Industrial engineering is the fastest-growing subfield, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). Between 2022 and 2032, the 12 percent projected growth equates to an addition of 38,400 jobs nationally. In other words, the number of available positions is expected to grow from 327,300 to 365,700 by 2032.
The work of an industrial engineer is generally focused on the concept of production efficiency. Depending on their work setting, an industrial engineer may be tasked with developing efficient systems that integrate workers, materials, machines, information, and energy in creating a product or providing a specific service.
Here are the latest salary averages, number of industrial engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Industrial engineers (321,400 employed in the US): $98,560 average annual salary
After industrial engineering, mechanical engineering is slated to experience the greatest absolute increase in employment openings. The BLS (2023) reports that jobs in this field are expected to grow 10 percent resulting in the addition of 28,500 jobs, with positions rising from 286,100 to 314,600 by 2032.
While all mechanical engineering positions will likely vary in specifics, these professionals are generally responsible for developing, designing, building, and testing thermal and mechanical devices, which often include tools, machines, and even engines. Furthermore, mechanical engineers in more managerial roles may also be tasked with supervising other engineering professionals’ design and development process.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of mechanical engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Mechanical engineers (277,560 employed in the US): $100,820 average annual salary
According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), 15,800 positions will likely be added by 2032 in electrical engineering, increasing the number of jobs to 315,500 overall. This field of electrical engineering is the third-fastest-growing field at 5 percent in the coming decade, from 2022 to 2032, which is higher than the average for all occupations (3 percent).
Electrical engineers bring electronics to life. If a device or piece of equipment requires electricity, electrical engineers have engaged in the research, design, development, testing, and supervision of manufacturing that makes the device functional. They are involved in designing, developing, testing, and supervising electrical equipment manufacturing, such as electric motors, communications systems, power generation equipment, or navigation systems. They may also be involved in designing the electrical systems of aircraft and automobiles. Electrical engineers are centrally concerned about the production and distribution of electricity.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of electrical engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Electrical engineers (182,210 employed in the US): $114,050 average annual salary
The field of civil engineering is one of the fastest-growing subfields, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). From 2022 to 2032, an estimated 16,200 positions will be added by 2032 in civil engineering, increasing the number of jobs to 342,500 overall. The growth rate for civil engineers is 5 percent.
Civil engineers are generally responsible for the design, operation, supervision, and maintenance of construction projects and systems. These projects may be operated in the public or private sector, often including constructing and maintaining roads, bridges, dams, airports, tunnels, or even water supply or sewer treatment systems. Civil engineers may also research current projects or operations, and present their findings to the public on topics such as environmental impact statements, bid proposals, or property descriptions.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of civil engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Civil engineers (307,570 employed in the US): $97,380 average annual salary
The redesigning of aircraft results in less noise pollution and better fuel efficiency, which in turn helps sustain the demand for development and research. The BLS (2023) reports that this subfield expects growth of just 6 percent between 2022 and 2032, but this amounts to an increase of 3,900 positions or a change from 63,800 to 67,700 in that decade.
Aerospace engineers primarily design spacecraft, aircraft, missiles, and satellites. Besides, these engineers are also involved in creating and testing prototypes to ensure they function accordingly. They may also develop the latest technologies for use in defense systems, spacecraft, and aviation. Aerospace engineers often specialize in structural design; aerodynamic fluid flow; guidance, navigation, and control; robotics; propulsion & combustion, and instrumentation and communication. They typically specialize in 1 of 2 types of engineering: astronautical or aeronautical.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of aerospace engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Aerospace engineers (61,580 employed in the US): $127,090 average annual salary
The BLS (2023) reported that the field of environmental engineering is expected to grow by 6 percent overall, which amounts to an increase of 2,900 positions, or from 47,300 to 50,200 jobs by 2032. The growth rate for this branch of engineering is double the national average.
Most of the projected growth for environmental engineers is in scientific, technical, and professional services, as governments at the local and state levels look up to the industry for addressing water efficiency concerns.
