Engineering Career Path Planning: Jobs, Salaries, Skills

Key takeaways

Engineering involves using technical skills to develop and build things to solve problems and inspire growth.

• Engineers are in demand across industries, with common career paths in civil engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, and computer engineering.

• Software development engineers design computer programs and applications, while petroleum engineers enhance the efficiency of the oil and gas industry.

• You can choose other career paths in engineering, including those in biomedical, aeronautical, nuclear, industrial, and chemical engineering.

Discover more about the engineering career path, the qualifications you need for different roles, and how to determine if this is the right option for you. If you’re ready to develop skills for your engineering career, consider enrolling in the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about application deployment and development, cloud computing architecture, and continuous integration in as little as six months. By the end, you’ll have earned a shareable credential for your resume and LinkedIn profile.

What is engineering?

Engineering is the use of technical skills to design and build things to solve problems. Problem-solving can take many forms, from maintaining roads to creating a new type of plastic. Engineering varies greatly depending on the area, which makes finding jobs tailored to your specific interests much easier than in many other industries. 

Engineers not only see existing problems but also look toward the future and identify areas of growth and development. If you’ve ever gotten a new phone or computer, you are experiencing the work of an engineer looking to push the technology field. Often, engineers look for creative ways to improve our existing ways of life and help society continue to grow.

13 engineering career paths to consider

Should you decide to pursue engineering, you have the exciting opportunity to pick an area you are passionate about. Engineers work in a range of industries, allowing you to combine your technical skills with another area that you find interesting. When choosing an engineering career path, it is essential to understand how they differ in qualifications, skills, certifications, and salaries. 

Knowing what to expect regarding job responsibilities and projected growth can ensure your expectations align with the realities of the job. Engineers are highly skilled and often require advanced training to do the job. If you put in years of training, you will want to ensure you choose the right path.

1. Civil engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $99,590 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 5 percent [1]

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure. For example, a civil engineer might oversee the design of a new pipeline or building.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in civil engineering or one of its specialties. In some states, you may need a Professional Engineer license to work with the public.

Skills to develop: Technical civil engineering skills (Civil 3D, AutoCAD), communication skills, organization skills, decision-making, and problem-solving

Recommended certification: Professional Engineer license, certifications in topics such as civil engineering technology or coastal engineering

2. Electrical and electronics engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $118,780 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 7 percent [2]

Electrical and electronics engineers design and develop electronics and electrical equipment. This includes anything that has a plug or a motor and can range from creating light shows at music festivals to troubleshooting why the light in a building has stopped turning on. Electrical engineers often have advanced knowledge of circuits and can apply this knowledge in many different settings.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in electrical engineering or similar field.

Skills to develop: Technical electrical engineering skills (circuit design, MATLAB, Autodesk AutoCAD), critical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving 

Recommended certification: Professional engineering license

Read more: What Do Electrical Engineers Do?

3. Computer engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $155,020 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 7 percent [3]

Computer engineers work on computer systems, often in laboratory settings, to test and design new models for computers and their components.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in computer engineering or similar field

Skills to develop: Technical computer engineering skills (microprocessor design, operating systems, AutoCAD), communication skills, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree

4. Software development engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $131,450 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent [4]

Software development engineers design computer programs and applications like phone apps, video games, social networking, and more. Software engineers make it possible for you to use your phone and computer in a convenient and accessible way. 

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field

Skills to develop: Technical software development engineering skills (programming, computer systems design), communication skills, troubleshooting skills, analytical skills, decision-making skills, and interpersonal skills

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree, Professional Software Developer Certification, Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional 

5. Health and safety engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $109,660 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent [5]

Health and safety engineers design systems that protect people from injury, illness, or other hardships. They often communicate safety procedures and plans with other workers, so communication skills are essential in this position.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or environmental health and safety

Skills to develop: Technical health and safety skills (ergonomics, industrial hygiene), problem-solving skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and observational skills

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, passing score on the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification, the Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) certification, and the new Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certification

6. Petroleum engineer

Median annual salary (BLS): $141,280 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 1 percent [6]

Petroleum engineers work to develop new technologies to improve the efficiency of the oil and gas industries. 

