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What is an Engineer?

An engineer uses science, technology and math to solve problems. We can see engineering everywhere in the world around us, improving the ways we work, travel, communicate, stay healthy, and entertain.

Today, the field of engineering offers more career choices than any other discipline! In the past, there were four major engineering branches: mechanical, chemical, civil and electrical. Today, the number of available engineering degrees are vast. There are now six major branches of engineering: mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, management, and geotechnical, and under each branch there are hundreds of different subcategories.

What does an Engineer do?

Engineers design machinery, build skyscrapers, and oversee public works, but they address society's needs and problems on so many other levels as well. At a molecular level, they work on drug delivery systems that work inside cells. At a macro level, they look at the particle flow of pollutants through soil to clean up oil spills, abandoned industrial sites and other biohazards. At a galactic level, they design spacecraft for other-planet exploration. At an atomic level, they develop data storage that focuses on the spin of electrons in atoms. Clean drinking water, safe food storage, and the protection of our environment are also under the engineering umbrella.

The following are various types of engineers. Click on each type to learn what they do.

Aerospace Engineer
- directs and coordinates the design, manufacture, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products
Agricultural Engineer
- analyzes agricultural operations and looks at new technologies and ways of doing things to improve land use, increase yields, and conserve resources
Biochemical Engineer
- develops new chemical products that can be used by a multitude of companies and individuals
Biofuel Manufacturing Research Engineer
- selects, tests, and recommends equipment and process improvements for the production of alternative fuel
Biomedical Engineer
- analyzes and designs solutions to problems in biology and medicine
Chemical Engineer
- conceptualizes and designs processes for producing, transforming and transporting materials
Civil Engineer
- designs and supervises large construction projects, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment
Computer Hardware Engineer
- researches, designs, develops, and tests computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers
Computer Systems Engineer
- provides advice to clients regarding the appropriate hardware and/or software to ensure that their computer systems meet their needs
Electrical Engineer
- designs and develops new electrical equipment, solves problems and tests equipment
Environmental Engineer
- uses the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems
Flight Engineer
- is responsible for ensuring that all components of the plane are in proper working order
Geotechnical Engineer
- is a specialization within civil engineering that involves investigating and understanding what is beneath the ground's surface
Geothermal Engineer
- creates processes and equipment that convert thermal energy stored in the earth into electrical power
Industrial Engineer
- finds ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes
Mechanical Engineer
- designs, develops, builds, and tests mechanical devices, including tools, engines and machines
Mechatronics Engineer
- create machines that are made up of several parts: the mechanical system, the sensing and actuation, the control systems, and the software
Mining and Geological Engineer
- designs mines for the safe and efficient removal of minerals, such as coal and metals, for manufacturing and utilities
Nanosystems Engineer
- investigates the microscopic interactions between various materials
Nanotechnology Engineer
- seeks to learn new things that can change the face of health, science, technology, and the environment on a molecular level
Nuclear Engineer
- researches and develops the processes, instruments, and systems used to get benefits from nuclear energy and radiation
Petroleum Engineer
- locates reservoirs of natural gas and crude oil beneath the earth's surface
Photonics Engineer
- creates and improves systems and products that use photonics-lasers, optics, fiber optics, and imaging
Power Engineer
- is responsible for the operation, maintenance, renovation and repair of boiler systems and other mechanical systems in a facility
Product Safety Engineer
- is responsible for developing and carrying out tests and experiments to gauge the safety levels of products
Robotics Engineer
- creates robots and robotic systems that are able to perform duties that humans are either unable or prefer not to complete
Sales Engineer
- sells complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses
Security Engineer
- is someone who analyzes computer networks, ensures they are running securely, and tries to foresee possible security issues that could arise in the future
Ship Engineer or Marine Engineer
- is involved in coordinating the activity in virtually any technical department aboard a commercial, research and military ship
Software Engineer
- is engaged in computer software development, and applies engineering principles to software creation
Software Quality Assurance Engineer
- monitors every phase of the software development process so as to ensure design quality
Water Engineer
- takes care of sewage and wastewater and makes sure that clean water is available to citizens
Wind Energy Engineer
- harnesses the power of wind to feed a power grid or other electrical power system by designing wind farms, or their components

Are you suited to be an engineer?

