have the skills and techniques needed to conduct tests, gather data, and analyze systems related to their field. Engineering technicians can work in mechanical, civil, or materials engineering, among many other engineering fields.  

Industrial Technician 

• Average Salary: $45,692
• Job Outlook: 4 percent 

An industrial technician works closely with industrial engineers to maintain and repair industrial machinery. They ensure that heavy-duty equipment is in pristine shape to handle the daily manufacturing tasks that arise in an industrial environment. 

Electronic Technician 

• Average Salary: $42,236
• Job Outlook: 2 percent 

Electronic technicians diagnose, test, install, upgrade, and repair electronics. They do not build these products, they only conduct regular inspections on electrical equipment and report their findings to their supervisors. Most electronics that electronic technicians work on are consumer electronics.

Best Jobs for Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Majors

Computer Hardware Engineer 

• Average Salary: $119,560
• Job Outlook: 2 percent 

Computer hardware engineers design, develop, and test physical components of computers or computer-based machinery. They work closely with software developers to ensure a balance between the hardware and software of computer systems.

Sales Engineer  

• Average Salary: $108,830
• Job Outlook: 8 percent 

A sales engineer is an engineering and sales expert who sells technological services and products to different industries. The type of product or service depends on the field of concentration. However, they often collaborate with the research and development departments of companies to formulate the perfect product. 

Electrical Engineer

• Average Salary: $100,830
• Job Outlook: 7 percent 

Electrical engineering is the development, design, and maintenance of electronic equipment using engineering principles. These experts may also supervise electrical manufacturing processes. They work on navigation systems, electrical components of vehicles, electrical vehicles, electric generators, and any other system that has an electrical part, including aircraft. 

Civil Engineer 

• Average Salary: $88,570
• Job Outlook: 8 percent 

Civil engineers are in charge of the design and construction of naturally built and man-made physical structures. They work on the construction of roads, dams, commercial buildings, airports, and other projects with structural components. 

Mechanical Engineer

• Average Salary: $90,160
• Job Outlook: 7 percent 

Mechanical engineers designed all of the power manufacturing machinery used in the world today using direct application of engineering principles. Depending on their field of specialization, they can produce portable generators, turbines, and escalators. They also design heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigerator systems.  

Best Jobs for Engineering Master’s Degree Majors

Petroleum Engineering  

• Average Salary: $137,330
• Job Outlook: 8 percent 

A petroleum engineer is an expert who specializes in the design and development of equipment and strategies for extracting crude oil and natural gas from the earth. In addition to designing and developing equipment, they often participate in the installation process. 

Aerospace Engineer 

• Average Salary: $118,610
• Job Outlook: 8 percent 

These engineers are responsible for the design, production, and testing of spacecraft, aircraft, missiles, rockets, satellites, and other related products. They also run diagnostics when products malfunction, and find solutions based on their findings. 

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Biomedical Engineer

• Average Salary: $92,620
• Job Outlook: 6 percent 

A biomedical engineer works on the design, development, and maintenance of biomedical devices used in the healthcare industry. They combine the principles of biology with the principles of engineering and science to come up with medical devices. Biomedical engineers often work closely with software engineers to optimize efficiency in the healthcare industry. 

Environmental Engineer

• Average Salary: $92,120
• Job Outlook: 4 percent

Environmental engineers study the environment to predict potentially catastrophic phenomena. They usually have vast knowledge in chemistry, environmental science, biology, and engineering. After studying and making their predictions, these engineers present their findings to private or governmental organizations along with solutions to mitigate certain issues. 

Industrial Engineer

• Average Salary: $88,950
• Job Outlook: 14 percent 

Industrial engineers design and recommend processes for the optimization of industrial functions. They work in a variety of fields to simplify complex processes with an emphasis on preventing wastefulness in the production process without reducing efficiency.

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Engineering

1. Opt for on-the-job experience. As experience is highly valued in engineering, you might want to consider pursuing an internship or apprenticeship program to gain experience before applying for your ideal position. This is especially helpful if you don’t have at least a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field. 
2. Take advantage of job resources. There are plenty of job boards, forums, and other engineering-related online platforms for engineers seeking employment. Some great online job boards are Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. If you already know what company you want to work for, you can explore career opportunities on their website.  
3. Get a certification in your field. There are many professional certifications for people with engineering degrees. You can find out which ones are directly related to your engineering field and pursue a certification according to your level of profession. This is exceptionally helpful if you don’t have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering.  

Behind all technological advancements are engineers who use their exceptional skills and knowledge to make it all possible. Engineers operate within a massive variety of fields and industries, acting as the most significant pieces of technical and mechanical improvements.