As the world continues to evolve, engineering remains a cornerstone of innovation. Discover the top five jobs that promise not only stability but also exciting opportunities in the coming years. Your future in this field could be just around the corner!
If you have or are considering a degree in this area, you’ll find numerous subspecialties to explore when choosing a career path. Understanding career insights can help you identify the most promising roles in your field.
According to Indeed, the global job matching and hiring platform, several related careers offer strong job stability based on job growth projections and average salaries that exceed the national average.
For example, civil engineers maintain and upgrade infrastructure like roads, tunnels, and bridges, while architects focus on designing structures such as office buildings and homes. Biomedical engineers, on the other hand, develop software, devices, and equipment for the healthcare industry.
In this article, we discuss some of the best jobs in this field for the future to help you determine which jobs to pursue.
5 Future-safe Jobs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that employment in architecture and engineering occupations will grow at a faster rate than the average for all professions from 2023 to 2033.
Approximately 195,000 job openings are expected each year, driven by both growth in the field and the need to replace workers who leave permanently.
As of May 2023, the median annual wage for these occupations was $91,420, significantly higher than the median annual wage of $48,060 for all jobs.
The following list discusses five jobs in this field with career insights about the projected growth rate, average salary, and primary duties of each job:
Civil Engineering Technician
National Average Salary: $48,932 per year
Job Growth Outlook: 2% (Slower than average)
Primary Duties: These technicians support civil engineers in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects across various sectors. Their responsibilities include interpreting project drawings, testing preconstruction field conditions, and monitoring contractor work to identify design issues. They also ensure that construction adheres to design specifications and regulatory codes.
Mechanical Engineer
National Average Salary: $94,817 per year
Job Growth Outlook: 11% (Much faster than average)
Primary Duties: Mechanical engineers apply principles of force, energy, and motion to design and develop mechanical devices and processes. Their key responsibilities include designing tools, creating blueprints, and analyzing test results. They also investigate equipment failures and oversee the manufacturing process to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Civil Engineer
National Average Salary: $91,409 per year
Job Growth Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
Primary Duties: Civil engineers design and oversee infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and airports. They assess an area’s needs, prepare cost estimates, and ensure compliance with regulations. Their work is essential for creating safe and productive environments in cities and towns.
Biomedical Engineer
National Average Salary: $88,168 per year
Job Growth Outlook: 7% (Faster than average)
Primary Duties: Biomedical engineers combine engineering with biological sciences to develop devices and software for healthcare. Their job includes maintaining and repairing biomedical equipment and training medical professionals on its use. They also write technical reports and share their findings with the medical community.
Engineering Manager
National Average Salary: $129,834 per year
Job Growth Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
Primary Duties: Managers coordinate all activities of a team. They identify technical goals, propose budgets, and oversee research and development projects. Their leadership is crucial for ensuring that projects meet specifications and deadlines.
The Future of Engineering Careers
As we look to the future, these careers continue to evolve and expand. Civil engineers are vital for developing and maintaining the infrastructure of our communities. With urbanization on the rise, civil engineers will play a crucial role in creating sustainable, efficient designs that meet the needs of growing populations. The skills learned in programs prepare graduates to address modern challenges and implement innovative solutions.
Mechanical is another area poised for growth. The demand for skilled mechanical engineers is increasing, particularly in sectors focused on renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. The ability to design and test new technologies will be essential as industries strive for efficiency and sustainability. A degree in this skill equips professionals with the tools to innovate in a rapidly changing landscape.
Biomedical is also a field rich with opportunities for engineers in this area. As healthcare technology continues to advance, biomedical engineers will be at the forefront of developing new devices and software that enhance patient care. The intersection of this skill set and medicine offers unique challenges that require creative problem-solving and a strong understanding of both disciplines.
For those interested in leadership roles, engineering management provides a pathway to influence projects and teams effectively. Managers are essential for guiding teams through complex projects and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
The engineering sector is full of promising opportunities that offer not only competitive salaries but also a chance to make a meaningful impact. With steady job growth and a variety of specializations to choose from, those pursuing a career in engineering can look forward to a rewarding future.
Whether you’re drawn to civil, mechanical, biomedical engineering, or management, there’s a place for you in this dynamic field. Programs offered by institutions like the Engineering Institute of Technology prepare future leaders to tackle these challenges, combining technical expertise with management skills.
References
The 15 Best Engineering Jobs for the Future
Top-Paying, Future-safe, and In-demand Professional Engineering Jobs in Australia
