Types of Engineering Careers/Field, Salary in 2024

Engineering careers is one of the most popular careers in the world. Both domestic and international students are most of the time confused about the types of engineering careers and the ones to choose from.

As a prospective engineering student, it is of paramount importance that you know the details and types of engineering careers. Toying the Engineering career path results in a lot of job opportunities and specialities.

Stay Informed Group has detailed a list of the types of engineering careers in this content as well as the highest-paid engineering field in 2024. With each speciality, we look at the definition and how to become an engineer in that field of engineering, and we hope it will be useful for you to determine if the career is right or not for you.

This content will be dealing with the following points like highest highest-paid engineering field and also answering the following questions:

What is engineering?
What is the best Field in Engineering?
What is the Hardest Engineering Career Path?
What is the easiest engineering?
What is the highest paid engineering field?
Types of Engineering Careers

What is Engineering?

The organised application of scientific principles to design, and develop machines, devices, structures or manufacturing processes, or jobs that make use of them alone or combine them; or to build or operate the same with full knowledge of its design; or forecast their behaviour under specific operating conditions – everything related to an expected function, economy of operation and security for life and property is referred to as engineering.

There are types of engineering careers which have been discussed in this article.

What is the Highest Paid Engineering Field?

It has been discovered that the highest-paid engineering field is petroleum engineering, where engineers in this field take home upwards of $100,000. As you may have guessed from the name, petroleum engineers look for natural oil deposits and then help recover them.

If you want to study this type of engineering, keep in mind that you also need knowledge of chemistry, math, and geology. However, as the highest-paid engineering field, the average annual salary of a petroleum company is more than sufficient to justify an intellectual investment. At the same time, it’s a real challenge.

Nuclear Engineering and Chemical Engineering are the next highest-paid engineering fields and careers bringing home an annual $67,000 – $118,000 and $65,000 – $116,000 respectively.

What is the Best Field in Engineering?

Many students would choose the highest-paid engineering field as the best field in engineering. Because defining the best degree of engineering is subjective and most of the time it will be reduced to the natural interests of a student.

Some look at the engineering degree with the best perspective for the future: below we detail our perspective. Some look at what satisfies them most, what pays the most, or what challenges them the most.

Almost all types of engineering careers and degrees are challenging, and there are so many different types of engineering degrees that you can almost certainly find a field that will lead to professional satisfaction.

This could be under construction, in which case a Civil Engineering degree and a career may be the best engineering degree for you.

Similarly, if you feel a close affinity with environmental problems, then a degree in Environmental Engineering may be the most appropriate engineering degree for you. There is also the question of salary, which plays an important role in job satisfaction.

With this in mind, we have listed below some of our “best options” based on specific topics such as job prospects, potential salary and, most importantly, engineering degrees that offer the greatest potential for the future, since this is a primary consideration for anyone who is weighing their career options.

What is the Hardest Engineering?

Electrical engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Chemical engineering
Aerospace engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer engineering
Civil engineering
Architectural engineering

The highest-paid engineering field may not be the hardest engineering. Needless to say, to make a more difficult analysis, we need to use data on these specializations.

In our work, we will use Reddit information: this is a community website for engineering students and prospective students who want to walk the engineering career path.

We know that only students themselves can be informed about various specialities and difficulties they experience while studying.

We want to note that comparing careers is not a task that you should be very involved with. It is difficult to compare different things because each speciality is unique in some sense. So, these things are not very comparable.

You must understand that each college and university can have its own more difficult engineering classification. The same with students: someone who hates computer science, would shout that computer engineering is the most difficult thing in this world, while another person may think that this is the easiest speciality he has heard about. That is why every student can make their unique list of more complex and easy specializations.

We all have different skills and abilities, which is why things that seem more difficult for someone may seem easier for another.

List of 10 hardest majors according to Reddit

According to the popular online community; Reddit, below is a list of the hardest majors in the engineering field.

Electrical engineering:

This field is considered the most difficult university degree in the world according to the opinion of Reddit users.

