The economic recession makes for a difficult job market for engineering jobs, especially in certain disciplines. Many good engineers were laid off in recent years, due to tight credit, reduced production, and an uncertain economic future.
In 2010, the United States began to see a resurgence in engineering hiring. Many of today’s engineering jobs begin on a contract basis. In fact, large engineering firms are turning to a new workforce composed of 20 percent contract workers.
According to United States Department of Labor projections, engineering jobs are expected to grow about as fast as average through 2018. Biomedical engineers are likely to see the fastest job growth, while civil engineers will see the largest employment increase. While the job prospects will vary by engineering specialty, generally speaking, the employment outlook for engineers is good.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects engineering careers to grow by 11 percent over the current projection decade, 2008 to 2018. In the past, engineers were concentrated in declining manufacturing industries, and these industries will continue to require their skills. Most anticipated job growth, however, stems from the increasing employment of engineers in research, development, and consulting services.
Technological advances should have no negative impact on engineering careers, unlike some other occupations. Rather, engineers will be necessary for providing ideas to improve products and processes. Their skills are needed for developing technological innovations.
The Internet, company outsourcing, and the globalization of engineering work may slow employment growth in the United States, at least to a degree. Nevertheless, onsite engineers are always needed to consult with clients and employees.
Engineering careers come in a number of special disciplines. Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer hardware engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, health and safety engineering, materials engineering, nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering, marine and naval engineering, mining and geological engineering, and agricultural engineering are just a few of the many engineering specialties.
Seven specific engineering jobs are expected to see at least 10 percent employment growth over the government’s projections decade. Biomedical engineers, environmental engineers, civil engineers, petroleum engineers, industrial engineers, agricultural engineers, and aerospace engineers have the most promising future. A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level positions, and graduate-level training is essential for the highest-paying jobs.
Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers are expected to see an employment growth of astonishing proportions: 72 percent over the projections decade. An aging population and growing concern over health issues will drive this growth.
The demand for sophisticated, cost-effective medical equipment will boost the demand for biomedical engineers. Their median engineering salary was $81,540 in 2010. This engineering discipline usually requires a graduate degree.
Environmental Engineers
According to the latest government statistics, environmental engineers should see a 31 percent job growth through 2018. As companies comply with various environmental regulations and develop new methods of addressing environmental hazards, the demand for engineers in this discipline will increase.
Environmental engineers earn a median annual salary of $78,740. Job opportunities should be very favorable for environmental engineers in the coming years.
Civil Engineers
Civil engineers are likely to see a 24 percent job growth over the projections decade. Population growth and the nation’s infrastructure needs will boost the demand for more civil engineers to design, construct, and expand various systems, such as transportation, water supply, buildings, and other structures.
The median engineering salary for civil engineers was $77,560 in 2010. Employment opportunities may decrease during economic slowdowns, when construction projects are put on hold.
Petroleum Engineers
Job growth for petroleum engineers is projected at 18 percent through 2018. The number of job openings is likely to exceed the number of engineering graduates, so job opportunities for petroleum engineers are excellent.
The median annual salary for this engineering job was $114,080 in 2010. Petroleum engineers work around the world, and some of the best job opportunities are in other countries.
Industrial Engineers
The government projects a 14 percent employment growth for industrial engineers through 2018. Industrial engineers design and develop systems for managing industrial production.
The median annual income was $76,100 in 2010. Engineering jobs are expected to grow as firms look for new cost-effective ways to raise productivity. Even manufacturing industries with declining overall employment should see a rise in industrial engineering hires.
Agricultural Engineers
A 12 percent employment growth is projected for agricultural engineers in America. This anticipated job growth stems from the need to increase crop yields to feed a growing population. It also results from a desire to produce renewable energy sources and develop new conservation methods. Agricultural engineers earn an annual median income of $71,090.
Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineers are likely to see a 10 percent employment growth, according to the latest projections. New designs and technologies for commercial and military aircraft, as well as spacecraft, will boost the demand for engineers in this discipline.
The median engineering salary for aerospace engineers was $97,480 in 2010. After many years of decline, new degrees are beginning to increase for aerospace engineering. The employment outlook seems promising.