There are so many types of engineering that you may be wondering which is the best one to study. It is one of the most popular and highly-paid degrees worldwide. Most types of engineering would allow you to enter a wide variety of industries, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, fertilizer, oil & gas, and renewable energy.
Let’s look at some of the most popular types of engineering, salaries, and the benefits of studying engineering in the US.
Most Popular Types of Engineering
Over 100,000 students in the United States graduate with a bachelor’s in engineering each year. Some fields graduate more students than others. For example, mechanical engineering is more in demand than ocean engineering.
The great news is that no matter which engineering major you choose, the jobs market is expected to grow 7%-12% between now and 2032.
Popular Types of Engineering and Salaries
| Types of Engineering | Annual Median Pay | Entry-Level Education Required | Job Outlook |
| Aerospace | $126,880 | Bachelor’s degree | 6% |
| Chemical | $106,260 | Bachelor’s degree | 8% |
| Electrical | $104,610 | Bachelor’s degree | 5% |
| Bioengineering | $99,550 | Bachelor’s degree | 5% |
| Industrial | $96,350 | Bachelor’s degree | 12% |
| Mechanical | $96,310 | Bachelor’s degree | 10% |
| Civil | $89,940 | Bachelor’s degree | 5% |
Here are the Most Popular Types of Engineering in the US:
Mechanical Engineering
What They Do
A degree in mechanical engineering is broad. But generally speaking, they work on designing, developing, building, and testing power-producing machines. They can work on anything from improving a car’s efficiency and safety to generators to air-conditioning systems.
Median Salary
The median salary for a mechanical engineer is $96,310 a year. And jobs are expected to grow 10% between now and 2032.
Secondary/ High School Preparation
You should take rigorous math and sciences courses to be a competitive university applicant. You should aim to have completed math classes in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Your science courses should include chemistry and physics. If AP, IB, or Honors are available at your school, you should take those over regular-level courses.
Do you have a race car club or robotics club at school? Those would be great activities for you to explore mechanical engineering. If you don’t have a club at school, you should consider starting one at school. If not, you can explore at home through computer programming and automation projects (e.g. raspberry pie, arduino, or hobby 3-D printing/machining projects).
Civil Engineering
What They Do
Civil engineers plan, design, construct, and repair infrastructure. They can work on anything from water and sewage systems to bridges and high-rise buildings. They can also work in environmental permitting and remediation projects.
Median Salary
The median salary for a civil engineer is $89,940. Civil engineers working with the federal and local government are averaging $103,170. While those working in building construction earn an average of $78,420. Jobs are expected to increase by 5%.
Secondary Preparation
You should take math courses in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Your science courses should include chemistry and physics. If your school offers computer science classes, you should also take those! These courses will help you decide if this is the right field for you and prepare you for college coursework. If your school offers AP, IB, or Honors courses, you should always aim to take those!
Electrical Engineering
What They Do
Electrical engineering is one of the most popular type of engineering. They can design, develop, and test electrical equipment. They can work on anything from navigation systems and electrical systems of airplanes to Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The largest employer of electrical engineers is in telecommunications.
Median Salary
The median annual salary for electrical engineers is $103,320. Electrical engineering jobs are expected to grow by 5%. The highest-paid electrical engineering jobs are in navigational, measuring, electromedical, instrument manufacturing, semiconductor, and electric manufacturing.
Secondary/ High School Preparation
You should aim to take math courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Your science courses should include chemistry and physics. If your school offers classes in electricity or circuits, you should explore those too. And if your school offers AP, IB, or Honors classes, then you should aim for those more rigorous classes.
You should join your school’s computer club on campus. But if they don’t have one, consider starting your own. You can work on programming and home automation projects (e.g. Raspberry Pi or Arduino).
Chemical Engineering
What They Do
Chemical engineers design equipment and processes for manufacturing. They can work on anything from manufacturing medical products, detergents, petrochemicals, and energy.
Median Salary
The median annual salary for chemical engineers is $106,260. Most chemical engineers work in manufacturing. Chemical engineering is already a popular type of engineering and jobs are expected to grow by 8%.
Secondary/ High School Preparation
You should aim to take math classes in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Your science classes should include chemistry, physics, and biology. And, of course, you should take rigorous courses. If your school offers AP, IB, or Honors, you should take those over regular courses.
You should join your school’s engineering club. Even if it is a different type of engineering – such as robotics – you would gain so much from it. While it could be dangerous to explore with chemicals, you can explore engineering in other ways. You can work on machining projects, automation, and home 3-D printing.
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
What They Do
Aerospace engineers work on technology for aviation. They can work on anything from military aircraft to helicopters to rockets.
Median Salary
The median annual salary for aerospace engineering is $126,880. The highest-paid engineers work in research and development ($141,730) and control instrument manufacturing ($129,890). Aerospace engineering jobs are expected to grow by 6%.
Secondary/ High School Preparation
You should take math classes in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. You should also take science courses in physics and chemistry. You must also take any computer science courses if your high school offers them. These courses will make you a competitive university applicant and help you decide if this is the right field. If your school offers AP, IB, or honors, you should aim to take those over regular-level coursework.