Required qualification: Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or related engineering field

Skills to develop: Technical petroleum engineering skills (operating machinery, designing equipment), teamwork skills, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree

7. Biomedical engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $106,950 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 5 percent [7]

Biomedical engineers often work on engineering problems related to the medical field. This could include maintaining and fixing surgical equipment, designing joint implants, and improving existing medical technologies.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or similar field

Skills to develop: Technical biomedical engineering skills (biochemistry, AutoCAD, fluid mechanics), analytical skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and clinical knowledge

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree

8. Aeronautical engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $134,830 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 6 percent [8]

Aeronautical engineering has to do with the engineering design of technologies in the air. This includes things like satellites, spacecraft, airplanes, and missiles.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in aerospace engineering or similar field 

Skills to develop: Technical aeronautical engineering skills (physics, computer operating systems, AutoCAD), problem-solving skills, creativity, analytic thinking, and attention to detail

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree

9. Nuclear engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $127,520 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): About 800 job openings per year [9]

Nuclear engineers develop and test technologists who use nuclear energy and radiation. This includes finding uses for radioactive materials or designing nuclear equipment.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in nuclear engineering

Skills to develop: Technical nuclear engineering skills (thermodynamics, radiation, nuclear safety), analytical skills, communication skills, and organizational skills

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree, nuclear power generation graduate certificate

10. Industrial engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $101,140 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 11 percent [10]

Industrial engineers focus on improving efficiency, comfort, and workflow. For example, industrial engineers might work to design an office chair that is more suitable for long work hours, or they might develop a new system to streamline tedious work tasks. Industrial engineers often communicate with corporate workers, which is especially important in this position.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in industrial engineering or related field

Skills to develop: Technical industrial engineering skills (ergonomics), project management, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and problem-solving skills

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree, Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

11. Chemical engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $121,860 [11]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 3 percent [11]

Chemical engineers typically work with chemical manufacturing processes, including design and operations in the fuel, food, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in chemical engineering or related discipline

Skills to develop: Technical chemical engineering skills (stoichiometry, fluid dynamics), decision-making skills, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree, Professional Engineer license, Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SAChE) certification

12. Environmental engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $104,170 [12]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent [12]

Environmental engineers use technical skills to design and implement solutions to environmental problems. These could include building dams, designing systems for recycling, or creating technology to improve the sustainability of material companies without damaging the planet.

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in environmental engineering or related field

Skills to develop: Technical environmental engineering skills (pollution control, waste disposal, organic compound analyzers), communication skills, teamwork skills, creativity, and problem-solving skills

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree, Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer (CESCO), OSHA Safety and Health Fundamentals Certificate

13. Marine engineering

Median annual salary (BLS): $105,670 [13]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 6 percent [13]

Marine engineers design and oversee the development of equipment used on and below water, such as underwater oil rigs, submarines, and underwater piping systems, and test new ship designs. 

Required qualification: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in marine engineering or naval architecture or a related discipline

Skills to develop: Technical marine engineering skills (AutoCAD, telecommunication), teamwork skills, communication skills, creativity, critical thinking skills, and coordination

Recommended certification: ABET-accredited engineering degree, a passing score on the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam

Will engineers get replaced by AI?

No, artificial intelligence (AI) will not replace engineers, but it may change how they work. Instead, AI can help automate engineers’ routine tasks, allowing them to focus on problem-solving and innovation. AI may even create new job opportunities, such as AI engineer roles.

Career ladder for engineers 

Engineering is a highly sought-after career due to its great benefits and engaging work. While starting salaries for engineers are much higher than the national average, you'll find plenty of room for advancement within engineering roles. If you find yourself ready to take on new tasks after a few years in an entry-level position, you can progress to higher-earning positions with expanded job responsibilities in many ways. As you gain experience in the field, you can expand your knowledge (and salary) to take on more complex roles and offer guidance to newer engineers. 

While the engineering salary you earn will be conditional on the type of engineering, the median total annual earnings across all engineering disciplines, according to Glassdoor, are as follows. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

• Junior engineer: $104,000 [14]

• Senior engineer: $184,000 [15]

• Principal engineer: $242,000 [16]

Explore free engineering resources

Stay up-to-date on industry trends by subscribing to Career Chat on LinkedIn. You can also check out the following free resources as you consider an engineering career:

• Explore an insider story: Meet the Engineer Strengthening His Leadership Skills 

• Read our Career Chat issue: 5 Popular Software Engineering Certifications 

• Watch on YouTube: Computer Science or Software Engineering? 

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