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Top Jobs for Graduates With an Engineering Degree

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Updated: April 9, 2024, Reading time: 7 minutes

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Engineering is a dynamic field that requires proper career guidance. Many engineering enthusiasts are unable to choose the right engineering disciplines due to a lack of knowledge. Furthermore, they are also unaware of the rewarding employment opportunities in different engineering fields.

To address this issue, we have listed the top jobs for graduates with an engineering degree below. It will help you know the demanding engineering jobs that will positively impact your professional career.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Top Jobs for Graduates With an Engineering Degree

Here are the most demanding jobs from different engineering branches. Knowing about these jobs will help you assess which job can be the perfect fit for you according to your interests.

A woman intently working on a computer, focusing on the code displayed on the screen

Software Engineer

Software engineers are in huge demand in today’s era. They are responsible for designing and testing the software that is used for different purposes for smartphones and computers. 

If you want to be a competent software engineer, you must gain good command over relevant software development tools. As a career choice, you can opt for mobile app development or large-scale enterprise software development. 

To become eligible for top software engineering jobs, you must be familiar with different programming languages such as JavaScript, C++, and Python. A basic understanding of computer science and knowledge of the latest software development technologies is a must. The average base salary of a software engineer is $105,439

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers are responsible for testing and designing electrical systems that are used for scientific and commercial purposes. 

As an electrical engineer, you may work on projects with different requirements. For example, you may work to develop power stations or for designing telecommunication systems.

You must develop relevant engineering skills that can help you succeed in the industry. Firstly, you have to familiarize yourself with engineering applications and software like AutoCAD and programming languages like Python and C. Having good communication and problem-solving skills can also be handy. The average annual pay of electrical engineers is $111,091.

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineers work on creating different methods to extract natural gas and petroleum from the ground. They use these materials to build energy efficiently, and they also work on developing methods to extract gas and oil from old wells. 

If you are passionate about the petroleum field and want to lead petroleum-producing operations, then you must opt for this job. Petroleum engineers are some of the highest-paid engineers, with an annual pay of $107,825. It is expected that petroleum will grow faster in the next five years, so it will create more employment opportunities.

A white rocket launching pad station

Aerospace Engineer

Another rewarding engineering field that you can consider is aerospace engineering. If you love aircraft and spacecraft and want to pursue a relevant engineering career, then consider becoming an aerospace engineer. 

While working as an aerospace engineer, you have to assess the designs of relevant products to check they meet engineering principles. You have to test, create, and design missiles, satellites, and spacecraft. Furthermore, you have to test prototypes to check they are working according to the design. The average pay of an aerospace engineer is $108,638.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers work on the testing, designing, and development of mechanical systems. They also have to do in-depth research work to come up with new design concepts and identify and resolve technical issues in the mechanical systems. Testing prototypes is also part of their job to make sure systems keep running perfectly.

One of the fundamental skills that mechanical engineers must have is a basic understanding of manufacturing procedures. Knowledge of advanced mathematics is also required, along with leadership and communication skills. The average annual salary of a mechanical engineer is $92,914.

Process Engineer

Process engineers have plenty of promising career opportunities in the manufacturing sector. They have to design and improve the processes that convert raw materials into goods. 

Process engineers also work as production managers in the food, pharmaceutical, and beverage industries to oversee the control engineering work. Their primary duties also include optimization of supply chain operations and increasing productivity. They also create strategies to fix defective process systems. 

You must have solid command over process control and design to become a competent process engineer. A good knowledge of safety standards and industry regulations is also a must. The average annual salary of a process engineer is $76,501.

Two people studying a blueprint design on a table, discussing plans for a project

Design Engineer

The design engineer is responsible for testing and designing different products and systems. As a design engineer, you have to do proper market research to develop cost-efficient and highly functional product designs. You also have to make sure that these products meet industry standards. 

You have to familiarize yourself with the latest safety standards to increase your professional worth as a design engineer. Strong IT, creativity, and math skills can also help you succeed in your professional career. The average annual pay of the design engineer is $88,989. 

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and plan construction projects in industrial, residential, and commercial areas. While working on construction projects, civil engineers have to keep track of resources and budgets. 

They also have to lead engineering teams and other staff members and make sure that the project is aligned with environmental and legal obligations. A sound understanding of cost estimation and project scheduling is a must to be a civil engineer. The average annual pay of the civil engineer is $90,395. 

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers develop and design the latest technologies and medical equipment that can improve human health. They work on medical imaging systems, rehabilitation equipment, and implantable medical devices. 

If you want to pursue a biomedical engineering degree, then you must have a strong urge for continuous learning due to continuous technological innovations. Also, you must be aware of FDA regulations and other requirements for medical device development. The median salary of biomedical engineers is $85,663. 

Top Skills that All Engineers Must Have

Here are some engineer skills that your resume must have if you want to become eligible for high-paying positions. 

To become a successful engineer, you must develop these skills that will make you stand out from others and give you a competitive edge in your specialized field. 

Two workers in hard hats having a conversation at a construction site

Here are some relevant questions for all individuals who want to be accomplished engineers.

What Engineering Degree Has the Most Job Opportunities?

Engineering degrees that offer lucrative jobs include mechanical engineering, civil engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering. All these degrees offer rewarding opportunities; however, you have to make the right career choice according to your interests.

Which Engineering Is the Hardest?

According to different research studies, the toughest engineering major is chemical engineering. Due to unique and challenging training methods, chemical engineering is known to be the hardest engineering. This degree also covers different complex concepts of biology, math, and physics, which makes it tougher. 

What Is the Fastest-Growing Engineering Field?

The fastest-growing engineering field is industrial engineering. It is expected that employment opportunities in this field will increase by three percent by the end of 2032. Aerospace and biomedical engineering are also growing fields, so you can consider these options and make the right career decision according to your choice. 

Conclusion

Engineering is a broad field, so you can explore plenty of options to pursue a degree. The top engineering jobs mentioned above will help you make the right academic decisions. It will positively contribute to your professional life and help you build a successful career as a proficient engineer.