Historically, traditionally engineering fields have often been divided into four broad disciplines of chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
However, it is a constantly expanding field. Only fifty years ago, the title of ‘engineer’ most commonly referred to anyone working in one of the major streams. Now it encompasses a diverse workforce that includes many engineering subdisciplines and interdisciplinary subjects, ranging from biomechanics to nanoengineering.
With such diversity in today’s possible engineering career paths, both engineering students and those experienced in the field should be considering the long-term outlooks of their specializations. We took a look at some of the decade’s highest growing engineering fields, according to the Australian Government National Skills Commission initiative, Job Outlook.
Civil Engineering
From roads and bridges to pipelines and sewerage systems, civil engineering professionals design, plan, organize and oversee the construction of civil engineering projects.
In Australia, there were 67,000 civil engineering professionals employed in 2020. This number is expected to grow very strongly over the next five years with a predicted number of 77,100 civil engineering professionals employed by 2025.
Average Weekly Pay: $1,962
Main Industries: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Construction, Public Administration and Safety, and Transport, Postal, and Warehousing.
EIT Student, Rudy Botha, recently undertook EIT’s 52873WA – Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering to prepare his career for the future. “I decided that I wanted to advance my studies in the engineering industry while providing myself with better working opportunities,” Rudy explained.
Software and Applications Programmers
Software and Applications Programmers design, develop, test, maintain, and document program code following user requirements, and system and technical specifications.
In Australia, there were 153,700 software and applications programmers employed in 2020. This number is expected to grow very strongly over the next five years with a predicted number of 199,800 software and applications programmers employed by 2025.
Average Weekly Pay: $2,003
Main Industries: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Financial and Insurance Services, Public Administration and Safety, Information Media and Telecommunications
Even if you are not a programmer, the ability to code in the python language is becoming an increasingly sought-after skill, particularly in the engineering field. In industries underpinned by computer programming, this skill is critical for data analysis and visualizations, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and automation.
Engineering Managers
Engineering Managers plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate the engineering and technical operations of organizations.
In Australia, there were 26,800 engineering managers employed in 2020. This number is expected to grow very strongly over the next five years with a predicted number of 29,300 engineering managers employed by 2025.
Average Weekly Pay: $3,427
Main Industries: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Manufacturing, Construction, and Public Administration and Safety
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Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineers apply knowledge and methodology of physics, engineering, mathematics, computing, physical chemistry, and materials science to problems in biology and the treatment and prevention of human disease.
Biomedical engineers likely will see employment growth because of increasing possibilities brought by new technologies and increasing applications to medical equipment and devices. In Australia, there were 880 biomedical engineers employed in 2016 and this number is expected to grow by 7% by 2026.
Average Weekly Pay: $2,155
Main Industries: Health Care and Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Wholesale Trade, and Manufacturing
EIT Student, Ryan Smith, recently undertook EIT’s 52705WA – Advanced Diploma of Biomedical Engineering to future-proof his career. “I have an elevated level of confidence in my day-to-day work life, thanks to my qualifications. It’s opened up various avenues for my career and inspired me to continue studying in the biomedical sciences field.” Ryan said.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and supervise the manufacturing, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment, machines, and systems for the generation, distribution, utilization, and control of electric power.
In Australia, there were 26,800 electrical engineers employed in 2020. This number is expected to grow strongly over the next five years with a predicted number of 29,900 electrical engineering professionals employed by 2025.
Average Weekly Pay: $2,160
Main Industries: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Construction, Public Administration and Safety, and Transport, Postal, and Warehousing.
EIT Student, Chris Fuller, recently undertook EIT’s 52726WA Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering (Electrical Systems) to future-proof his career. “The engineering knowledge I have gained has really helped me to understand technical matters, and this is a real asset to myself and my employer.”
Don’t see your field in this list? Don’t overthink it. Engineers of all kinds continue to fulfill critical roles across different economies and are fundamental in preparing our world for a sustainable future.
Looking to make your next step? The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) offers engineering programs across a range of disciplines, including civil engineering, data communications, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, industrial automation, mechanical engineering, and engineering management.
We deliver our online and on-campus programs via a unique methodology that makes use of live and interactive webinars, an international pool of expert lecturers, dedicated learning support officers, and state-of-the-art technologies such as hands-on workshops, remote laboratories, and simulation software.
Whether you are studying online or on-campus in Australia, our supportive blended learning model, and small class sizes allow you to advance your technical knowledge and remain engaged in your studies while forming global networks and balancing life and work commitments.
