A degree in engineering is the first step toward a challenging, high-paying career. However, students are often in a state of a dilemma when it comes to choosing the engineering major that attracts high pay packages.
Making a career in Engineering is not as easy as it sounds. Engineering students really need to work hard to complete their courses and after that, they will find definitely jobs that will match their qualifications.
Turn your passion into action with an engineering degree and do an excellent job which provides you high pay. Through our list of the “Top Engineering Jobs for Students”, you will find the best option for your bright future.
Students who major in engineering usually enter into careers that not only have a huge impact on society but are also extremely profitable. So go ahead, view our complete guidance and choose the best one. Good luck!!
Table of Contents
Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum Engineers are responsible for finding the most efficient and profitable means of extracting oil and gas from rock formations far below the earth. They design and develop ways to use water, chemicals, gas, and steam to force oil out of reserves, perform research, develop drill plans, and ensure proper maintenance and function of oil and gas extraction equipment. There are a number of degrees available for those interested in pursuing petroleum engineering including training online. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the petroleum engineering profession is growing rapidly.
- Requirement: Petroleum Engineers must complete bachelor or master’s degree programs in petroleum engineering and also gain work experience before entering the field.
- Salary Approximately: Earnings for Petroleum Engineers range from $114,080 to $166,400 yearly.
Computer / Software Engineers
Software Engineers blend computer science, mathematics, and engineering to design, develop, test, and maintain software or computer systems. They focus on user needs and write computer programs.
- Requirement: Software Engineers generally must complete a minimum of a bachelor degree based in computer science, software, mathematics, or engineering as well as experience working with computer systems and applications.
- Salary Approximately: Software Engineers who qualify for employment often have annual earnings of $87,900 to $94,520 yearly.
Aerospace Engineers
A new graduate with a degree in aerospace engineering can expect a starting salary in the range of $65,450. Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, satellites, spacecraft, missiles, and other air or spacecraft products for the military, commercial, or private use. They research and determine the safety of proposed aircraft projects and parts.
- Requirement: Aerospace Engineers may begin their careers within entry level positions upon earning a bachelor degree, though many employers prefer candidates with the combination of a degree and work experience.
- Salary Approximately: Salaries for Aerospace Engineers range from $97,480 to $143,360 yearly.
Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers are typically employed in the areas of manufacturing and research. Chemical Engineers research, design, and troubleshoot the equipment and production processes for large-scale manufacturing. They apply the engineering principles of physics, chemistry, and biology to develop, identify, and evaluate the safest and most efficient means of producing food, drugs, chemicals, fuel, and other materials. Job growth, however, in closely-related fields, such as biomedical engineering, is expected to be much faster than average job growth according to the US Department of Labor.
- Requirement: Chemical Engineers must complete studies within a bachelor level chemical or biomolecular engineering program and gain work experience
- Salary Approximately: $90,300 to $139,670 yearly
Electrical Engineers
Many electrical engineering jobs are tied to designing, testing and supervising the manufacturing of electrical equipment, but some electrical engineering careers consist of designing electronics schematics for commercial and consumer use. Electrical Engineers work with a large number of products and systems from lighting and wiring within structures to cars, robots, generators, and navigation systems to ensure performance and resolve issues.
- Requirement: Training to become an Electrical Engineer requires an associates or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
- Salary Approximately: The average pay for an Electrical Engineer from $72,602 to $128,610 per year.
Mechanical Engineer
Someone with a mechanical engineering degree has many job options for his or her career path. Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build and test various devices. Mechanical engineering is an exciting professional field, thanks to innovations like 3-D printing and the development of new engineering materials like carbon fiber composites. Most mechanical engineers work in offices, but depending on the job, they can also visit worksites, which might include oil platforms or skyscrapers.
- Requirement: A career in mechanical engineering requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Salary Approximately: The best-paid earned about $131,350, while the lowest-paid earned less than $54,420.
