Best Engineering Jobs in the United States in 2023

Earning money as an engineer requires quite a bit of training and education, but in return, it can be one of the most rewarding professions you can pursue. For all the aspiring engineers out there, finding the right job can be one of the most intimidating steps on your journey to becoming an engineer.

With so many different fields to choose from and so many ways to become involved in engineering, it’s no wonder this career field is one of the most popular around! Whether you’re a newly minted engineering graduate looking for your first job or you’re a seasoned veteran looking to switch industries, we’ve got some insights into the best engineering jobs in the US that might be just what you need to get ahead in this competitive market.

The best engineering jobs in the US in 2023 are sure to excite job seekers who are interested in design, development, construction, science, and more. Depending on what engineering job you’re applying for, the education requirements can vary greatly.  The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are about 1.4 million jobs in the engineering field as of 2016, but this number does not include the self-employed engineers and consultants who work independently or on small, local projects.

The engineering industry has been steadily growing since the early 2000s and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon; in fact, many analysts expect the demand for engineers to increase by over 20% between 2016 and 2023, which will result in more job openings than the market can provide trained workers to fill them with. Also, there are many other factors that contribute to this growth in demand.

In this blog post, we will be discussing the best engineering jobs in the United States for 2023. We will be looking at various factors such as job satisfaction, salary, and job outlook. With engineering being one of the most popular majors, there are many different types of engineering jobs available. We hope that this guide will help you narrow down your search and find the perfect engineering job for you!

What is Engineering?

Engineering is a career field that applies principles of science and technology to invent, design, build and use machines, systems, structures, and other things that help people solve problems or achieve practical goals.

An Engineer is a professional who is charged with managing technical functions and work schedules. They use their knowledge of math and science to design, build and test various processes, systems, or products. They ensure client compliance with engineering projects while also testing equipment for efficiency in the workplace. Some of their duties include preparing project budgets, determining project specifications, and creating plans using detailed drawings and diagrams.

Best Engineering Jobs in the United States

The following are the best jobs in the engineering field with career insights about the projected growth rate, average salary, and primary duties of each job.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers are the masterminds behind bridges, tunnels, roads, dams, and water supply systems. In order to be a civil engineer, you need at least a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, and many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher. As a civil engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, and water systems. The median salary for civil engineers is $86,640 per year, and job growth is expected to be about average (6%) from now to 2029.

Mechanical Engineer

As a mechanical engineer, you may design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacture of mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. You may work in a variety of industries, such as the automotive or aerospace industry. In 2023, the median pay for mechanical engineers is $87,370 per year. For most mechanical engineering jobs, you'll need a bachelor's degree bearing the occupation's name. Some may be able to snag an entry-level job with an associate degree.

Petroleum Engineer

The job prospects for petroleum engineers are expected to be good in the United States in 2023. The demand for petroleum engineers is expected to grow as the world continues to need more energy. Petroleum engineers will be needed to find new ways to extract oil and gas from deposits. They will also be needed to develop new methods for reducing pollution during the extraction process. With more fuel being burned around the world, these professionals will also be required to help limit global warming by developing clean-burning fuels that generate less carbon dioxide.

Petroleum Engineers made a median salary of $137,330 as of 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $189,030 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $108,130. To obtain an entry-level job, prospective petroleum engineers will need to get a bachelor's degree in engineering or petroleum engineering, preferably from an ABET-accredited program.

Architect

As an architect, you'll need to be creative, have strong problem-solving skills, and be able to work well with others. You'll also need to have a bachelor's degree in architecture. The job outlook for architects is good, with an expected 11% growth in employment from now to 2029. Architectural and engineering managers are expected to see a 7% growth in employment during that same time period.

A master's degree or higher may be required for these positions. If you're looking for a position where you can use your creativity, problem-solving skills, and collaboration abilities to make sure buildings go up on time and within budget, then being an architect might be the perfect career path for you! Architects made a median salary of $82,320 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $106,680 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $63,420.

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineering is a profession that researches and develops solutions to biological and medical problems. In Biomedical engineering, you could work on developing and improving medical devices such as pacemakers and artificial limbs. You might also work on developing new pharmaceuticals or working on ways to improve patient care and safety. The median salary for this job is $88,550 per year. A bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering is required, but a doctorate can provide an even higher-paying career.

Environmental Engineer

As an environmental engineer, you will help protect and improve the environment. You will be responsible for finding ways to reduce pollution and waste and make sure that buildings and products are safe and comply with environmental regulations. You will need a bachelor's degree in engineering, and job growth is expected to be about average. Environmental Engineers made a median salary of $92,120 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $118,960 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $70,260.

Environmental Engineering Technician

As an environmental engineering technician, you'll help protect people's health and the environment by assessing environmental problems and developing solutions. You may work with engineers to develop plans to control pollution, clean up contaminated sites, or mitigate environmental hazards. You might also collect data and monitor environmental conditions to ensure compliance with regulations.

The job outlook for environmental engineering technicians is expected to grow 4% from now to 2029, according to the BLS. Environmental Engineering Technicians made a median salary of $51,630 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $67,100 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $39,330.

Final Thoughts

After reading this list, it’s clear that there are many great engineering jobs in the US. But which one is right for you? It depends on your skillset, interests, and goals. Do some research to figure out which job would be the best fit for you. And don’t forget to check out job postings to see what companies are hiring in your area. I hope this post helped you find a potential career path!