Students of this speciality must study electronics, electromagnetic, control systems, wireless communications, electrical insulation, etc. In the future, such specialists will work with various types of electronic devices.

Petroleum Engineering:

The students defined this specialization as quite difficult to obtain, probably because such future specialists must learn geology, basic engineering and thermodynamics. An oil engineer explores, extracts and produces oil, and also participates in the production of gas.

Chemical Engineering:

This is of the types of engineering careers speciality including disciplines such as chemistry (physics, organic and biochemistry), engineering graphics, physics, and geometry. This is a good field for students who love chemistry and want to work in production.

There are many opportunities for a future career, but we recommend choosing this position only if your chemistry skills are above the average level.

Aerospace Engineering:

Students in this speciality learn many math, aerodynamics, engines, flight controls, etc. If you have dreamed all your life to work in places like Boeing and NASA, this is exactly for you! But pay attention that you are not only interested in spacecraft and aeroplanes but that you have a solid knowledge of mathematics and physics.

Mechanical Engineering:

You will study required subjects such as biotechnology, materials sciences, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, robotics, etc. This profession requires good technical skills and the ability to make important decisions.

There are many ways to develop your future career: development and production of gas turbines, power generators, power tools and other machines that run on energy.

Computer Engineering:

This is considered the sixth most difficult engineering specialization. Students in the Reddit community say this is a very popular specialization for those who are interested in studying how computers work. This specialization requires studying subjects such as computer science, mathematics, and physics.

During the learning, you will participate in many robotics, web technology and computer security projects. The main objective of this specialist is to design and develop software and hardware for computers.

Civil Engineering:

Students in this field learn math, computer science, chemistry economics, etc. There are many ways to develop your future career with this specialization: you can work in transportation, geotechnical, wastewater, structural, and construction spheres.

You can monitor the process of building tunnels, buildings, roads, bridges, etc. This requires working in teams and finding the most appropriate solutions.

Architectural Engineering:

This is an interesting speciality where students learn to plan, design and build various structures effectively and safely. The main disciplines here are electrical circuits, fluid mechanics, engineering physics, structural analysis, etc. You can make your future career in the field of construction.

Industrial Engineering:

This field requires studying disciplines such as business, mathematics, science, psychology, etc. Such specialists develop new ideas on how to improve hospitals, factories and many other organizations.

Students of this specialization have to write a large number of case studies and also conduct research and reports.

What is the Easiest Engineering?

The engineering career path is not entirely easy. Many people argue that, although it’s still considered extremely challenging, Civil engineering is the easiest engineering degree to get, but that’s only a part of the story.

However, those same people may also consider it to be one of the most difficult career options since the demands and levels of responsibility can far exceed other occupations.

For example, a civil engineer may be responsible for projects with much larger budgets and time constraints (for example, the construction industry) where pressure and a high level of urgency are accepted as part of the job.

Keep in mind that most major construction contractors operate at margins as small as 1%.
This still amounts to considerable profits thanks to the massive sums of cash involved in large construction projects, like high-rise residential buildings and large-scale commercial projects.

If a job goes wrong and is delayed, this can generate enormous pressure and financial losses for the builder who often employs the civil engineer and works closely with them often to undertake to get the task back heading in the right direction.

Types of Engineering Careers

An engineering degree is the first step towards a future career of discovery, design and invention. You can approach the sphere of engineering from various academic angles. Associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees are all options for those who wish to learn about engineering.

However, the actual type of engineering will strongly dictate the level of education that must be acquired and the duration of the study to begin work.

Aerospace Engineering Career Path

This engineering career path presents challenging positions and professional opportunities in a variety of industries.
When deciding to pursue an engineering career, one must choose between different types of engineering specialities, such as aerospace, civil, electrical and chemical engineering. The aerospace engineering speciality presents tasks that are literally out of this world.

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer

To become an aerospace engineer, one must obtain an engineering degree from an accredited university. There are three types of aerospace degree programs available, including undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.