Materials Engineers
Materials engineers develop, design, process, and test materials to create new materials and products. They use metals, composites, semiconductors, plastics, and other substances which meet requirements based upon mechanical, chemical, and electrical standards. Materials engineers work at developing and testing materials used in the production of industrial and consumer products, as well as working with metals and fabrics, and understanding the uses of each in consumer products. The median starting salary for a materials engineer is $52,900. From now to the year 2020, the job growth for a materials engineer position is expected to be around 9% with a mid-career salary of approx. $85,150.
- Requirement: Materials Engineers often complete studies within bachelors or master’s level materials science or materials engineering programs to qualify for employment.
- Salary Approximately: Earnings for most Materials Engineers range from $83,120 to $126,800 annually.
Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical Engineers focus on improving the quality, efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of medical systems and products. They analyze, design, and resolve problems with biology and medicine. Biomedical Engineers create artificial organs, devices, and machines used to replace body parts and diagnose medical issues. They also conduct research to advance medicine, develop methods to assure product quality, and test drug therapies using computer simulations.
- Requirement: Biomedical Engineers typically complete a bachelor or master’s degree in biomedical engineering in order to advance to positions earning salaries
- Salary Approximately: The best-paid earned about $126,990, while the lowest-paid earned less than $81,540.
Nuclear Engineers
Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. Their field, nuclear engineering, deals with the application of nuclear energy in a variety of settings, including nuclear power plants, submarine propulsion systems, medical diagnostic equipment such as MRI machines, food production, nuclear weapons and radioactive-waste disposal facilities. As a nuclear engineer, you’ll be designing, building, running or decommissioning nuclear power stations. You’ll work in multi-disciplinary teams to come up with technical solutions.
- Requirement: Most Nuclear Engineers are required to possess a minimum of a bachelor degree combined with work experience to qualify for employment earning.
- Salary Approximately: Earnings for most Nuclear Engineers range from $99,920 to $142,290 annually.
Environmental Engineers
Environmental Engineers apply and develop solutions to a number of environmental issues and problems by using the principles of engineering, biology, chemistry, and soil science. They address global issues, like climate change, sustainability, and drinking water safety, as well as public health issues and means of controlling pollution. Environmental Engineers develop means of improving environmental protection, waste disposal, and recycling programs. They also oversee the standard operating procedures for legal plans, legal actions, environmental remediation programs, and permits.
- Requirement: Training to become an Environmental Engineer requires a bachelor’s degree based in environmental engineering and work experience. Some candidates may complete studies within a related field like civil, chemical, or mechanical engineering and gain additional on the job training.
- Salary Approximately: Environmental Engineers salaries range from $78,740 to $119,060 yearly.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineering is a broad field and Civil engineers work on construction, renovation, and rebuilding projects. Civil engineers are responsible for the world’s most inspiring buildings, bridges and roads, as well as some of the less thrilling – yet no less structurally sound – buildings, bridges, and roads. They are involved with these projects at every step, from the beginning designs to the construction to the oversight when the project is complete. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the scope of the profession is “the design and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, water and energy systems as well as public facilities like ports, railways, and airports.
- Requirement: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program is the minimum requirement for most civil engineering jobs, and these engineers often need to earn professional engineer licensure.
- Salary Approximately: The highest-paid 10 percent in the profession made $132,880, while the lowest-paid earned $53,470.
Architect
Architects use their skills in design, engineering, managing and coordinating to create aesthetically pleasing and safe buildings that serve a purpose. Architects are involved at each step of a project, from the initial planning sessions to the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The core role of an architect is to oversee the designing, construction, and maintenance of public and private construction properties. Architect jobs are in high demand, especially in the real estate industry. One of the biggest advances in the architecture field is digital design and building information modeling, Goldstein writes.
- Requirement: High school graduates who want to become an architect can pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program, which typically takes five years to complete. Pre-professional bachelor’s degree programs in architectural studies or construction management take four years to complete.
- Salary Approximately: The median annual wage for architects is $76,930. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,810.
