15 Types of Engineering Jobs

Engineering jobs present a multitude of opportunities to harness your creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. With a wide array of specializations available, you are likely to discover a career path that aligns perfectly with your interests and aspirations.

This article explores 15 distinct types of engineering jobs, detailing their responsibilities and categorizing them into four major engineering disciplines.

Key Takeaways

• Engineers are skilled professionals who apply scientific principles to design, construct, and maintain structures, machines, and systems.

• Engineering job types include aerospace, agricultural, and architectural engineering, among many others.

• The four primary categories of engineering are chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.

What Do Engineers Do?

Engineers hold diverse responsibilities that revolve around the science of designing, constructing, and maintaining various structures, machines, and systems.

Utilizing their expertise in mathematics and science, engineers innovate new technologies, assess the safety and functionality of systems, and devise solutions to enhance efficiency and resolve issues. The scope of engineering work is broad, encompassing numerous specialties across various industries.

15 Types of Engineering Jobs

1. Aerospace Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $85,000

   Aerospace engineers focus on the design and development of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and associated systems. They may specialize in areas like propulsion, structures, avionics, or software systems, and can work in both government and private sectors.

   A bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering is typically required, with many employers preferring candidates with a master’s degree.

   Find Aerospace Engineer jobs near me

2. Agricultural Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $74,000

   Agricultural engineers tackle complex agricultural challenges, integrating technology with farming practices. They may focus on energy sources, biofuels, and food processing.

   A bachelor’s degree in agricultural or biological engineering is typically required, with some roles accepting related degrees.

   Find Agricultural Engineer jobs near me

3. Architectural Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $83,000

   Architectural engineers specialize in the technical aspects of building design, collaborating with architects to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. They focus on systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and acoustics.

   A bachelor’s degree in architectural or civil engineering is needed, with a master’s degree often preferred.

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4. Biomedical Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $76,000

   This career merges engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to develop healthcare technologies, from artificial organs to robotic surgical systems.

   A bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering is essential, and advanced degrees can enhance career opportunities.

   Find Biomedical Engineer jobs near me

5. Chemical Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $89,000

   Chemical engineers develop processes for converting raw materials into valuable products, ensuring safety and efficiency in chemical manufacturing. They work across industries including pharmaceuticals, food, and energy.

   A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is typically required, with many pursuing a master’s for advanced roles.

   Find Chemical Engineer jobs near me

6. Civil Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $70,000

   Civil engineers design and oversee infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water systems, ensuring they meet safety and sustainability standards.

   A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required, and many professionals pursue a master’s degree for advanced positions.

   Find Civil Engineer jobs near me

7. Computer Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $83,000

   Computer engineers design and develop computer systems and hardware. They may work in software development or focus on hardware engineering. Many roles require a bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering.

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8. Electrical Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $74,000

   Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems, from power grids to consumer electronics. They need a solid foundation in physics and mathematics.

   A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is mandatory, and many pursue further education for career advancement.

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9. Environmental Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $66,000

   Environmental engineers address issues related to pollution and waste management, working to improve our interaction with the environment. They can find roles in various industries, including technology and construction.

   A bachelor’s degree in environmental or civil engineering is common, with many holding master’s degrees as well.

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10. Environmental Health and Safety Engineer
    Average Annual Salary: $70,000

    These engineers focus on ensuring workplace safety and compliance with health regulations, developing preventive measures and safety standards.

    A bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental health and safety is typically required.

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11. Industrial Engineer
    Average Annual Salary: $73,000

    Industrial engineers optimize complex systems and processes, focusing on efficiency and productivity within manufacturing settings.

    A bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field is usually required.

    Find Industrial Engineer jobs near me

12. Marine Engineer
    Average Annual Salary: $84,000

    Marine engineers, or naval architects, design and construct ships and maritime equipment. This field offers diverse specialties, and roles can be found in government and private sectors.

    A bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or naval architecture is typically required.

    Find Marine Engineer jobs near me

13. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Annual Salary: $72,000

    Mechanical engineers work on a diverse range of machines and systems, conducting research and development to innovate solutions across various industries.

    A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is required, with advanced degrees often necessary for specialized roles.

    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs near me

14. Nuclear Engineer
    Average Annual Salary: $85,000

    Nuclear engineers design and develop systems for nuclear energy applications, including power plants and medical technologies. This field requires specialized knowledge and often advanced degrees.

    Find Nuclear Engineer jobs near me

15. Petroleum Engineer
    Average Annual Salary: $109,000

    Petroleum engineers design systems for extracting oil and gas, evaluating reservoirs, and ensuring efficient drilling operations. A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering is essential.

    Find Petroleum Engineer jobs near me

What Are the Four Main Engineering Categories?

The four primary categories of engineering are chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical. Most engineering jobs fall within these disciplines.

1. Chemical Engineering
   Chemical engineering focuses on the processes involved in converting raw materials into valuable products, integrating principles of chemistry, biology, and physics.

2. Mechanical Engineering
   Mechanical engineering involves the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems and machinery, specializing in fields like automotive, aerospace, and robotics.

3. Electrical Engineering
   Electrical engineering encompasses the design and implementation of electrical systems, focusing on power generation, electronics, and telecommunications.

4. Civil Engineering
   Civil engineers plan and oversee infrastructure projects, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations across various construction disciplines.

Types of Engineering FAQ

1. How many types of engineering are there?
   There are over 20 types of engineering. Popular fields include chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, with over 40 different engineering degrees available.

   Consider exploring specific engineering roles that pique your interest to guide your educational path.

   Other examples of engineering fields include:

   • Aerospace

   • Agricultural

   • Architectural

   • Biomedical

   • Computer

   • Environmental

   • Industrial

   • Marine

   • Nuclear

   • Petroleum

2. Which field of engineering has the highest salaries?
   Petroleum engineering typically offers the highest salaries. With an average salary of $109,000 per year, this field requires extensive education and expertise in various scientific disciplines.

   Other high-paying fields include chemical engineering ($89,000), nuclear engineering ($85,000), and aerospace engineering ($85,000).

3. Which field of engineering is the easiest to study?
   Environmental engineering is often considered the easiest engineering field to study. This field generally covers fundamental engineering concepts, with less emphasis on advanced mathematics.

   Other relatively accessible fields include industrial, architectural, and agricultural engineering.

4. Which field of engineering is the toughest?
   Chemical engineering is frequently regarded as one of the most challenging fields. Electrical engineering is similarly complex, as both involve highly abstract concepts and rigorous mathematics.

   Other difficult fields include aerospace, nuclear, and biomedical engineering.

5. Which engineering jobs are the easiest?
   The easiest engineering jobs align with your natural abilities and interests. Civil and environmental engineering are often considered less complex due to their broad focus and high demand.

   Ultimately, the easiest engineering job is subjective and varies based on individual strengths.

6. Which field of engineering is best for the future?
   Biomedical engineering is projected to be one of the most promising fields for the future. With the ongoing advancements in healthcare technology, this field is experiencing rapid growth and offers a competitive salary of around $76,000 per year.

   Other promising fields include environmental engineering, aerospace engineering, and civil engineering.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.