Environmental engineers are in relatively high demand in today’s society, as many individuals and organizations look towards engineering professionals to help solve complex issues as they relate to the environment. Environmental engineers are generally tasked with applying engineering ideas and principles, as well as those related to biology, soil science, and chemistry, to develop solutions to environmental issues.
Types of projects on which environmental engineering might work include those aimed at improving public health, waste disposal, water treatment, recycling, and even air pollution.
Here are the latest salary averages, number of environmental engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Environmental engineers (45,440 employed in the US): $101,670 average annual salary
The BLS (2023) reports that jobs in chemical engineering are expected to grow 8 percent, adding 1,700 jobs. The total number of jobs will rise from 20,800 to 22,500 in 2032. The growth rate for the chemical engineering field is nearly triple the national average.
The demand for chemical engineering services largely depends on the demand for the products of several manufacturing industries. The need to find alternative fuels will continue to require the expertise of chemical engineers.
From food to pharmaceuticals, chemical engineers are responsible for applying STEM-based knowledge to solve practical problems in manufacturing and production.
Chemical engineers tend to have technical and scientific mastery that is quite comprehensive, enabling them to work in a wide range of fields. Furthermore, chemical engineers in more managerial roles may also be tasked with supervising other engineering professionals’ design and development processes.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of chemical engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Chemical engineers (20,380 employed in the US): $117,820 average annual salary
Because computers and computer systems have become so ubiquitous in today’s society, the demand for more computer hardware engineers continues to grow over the years. The BLS (2023) reports that this subfield expects a 5 percent growth between 2022 and 2032, which amounts to an increase of 3,600 positions altogether, or a change from 78,100 to 81,700.
Computer hardware engineers retain various responsibilities, focusing on applying engineering principles to computer issues. For example, computer hardware engineers generally research, design, develop and test computer systems and components such as processors, memory devices, networks, circuit boards, and routers. Many perform detailed research to help advance the field of computer systems.
Here are the latest salary averages, number of computer hardware engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Computer hardware engineers (74,640 employed in the US): $140,830 average annual salary
The employment level for petroleum engineers depends largely on oil prices. Petroleum engineers generally work in gas and oil extraction, so if there is any change in oil prices, it eventually affects the employment level. The BLS (2023) reports that jobs in this field are expected to grow 2 percent resulting in the addition of 500 jobs, with positions rising from 21,400 to 21,900 by 2032.
Petroleum engineers are involved in designing and developing methods for extracting gas and oil from deposits below the Earth’s surface. These engineers also find new and innovative ways to extract gas and oil from older wells.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of petroleum engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Petroleum engineers (20,540 employed in the US): $142,800 average annual salary
The BLS (2023) reports that jobs in biomedical engineering are expected to grow 5 percent, adding 1,000 jobs. The total number of jobs will rise from 19,700 to 20,700 in 2032. The growth rate for the biomedical engineering field is slightly higher than the national average (3 percent).
These engineers generally work with scientists, manufacturers, and medical researchers to address a wide range of physical disabilities and injuries.
These engineers combine biological and medical sciences with engineering principles for designing and creating equipment, computer systems, software used in healthcare, and devices. Biomedical engineers design electrical circuits or computer simulations for testing new drug therapies. Besides, these engineers are involved in designing and building artificial body parts like knee and hip joints.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of biomedical engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2022):
Biomedical engineers (19,210 employed in the US): $108,060 average annual salary
Nearly all engineering subfields are expected to experience growth between 2022 and 2023. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), only two fields of engineering are projected to have no growth or less than 100 or fewer jobs by 2032: mining and geological engineering (no jobs added) and nuclear engineering (100 jobs).
Outside of these two subfields, the entire engineering field is expected to grow at a rate equal to or slightly faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations. By 2032, this engineering profession is expected to create many opportunities for aspiring engineers. Because of an omnipresent need for a wide variety of engineering expertise, pursuing a career in engineering can provide a rewarding and lucrative future.
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