Engineering

Engineering is the industry that designs and builds the systems everything else depends on, from bridges, roads and water networks to aircraft, robots, power grids and the machines inside a factory. The country's infrastructure pipeline and the energy transition mean engineers are in demand across every state.

It's a great fit if you like math and physics, enjoy figuring out how things work and want to solve problems that matter. Most engineers study a four-year degree, but technicians and drafters get in through community college, and many engineers move into management and leadership.

At a glance

Job outlook
Growing fast
Infrastructure, defense, semiconductors and clean energy need more engineers than schools are graduating.
Median salary
$104,000
most between $70,000 and $140,000
Roles not requiring a degree
35%
across 49 occupations
Roles and settings
49
In design offices and on site, moving between the two, in project teams.

Sources: O*NET, IPEDS / College Scorecard, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES)

Why Engineering?

Solve real problems at scale, with some of the best graduate pay in the country.

Among the better-paid areas to work in
A clear college pathway
Skills recognized around the world
Work on the biggest projects in the country

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Industry outlook

Growing fast
Infrastructure, defense and renewable energy projects need more engineers than colleges are producing.
Degree-led
Most engineers start with a bachelor's degree accredited by ABET, while technicians and drafters come through associate degrees.

Entry requirements

Typical GPA range: Not required for most programs; 3.0 – 3.5 GPA for degree pathways
Prerequisites: Calculus-ready math and physics recommended for engineering degrees; the FE exam is the first step to a PE license.
Pathways: College degrees, community college certificates, or on-the-job work.
Duration: Months to years, depending on the chosen pathway.