Joining the school’s aerospace club is a great way to explore the field. Some clubs host speakers or connect you with professionals. If you don’t have a club on campus, consider starting an aerospace club. You can work on programming and automation projects. If you have the means, you can also get your pilot’s license!
Biomedical Engineering
What They Do
Biomedical engineers design and develop medical equipment and devices. They can work with anything from artificial internal organs to software for medical machines and new drug therapy.
Median Salary
The annual median salary for a biomedical engineer is $99,550. The highest-paid biomedical engineers work in engineering services ($146,540) and professional and commercial wholesalers ($100,440). Jobs for biomedical engineers are expected to grow by 5%.
Secondary/ High School Preparation
You should take math courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. You should also take science courses in chemistry, physics, and biology. If your high school offers courses in bioengineering, you should also take those. If your school offers AP, IB, or Honors, you should take those classes over regular-level coursework.
Join your school’s biomedical engineering club, or start your own! Getting as much exposure as possible is going to help you decide if it is a good major for you.
Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering
What They Do
Industrial engineers create efficient systems. Their work can reduce costs, meet quality standards, and resolve manufacturing problems. This is a broad degree that allows you to work in several industries.
Median Salary
The annual median salary of a manufacturing engineer is $96,350. Manufacturing engineer jobs are expected to increase by 12%.
Secondary/ High School Preparation
You should take math classes in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Your science courses should include chemistry and physics. Take AP, IB, or Honors courses if they are offered at your school.
Exploring Major
Does your school have an engineering club!? If it does, join now! This is a great way to continue exploring the field and spend time with others with similar interests. Some clubs participate in competitions such as robotic competitions. Others host guest speakers or connect students with mentors in the field.
Over time you may increase your participation by taking a leadership position in the club. If your school doesn’t have an engineering club, consider starting one or joining one in a related field.
Benefits of Studying Engineering in the USA
Increases your chances of getting a job in the USA!
Many engineering students in the US receive job offers even before they graduate. This is great news, as visa applicants must have a job offer before obtaining a visa. Student visas allow students to get internships with the best engineering companies which increases your chances of being hired. Companies would rather hire a hard-working intern than someone they don’t know.
Exploration and Specialization
A great benefit of studying in the USA is that most universities give students a lot of flexibility to explore different majors. Most universities allow students to explore different majors until the end of their second year in school. The University of Michigan, for example, offers 17 different majors in engineering. So, if you can’t decide between climate & metrology engineering or environmental engineering, it’s not a problem!
Get Mentored by, and Work with Top Researchers
Universities in the USA hire the brightest minds to teach and conduct research. Students are not just learning from the best, but they also have the opportunity to work with the best. Students can work with professors on their research in paid and unpaid internship research positions through the university. World-leading research is conducted in many fields, including infrastructures and sustainability, defense & homeland security, biomedical systems, and advanced materials. Hundreds of engineering students are working on complex projects led by top researchers. What else do you need?
Million and Billions in Research Funding
Schools in the US invest billions in research annually. For example, UCLA receives over $1.4 billion annually, and The University of Washington receives over $1.3 billion. However, large research funds are not just for large universities. Hundreds of smaller colleges and universities, like Harvey Mudd College, invest about $50 million annually. $50 million is a lot – especially considering that Harvey Mudd has less than 1,000 students.
Best Facilities
Schools in the US invest in their research facilities. For example, the UCLA NanoLab is a $200 million facility focusing on new spintronics technology.
Personality for Engineering
Although many types of people could be engineers, it doesn’t mean they should be engineers. Knowing your personality, ability, and strengths can help determine if this is your right major.
Some of the best engineers are those who truly enjoy the work. They have the ability to think critically and analytically and to organize facts. Having a fascination with cars, machines, and electronics are good indicators that you would make a curious and innovative engineer and thus be able to add lots of value to you company.
What Else to Do with an Engineering Degree
An engineering degree is broad. At its core, engineering courses teach problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. These are skills that can be applied to many careers. With an engineering degree, you can go into technical sales, patent law, business, technical writing, consulting, management, and many other careers.
Most Popular Types of Engineering – Frequently Asked Questions
Can you major in two types of engineering?
You can major in two types of engineering by completing the requirements. Some courses overlap between the two majors, so you will not have to retake those.
A program you may consider is the Five-year Bachelor’s and Master’s Program. Many schools have five-year programs that save you time and money. You earn both your bachelor’s and master’s in just five years.
Which types of engineering make the most money?
Aerospace, chemical, and electrical engineers generally make the most money. But your salary will depend on many factors, such as your company, years of experience, expertise, etc.
| Types of Engineering | Annual Median Pay | Entry-Level Education Required | Job Outlook |
| Aerospace | $126,880 | Bachelor’s degree | 6% |
| Chemical | $106,260 | Bachelor’s degree | 8% |
| Electrical | $104,610 | Bachelor’s degree | 5% |
| Bioengineering | $99,550 | Bachelor’s degree | 5% |
| Industrial | $96,350 | Bachelor’s degree | 12% |
| Mechanical | $96,310 | Bachelor’s degree | 10% |
| Civil | $89,940 | Bachelor’s degree | 5% |
What type of engineers can work from home?
Many types of engineers can work from home. These may include engineering sales, programming, and mechanical designers.