To work as a junior-level aerospace engineer, one must begin by earning a university degree in aerospace engineering.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an example of a highly qualified school that offers university degrees in aerospace engineering. As the name implies, the Embry-Riddle degree program is focused on aircraft and not spacecraft.

For domestic and international students who want to walk the Aerospace engineering career path, the University of Southern California is also a provider of higher degree programs in aerospace engineering, and its undergraduate courses include aerial and space studies.

Aerospace engineers looking for a professional advantage often embark on postgraduate and doctoral studies. The Georgia Institute of Technology and Wichita State University have two of the best-advanced aerospace engineering degree programs in the country; Wichita State University is also famous for the number of research funds it has secured for its graduate students, doctoral candidates and professors.

Biomedical Engineering Careers

Biomedical engineers work with a mixture of biology, medicine and engineering. They are trained to investigate and design solutions which will improve patient care. They are the professionals behind sophisticated medical equipment such as MRIs and microscopic surgical machines.

Biomedical engineering is one of the types of engineering careers that requires engineers to be responsible for the research and development of medical innovations such as artificial organs and prostheses.

Biomedical engineers install, maintain and repair or provide technical support for medical machines and equipment. They ensure that they are always functioning with maximum efficiency and will not compromise the lives of patients.

They usually work with medical scientists, life scientists and chemists. They participate in research to develop and implement biomedical equipment. Biomedical engineers also ensure that the personnel in charge of the machine know how to use and care for it.

How to Become a Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers must complete a four-year degree in biomedical engineering. Another route is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in another engineering field and obtain a postgraduate degree in biomedical engineering. They can also get a job by training in the field.

However, they must ensure that they only enrol in ABET-accredited programs. This type of engineering career path is not studied in many universities, because of how sophisticated it is. But it is a very integral part of engineering and one of the highest-paid engineering fields.

Aspiring biomedical engineering students can start preparing in high school. They should take as many math and science courses as possible, like calculus, physics, chemistry and biology.

Courses in mechanical drawing, drawing and computer programming are also valuable. ABET programs also include internships and cooperatives.

Chemical Engineering Careers

Chemical engineers use their knowledge of the physical world to ultimately influence the interactions of individual atoms and molecules.

His talents are generally employed within the research and development of recent materials and are critical to numerous fields, including nanotechnology, energy storage and computing.

Often working together with other engineers in interdisciplinary teams to solve the greatest problems of humanity, it is guaranteed that chemical engineers will continue to be key leaders in ensuring our future prosperity, whether on this planet or the other.

For the records, it is important to note that chemical engineering careers are one of the highest-paid engineering fields.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer

The process of obtaining a degree in chemical engineering and becoming a chemical engineer is quite intense with other fields.

The chemical engineering program at the University of California, Berkeley (considered among the best chemical engineering institutions according to usnews.com) immerses students in mathematics and physical sciences (physics and chemistry, specifically) during their first two years and then educates to those students in the application of mathematics and physical sciences in their last two years.

Many institutions offer cooperative education programs. Similar to an internship, these programs allow students to earn credits for their degree by working on a project together with professional engineers employed by the sponsoring company.

Civil Engineering Careers

This id one of the most popular types of engineering careers, and it specializes in the design and construction of roads, bridges, buildings and water supply systems.

They supervise and direct construction teams and work with other engineers. In some countries, Civil engineering is one of the highest-paid engineering fields and careers.

These professionals ensure that each built structure complies with the environment and can withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. This is especially true in places where these natural calamities often attack.
Civil engineers work where it is necessary to expand new structures or systems of transportation and geotechnical engineering. They also have administrative and supervisory positions.

How to Become a Civil Engineer

Applicants for civil engineering must complete a civil engineering degree or a related speciality. However, they must ensure that they only enrol in programs that are certified by ABET (Engineering and Technology Accreditation Board).

This is essential to qualify for a license. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete. It covers courses such as engineering mechanics, mathematics, statistics and fluid dynamics.

