The Top 5 Growing Fields in Engineering
Thinking about a career in engineering? Engineering is diverse, covering a range of fields and specializations and it can be overwhelming to decide on a path. With so many choices available, it is important to consider the fields that are poised to experience the most growth over the next 5-7 years.
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface and innovate new ways to extract more oil and gas from old wells. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this field is expected to grow 15% through 2026 – a rate much faster than other occupations. The rising cost of oil drives companies to increase capital investment, driving new opportunities for engineers. The median annual wage for petroleum engineers was $137,000 in 2018.
Marine Engineering
Marine engineers are responsible for building and maintaining ships. They are in charge of the internal systems of a ship, such as the propulsion, electrical, refrigeration and steering systems. According to the BLS, the field is expected to grow 12% through 2026, spurred by a need to develop environmentally friendlier vessels, especially vessels that transport hazardous chemicals like oil and gas. The median annual wage for marine engineers and naval architects was $92,500 in 2018.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers design and develop infrastructure projects like roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, bridges, dams, water systems and more for both the public and private sectors. According to the BLS, civil engineering jobs will grow 11% through 2026 thanks to investments in upgrading the U.S.’s crumbling infrastructure. The median annual wage for civil engineers was $86,600 in 2018.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers can contribute to the design of municipal water treatment systems, air quality improvement initiatives, recycling, contaminated site cleanup efforts and more. The field is expected to grow 8% through 2026, as state and local governments focus more on environmental initiatives. The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $87,600 in 2018.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineers design and create medical equipment, devices, computer systems and software for the healthcare field. According to the BLS, the field will grow 7% through 2026, thanks to our aging population as well as competition for innovation in the industry. The median annual wage for biomedical engineers was $88,500 in 2018.
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