Engineer Career Information

An engineer uses math and science technology to solve technical problems for commercial, industrial, or scientific use. There are many different specialties in engineering, with some of the most popular being biochemical, biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Depending on your specialty, you might design airplanes, ensure access to clean water, develop heating systems for historic buildings, or plan new bridges.

What skills do you need to become an engineer?

Would-be engineers need a strong background in math and science. You’ll be solving problems all day long, so you need to have excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills to succeed. Most engineering work is done as part of a team, so you should also be a team player, with solid written and verbal communication skills.

What experience and/or certifications do you need to be an engineer?

The majority of engineers have a bachelor’s degree from a four-year program; just over one in four have a master’s degree. Engineers graduate with a variety of majors, dependent on their area of specialization. Mechanical engineering is the most popular engineering degree by far, with civil and electrical engineering tying for second place. More than 65 percent of engineers have done one or more internships before applying to a full-time engineering role. For their design-heavy work, engineers of all stripes turn to CAD software, with AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit being widely used; it is also helpful to have strong Excel and Mathcad skills.

To become a licensed PE (Professional Engineer), the highest designation among engineers, candidates need to complete a four-year degree from an accredited engineering program, pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, work under a certified PE for four years, and pass the PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam. To maintain their standing, PEs take regular courses to build their skill set.

What companies and industries employ engineers?

Companies across a range of innovative industries hire engineers, from tech firms to government and from pharmaceuticals to architects. Aerospace, defense, construction, transportation, and utilities companies also hire engineers. New York, Los Angeles, and Houston are engineering hubs, with many job opportunities for new graduates.

What is the job outlook and salary for engineers?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the engineering field is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade, which is about average; however, that rate varies by discipline. Salaries vary by field, too, with the average engineer making a median annual wage of $91,000.