Civil engineering students can specialize in areas such as geotechnical engineering that focuses more on building structures, structural engineering for dams and bridges, and transportation engineering for streets, roads and everyday systems.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, civil engineering graduates must take the Engineering Fundamentals Exam which will grant them the title of Training Engineer or Civil Engineering Intern if they pass.

Depending on the state, they may need to pass more exams, undergo training and meet other requirements to be eligible to become an EC professional.

Computer Engineering Careers

Computer engineers develop and improve software and hardware programs that make computers work. Computer engineers can specialize in software or hardware. Computer engineering is the type of engineering career considered to be one of the most sophisticated engineering disciplines.

From OS software, like Windows and Linux, to individual computer programs, like Photoshop and Microsoft Office, software engineers turn hardware stacks into fully functional computers.

Hardware engineers develop computer hardware, including motherboards, graphics and audio cards, and the units that software engineers then program.

How to Become a Computer Engineer

To become a computer engineer, you should consider obtaining a degree in computer science or another closely related field. While some computer engineers manage to learn the skills they need to succeed without a formal education, the vast majority of workforce competition has college degrees.

In addition to formal education, aspiring computer engineers must use their free time to keep up with the latest trends and changes in software and hardware development.

Familiarity with newly developed software programs, patches and computer chips is essential because the knowledge base of the Computer Engineering field is constantly evolving to keep up with new technologies.

Electrical Engineering Careers

Electrical engineers specialize in power supply and generation. Design, develop, test and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. They have also been trained to handle responsibilities such as wiring and lighting installations in buildings, cars and aeroplanes.

The good thing about being an electrical engineer is that the training is so extensive that graduates can get a job in many different industries, such as construction, manufacturing and design.
In addition, electrical engineers can participate in development and research as assistants to scientists and other engineers. Many types of electronic equipment, from portable music players to GPS devices, go through the hands of an electronic engineer.

They propose means to use electrical energy to operate a certain product or improve its functions.

Among the foremost challenging and demanding tasks for electronic engineers, today is the event of construction plans for electric lighting systems for skyscrapers, the planning, designing and putting together of remote-controlled race cars and construction technology for factories such as robots that can perform welding.

How to Become an Electrical Engineer

It takes a bachelor’s degree to become an electrical engineer. This is an area of expertise in the field of engineering, and these titles will prepare an individual for an entry-level job. It is important to start studying for the career chosen in high school.

Aspiring electrical engineers have to take as many math and science courses as possible, including algebra, calculus and trigonometry. The writing courses are also valuable. This is mainly because engineering students generally must make technical drawings.

The bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete and include laboratory, classroom and fieldwork.

Electrical engineers may have to obtain a master’s degree or other training certifications to qualify for research positions. There are five-year programs that offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees together. They must pass the Fundamental Engineering exam to obtain a license after the bachelor’s degree and the Engineering Principles and Practices exam after an internship.

Environmental Engineering Careers

Environmental engineering has become a very important engineering career path nowadays. Without the great efforts and tireless vision of today’s environmental engineers, tomorrow’s atmosphere will not sustain life, as we know it. Our water and land will not be clean, and the oceans will be dirty.

Environmental engineers use principles of science and engineering to protect and improve the environment. Air, water and soil quality are its main focus. They look for solutions to waterborne diseases, wastewater management and air pollution.

They work to enhance recycling, waste disposal and industrial hygiene. They analyze soil and water samples. They understand the law as it applies to environmental protection. These engineers focus on hydrology: water resources, treatment/design plants and bioremediation (water cleaning). They focus on global problems, acid rain, climate change and causes of ozone depletion.

They create advanced air and water treatment technologies and appearance for sustainable energy sources. Radiation protection and the environmental effects of new technologies are other priorities.

How to Become an Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineering studies can lead to a bachelor of science (B.S.), master’s degree (M.S. and M.Eng.), And a PhD.

