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Engineering Careers

Design, build, solve. Engineering turns ideas into reality.

Engineering careers span mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, and emerging fields like robotics and renewable energy engineering. Engineers are problem-solvers who design everything from bridges to spacecraft. With strong salary potential and diverse specializations, engineering remains one of the most reliable career paths.

Careers

$74,735

Avg Salary

4.6%

Avg Growth

34/100

Avg AI Risk

All Engineering Careers

🔥 Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Engineer

BCI lets your brain talk directly to computers. Neuralink already has human implants! Spans neuroscience, hardware engineering, and AI.

$142,500📈 35% growth🤖 AI Risk: 5%

🔥 Robotics Entrepreneur / Service Robot Company Founder

Build intelligent robots that act autonomously in the real world — delivery, warehouse sorting, surgery, home care, construction. The ultimate AI + hardware combination.

$139,500📈 28% growth🤖 AI Risk: 5%

🔥 Space Manufacturing Engineer / In-Orbit Manufacturing Founder

Manufacture things in space that can't be made on Earth. Microgravity enables purer fiber optics, more perfect drug crystals, stronger alloys.

$135,000📈 22% growth🤖 AI Risk: 5%

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers combine engineering with biology and medicine to design medical devices, prosthetics, imaging equipment, and pharmaceutical drugs.

$100,750📈 5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 8%

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They develop new technologies for aviation, defense systems, and space exploration.

$130,720📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 10%

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects and systems, including roads, bridges, airports, water systems, and buildings.

$95,890📈 5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 10%

Ironworkers

Ironworkers play a vital role in the US economy, with 85K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $61,940, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$61,940📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 10%

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers play a vital role in the US economy, with 119K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $58,800, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$58,800📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 10%

Flooring installers and tile and stone setters

Flooring installers and tile and stone setters play a vital role in the US economy, with 112K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $52,000, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$52,000📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 10%

Roofers

Roofers play a vital role in the US economy, with 167K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $50,970, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$50,970📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 10%

Painters, construction and maintenance

Painters, construction and maintenance play a vital role in the US economy, with 342K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $48,660, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$48,660📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 10%

Construction laborers and helpers

Construction laborers and helpers play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.6 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $46,050, with projected growth of 7% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$46,050📈 7% growth🤖 AI Risk: 10%

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, from power generators to navigation systems and electric motors.

$107,890📈 5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 15%

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.

$99,510📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 15%

🔥 Precision Agriculture Technologist

Use drones, satellites, AI, IoT sensors to optimize farming — less water, fewer pesticides, higher yields.

$95,000📈 15% growth🤖 AI Risk: 18%

Electrical power-line installers and repairers

Electrical power-line installers and repairers play a vital role in the US economy, with 127K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $92,560, with projected growth of 7% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$92,560📈 7% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Boilermakers

Boilermakers play a vital role in the US economy, with 10K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $73,340, with projected growth of -2% through 2034 (Decline).

$73,340📈 -2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters play a vital role in the US economy, with 505K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $62,970, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$62,970📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Electricians

Electricians play a vital role in the US economy, with 819K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $62,350, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$62,350📈 9% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers play a vital role in the US economy, with 425K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $59,810, with projected growth of 8% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$59,810📈 8% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Carpenters

Carpenters play a vital role in the US economy, with 959K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $59,310, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$59,310📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Masonry workers

Masonry workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 294K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $56,600, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$56,600📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Glaziers

Glaziers play a vital role in the US economy, with 61K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $55,440, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$55,440📈 3% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers play a vital role in the US economy, with 457K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $51,000, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$51,000📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Insulation workers

Insulation workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 67K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $50,730, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$50,730📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Automotive body and glass repairers

Automotive body and glass repairers play a vital role in the US economy, with 193K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $50,680, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$50,680📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

General maintenance and repair workers

General maintenance and repair workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.6 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $48,620, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$48,620📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Hazardous materials removal workers

Hazardous materials removal workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 51K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $48,490, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$48,490📈 1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Small engine mechanics

Small engine mechanics play a vital role in the US economy, with 78K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $48,240, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$48,240📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Butchers

Butchers play a vital role in the US economy, with 143K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $38,960, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$38,960📈 1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

Bakers

Bakers play a vital role in the US economy, with 249K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $36,650, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$36,650📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 20%

🔥 Commercial Drone Pilot & Operator

Fly UAVs for construction surveys, precision agriculture, cinematography, power line inspections.

$137,500📈 28% growth🤖 AI Risk: 22%

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers play a vital role in the US economy, with 24K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $106,580, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$106,580📈 5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 161K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $79,140, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$79,140📈 5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Stationary engineers and boiler operators

Stationary engineers and boiler operators play a vital role in the US economy, with 33K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $75,190, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$75,190📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers play a vital role in the US economy, with 119K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $71,270, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).

$71,270📈 0% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Telecommunications technicians

Telecommunications technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 269K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $64,310, with projected growth of -3% through 2034 (Decline).

$64,310📈 -3% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights

Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights play a vital role in the US economy, with 538K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $63,510, with projected growth of 13% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$63,510📈 13% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians

Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 246K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $62,740, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$62,740📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Medical equipment repairers

Medical equipment repairers play a vital role in the US economy, with 68K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $62,630, with projected growth of 13% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$62,630📈 13% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Sheet metal workers

Sheet metal workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 127K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $60,850, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$60,850📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Diesel service technicians and mechanics

Diesel service technicians and mechanics play a vital role in the US economy, with 320K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $60,640, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$60,640📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Construction equipment operators

Construction equipment operators play a vital role in the US economy, with 540K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $58,320, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$58,320📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Oil and gas workers

Oil and gas workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 116K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $52,610, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$52,610📈 1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Automotive service technicians and mechanics play a vital role in the US economy, with 806K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $49,670, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$49,670📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Painting and coating workers

Painting and coating workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 174K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $47,390, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$47,390📈 1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Woodworkers

Woodworkers play a vital role in the US economy, with 215K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $43,720, with projected growth of -2% through 2034 (Decline).

