Discover the Top Engineering Jobs
Engineers have exciting career opportunities.
As the third STEM subject, engineering combines math, science and design to solve practical problems. Undergraduate engineering programs and graduate engineering schools prepare students for an array of tasks, which may include designing and maintaining machines, creating electronic devices, constructing roads and bridges, reducing pollution levels or extracting natural resources. Read on to learn more about the best engineering jobs. Data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Cartographer
Median salary: $63,990
Unemployment rate: 0.7 percent
Projected growth by 2026: 19 percent
As modern mapmakers, cartographers collect and analyze geographic data, then use it to develop and update maps. They frequently work on digital tools that help us navigate the world. Cartographers need bachelor's degrees.
Learn more about cartographers.
Civil Engineer
Median salary: $84,700
Unemployment rate: 1.8 percent
Projected growth by 2026: 11 percent
Major infrastructure projects spring from the imaginations and calculations of civil engineers. They're involved in every step required to create roads, buildings, tunnels, bridges, dams, sewage systems and airports. Civil engineers need bachelor's degrees to start and may eventually have to earn master's degrees and obtain licenses.
Learn more about civil engineers.
Mechanical Engineer
Median salary: $85,880
Unemployment rate: 1.6 percent
Projected growth by 2026: 9 percent
If it moves or uses power, you can thank a mechanical engineer. These professionals design and build products such as generators, engines, elevators, conveyor belts, turbines, air conditioning systems and refrigerators. Mechanical engineers need bachelor's degrees and, if they practice publicly, licenses.
Learn more about mechanical engineers.
Environmental Engineer
Median salary: $86,800
Unemployment rate: 1.6 percent
Projected growth by 2026: 8 percent
Natural sciences like biology and chemistry are essential to the work environmental engineers do. They study waste, recycling and water treatment systems to improve their function and to minimize pollution problems. Environmental engineers need bachelor's degrees.
Learn more about environmental engineers.
Environmental Engineering Technician
Median salary: $50,230
Unemployment rate: 1.6 percent
Projected growth by 2026: 13 percent
These professionals carry out the plans devised by environmental engineers. Their responsibilities may include setting up and operating equipment, keeping records, collecting and analyzing samples, disposing of dangerous materials and working in laboratories. Environmental engineering technicians need associate degrees.
Learn more about environmental engineering technicians.
Biomedical Engineer
Median salary: $88,040
Unemployment rate: 2 percent
Projected growth by 2026: 7 percent
Health care benefits from the work of biomedical engineers. They design tools and software that diagnose disease, replace body parts, test drugs and allow for rehabilitation. Biomedical engineers need bachelor's degrees.
Learn more about biomedical engineers.
Architect
Median salary: $78,470
Unemployment rate: 1.3 percent
Projected growth by 2026: 4 percent
After meeting with clients, architects design structures such as houses, office buildings and museums. They must balance their artistic visions with budget limits and construction feasibility. Architects need to earn bachelor's degrees, complete a three-year internship and pass the Architect Registration Examination.
Learn more about architects.
Petroleum Engineer
Median salary: $132,280
Unemployment rate: 11.8 percent
Projected growth by 2026: 15 percent
Petroleum engineers devise techniques for mining and capturing oil and gas from below ground or under the sea. They may specialize in building wells, drilling, monitoring production or recovering as much oil and gas as possible. Petroleum engineers need bachelor's degrees.
Learn more about petroleum engineers.
Engineering jobs for enterprising workers
The best engineering jobs are:
-- Cartographer.
-- Civil engineer.
-- Mechanical engineer.
-- Environmental engineer.
-- Environmental engineering technician.
-- Biomedical engineer.
-- Architect.
-- Petroleum engineer.