A solid curriculum can include extensive courses in the engineering field, such as civil engineering, focus courses for extra environmental engineering skills, a science course that extends environmental knowledge and a design course. The B.S. It is a 4-year degree, and graduate degrees can add 18 months to 5 years of additional study.

Postgraduate studies provide students with advanced skills to solve existing environmental problems and avoid creating more. Students gain practical experience from practical laboratory training and participate in and conduct research on environmental problems.

Mechanical Engineering Careers

Mechanical engineering careers deal with movement, energy and strength. The person who studied mechanical engineering seeks to regulate these elements by employing a combination of materials that are suitable, including, human and economic resources to develop mechanical solutions that help meet the requirements and desires of society.

How to become a mechanical engineer

The mechanical engineering career path is one of the most popular and highest-paying engineering fields.

Most mechanical engineers must complete a degree in mechanical engineering. At the university level, mechanical engineering specialities take courses in advanced mathematics, calculus, chemistry and physics. After completing these fundamental courses, students take engineering courses in:

Materials Sciences
Manufacturing Processes
Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Fluid Dynamics
Mechanical and Structural Design
Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery
Instruments and Controls
Advanced computer programming

Students should try to obtain a paid or unpaid engineering internship. An internship can help the student understand the “real world” of engineering and apply the theories and principles taught in the classroom.

An internship can also help the student determine their professional preferences, strengths and weaknesses

Again, since good oral and written communication skills are essential for a successful career in mechanical engineering, the student should not neglect the liberal arts and humanities.

In addition, because many large industrial companies that employ mechanical engineers are international, a second language may be invaluable.

Petroleum Engineering Careers

The petroleum engineering career path is one of the types of engineering careers that require engineers to specialize in the design and development of technology and methods to excavate the earth’s surface to extract oil and gas. They find means to obtain natural gas or crude oil from the soil. In addition, oil engineers explore and discover new techniques to extract oil and gas from older wells around the world.

This is considered the highest-paid engineering field. Petroleum engineers usually work with geologists. Both are essential in the field.

Petroleum engineers plan and supervise drilling operations once the potential drilling site has been determined. They make sure that the methods used provide maximum profitable recovery.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer

A degree in petroleum engineering is required to obtain an entry-level position. Petroleum engineering is among the areas of engineering speciality.

Programs usually take four years to complete. There are universities that provide five-year programs that automatically grant students a degree at the master’s level. Most employers prefer applicants who have work experience.

With this, it is better for graduates to obtain academic credits from cooperative engineering programs before applying for a job.

People who want higher-level positions must complete additional training and education. In the USA, Students must obtain a license to become professional engineers. Once the bachelor’s degree is completed, graduates can take the Engineering Fundamentals exam.

Passersby will receive the title of Trainee Engineers or Trainee Engineers. Completing this phase will qualify you to take the Engineering Principles and Practice exam. Depending on the state’s requirements, they may have to receive more training to maintain their license.

Software Engineering Career Path

Software engineers are specialists who are responsible for testing, design, development and maintenance of software for commercial and personal use. They apply the principles of mathematics, engineering and computer science in the creation of management software.

These professionals are responsible for programming computers to work as they should.
Engineers focused on systems software development are involved in the creation of systems and software that make computers work.

These are mainly the operating systems for computers used in business or at home. Programming software involves debugging, maintenance and support of computer programs.

Application software involves and ultimately deals wit the design of computer programs and applications. This includes word processors and commercial software sold to consumers.

How to become a software engineer

Software engineering is one of the types of engineering careers which will require applicants to possess a selected skill set. The ability to program computers and skill with computer systems is a must requirement.

Critical thinking is additionally involved, including management techniques and extensive technical knowledge.

Obtaining a degree in software engineering is a good place to start if you are serious about a career in this field. Those with a proper education in any field associated with the field are highly preferred by employers. It is useful for a job application to show a level of mastery in your line of work.

This list includes some of the titles that will be useful for obtaining the skills and information necessary for a career in software engineering.