$43,720📈 -2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Assemblers and fabricators

Assemblers and fabricators play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.9 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $43,570, with projected growth of -1% through 2034 (Decline).

$43,570📈 -1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Food processing equipment workers

Food processing equipment workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 283K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $40,050, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$40,050📈 5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 30%

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 15K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $70,760, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$70,760📈 1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 40%

Calibration technologists and technicians

Calibration technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 16K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $65,040, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$65,040📈 5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 40%

Machinists and tool and die makers

Machinists and tool and die makers play a vital role in the US economy, with 355K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $57,700, with projected growth of -2% through 2034 (Decline).

$57,700📈 -2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 40%

Semiconductor processing technicians

Semiconductor processing technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 32K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $51,180, with projected growth of 11% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$51,180📈 11% growth🤖 AI Risk: 40%

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 35K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $49,140, with projected growth of -5% through 2034 (Decline).

$49,140📈 -5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 40%

Metal and plastic machine workers

Metal and plastic machine workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.0 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $46,800, with projected growth of -7% through 2034 (Decline).

$46,800📈 -7% growth🤖 AI Risk: 40%

Health and safety engineers

Health and safety engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 24K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $109,660, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$109,660📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 50%

Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians

Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 94K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $77,180, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$77,180📈 1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 50%

Surveyors

Surveyors play a vital role in the US economy, with 56K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $72,740, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$72,740📈 4% growth🤖 AI Risk: 50%

Construction and building inspectors

Construction and building inspectors play a vital role in the US economy, with 148K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $72,120, with projected growth of -1% through 2034 (Decline).

$72,120📈 -1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 50%

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 38K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $68,730, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).

$68,730📈 0% growth🤖 AI Risk: 50%

Surveying and mapping technicians

Surveying and mapping technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 59K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $51,940, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$51,940📈 5% growth🤖 AI Risk: 50%

Quality control inspectors

Quality control inspectors play a vital role in the US economy, with 598K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $47,460, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).

$47,460📈 0% growth🤖 AI Risk: 50%

Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians

Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 67K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $45,820, with projected growth of -1% through 2034 (Decline).

$45,820📈 -1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 50%

Petroleum engineers

Petroleum engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 20K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $141,280, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$141,280📈 1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 60%

Chemical engineers

Chemical engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 22K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $121,860, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$121,860📈 3% growth🤖 AI Risk: 60%

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers play a vital role in the US economy, with 47K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $103,600, with projected growth of -10% through 2034 (Decline).

$103,600📈 -10% growth🤖 AI Risk: 60%

Mining and geological engineers

Mining and geological engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 7K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $101,020, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$101,020📈 1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 60%

Agricultural engineers

Agricultural engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 2K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $84,630, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$84,630📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 60%

Industrial engineering technologists and technicians

Industrial engineering technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 75K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $64,790, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$64,790📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 60%

Civil engineering technologists and technicians

Civil engineering technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 65K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $64,200, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$64,200📈 2% growth🤖 AI Risk: 60%

Nuclear engineers

Nuclear engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 15K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $127,520, with projected growth of -1% through 2034 (Decline).

$127,520📈 -1% growth🤖 AI Risk: 70%

Materials engineers

Materials engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 23K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $108,310, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$108,310📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 70%

Marine engineers and naval architects

Marine engineers and naval architects play a vital role in the US economy, with 9K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $105,670, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$105,670📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 70%

Industrial engineers

Industrial engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 351K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $101,140, with projected growth of 11% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$101,140📈 11% growth🤖 AI Risk: 70%

Landscape architects

Landscape architects play a vital role in the US economy, with 22K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $79,660, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).

$79,660📈 3% growth🤖 AI Risk: 70%

Computer hardware engineers

Computer hardware engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 77K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $155,020, with projected growth of 7% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$155,020📈 7% growth🤖 AI Risk: 80%

Cartographers and photogrammetrists

Cartographers and photogrammetrists play a vital role in the US economy, with 13K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $78,380, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).

$78,380📈 6% growth🤖 AI Risk: 80%

Drafters

Drafters play a vital role in the US economy, with 192K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $65,380, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).

$65,380📈 0% growth🤖 AI Risk: 90%

Recommended AP Courses for Engineering

These AP courses are most frequently connected to Engineering careers. Taking them in high school gives you a head start.

AP Biology

science · Pass rate: 70.4%

3 careers

AP Calculus BC

math · Pass rate: 78.6%

6 careers

AP Computer Science A

cs · Pass rate: 67.2%

3 careers

AP Computer Science Principles

cs · Pass rate: 61.9%

2 careers

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

science · Pass rate: 67.3%

3 careers

AP Statistics

math · Pass rate: 60.3%

2 careers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the highest-paying careers in Engineering?

The highest-paying Engineering careers include Computer hardware engineers ($155,020), Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Engineer ($142,500), Petroleum engineers ($141,280). The average salary across all Engineering careers on PathLeap is $74,735.

Which Engineering careers are safest from AI?

The most AI-resilient Engineering careers include Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Engineer (AI risk: 5/100), Robotics Entrepreneur / Service Robot Company Founder (AI risk: 5/100), Space Manufacturing Engineer / In-Orbit Manufacturing Founder (AI risk: 5/100). These careers involve skills that are harder for AI to replicate.

What AP courses should I take for Engineering?

The most recommended AP courses for Engineering careers are AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles. These courses build foundational skills valued in Engineering.

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