Engineers have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they're intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also enterprising, meaning they're adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if engineer is one of your top career matches.

Take the free test now Learn more about the career test

What is the workplace of an Engineer like?

The workplace of an engineer depends on the type of engineer, their actual job description and the company they work for. Many engineers work in an office environment, some work in the field overseeing their projects, and others, like a ship engineer, travel almost 100% of the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'best engineering degree' will, of course, be subjective, and be different for each person. The choice a student makes will be based on a couple of things - where his/her interests lie, and what field has the best outlook for the future.

If looking for an engineering field that is growing at a rapid pace and is linked to advancing almost every major industry in the future, then software engineering is at the top of the list. If higher pay is a top criteria, then petroleum engineering and chemical engineering are good fields to look into. The biomedical engineering field is expected to grow 62 percent by 2020 due to the aging baby-boomer generation and advances in medical technology. Environmental engineering is expected to grow by 22 percent by 2020, and civil engineering by 19 percent.

Again, it's good to remember that the best engineering degree (and ultimately the best job satisfaction) may be completely different than what it is for someone else. Opt for the field that will be the most rewarding and fulfilling for you as an individual, as there really isn't a 'bad' engineering field.
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Becoming a professional engineer takes a minimum of eight years.

A four- or five- year bachelor's degree program is the typical educational track required for entry into the engineering profession. After earning their bachelor's, graduates may sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. With four years of industry experience after that, they may sit for the second part of the exam to become a Professional Engineer.

Many in the field go on to pursue a master's degree, which typically takes another two years to complete.

Based on our pool of users, engineers tend to be predominately investigative people. The field of engineering, without exception, relies heavily on the investigative skills of its practitioners. Whether they are designing aircraft, researching solutions to environmental problems, developing robotic systems, or analyzing the security of computer networks, engineers are consistently called upon to examine and investigate issues and ultimately find solutions.

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An engineer uses science, technology and math to solve problems. We can see engineering everywhere in the world around us, improving the ways we work, travel, communicate, stay healthy, and entertain. Today, the field of engineering offers more career choices than any other discipline!

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The construction sector includes the construction of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and engineering projects like roads, bridges, and utility systems. Construction includes both new construction and remodeling, additions, maintenance, and repairs.

Construction is one of the industries with the highest projections for new employment opportunities. Positions vary, ranging from unskilled laborer and helper jobs to roles that require extensive training, education, and skills.

Job Titles With the Highest Employment

Overall, the construction industry employed 7,505,000 workers in July 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For 2018, the job titles with the highest number of employees included:

Carpenters - 611,070

Construction Laborers - 849,570

Construction Managers - 227,460

Electricians - 503,660

Operating Engineers and Other Equipment Operators - 245,320

Jobs with the Highest Projected Growth

Construction is projected to add 864,700 new jobs by 2026. Employment is estimated to grow 12% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, increasing from 6.71 million jobs to 7.58 million jobs.

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for all construction and extraction jobs was $51,220 in May 2018. (For comparison, the median annual wage for all occupations in that same time period was $51,960.)

Which jobs need the most employees? All jobs in the construction sector are projected to have an increase in employment.

Projected growth ranges from 1%, which is far below the average for all jobs (8.4%), for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, to 105% for Solar Photovoltaic Installers. Almost all of the major job categories within construction are projected to grow at above-average rates.

The most in-demand jobs, with higher-than-average projections for job creation, in the sector include:

Boilermakers

People in this role assemble, install, and repair boilers and other containers holding liquid or gas. Typically, boilermakers participate in apprenticeships for training, and the work itself has the potential for danger. (It's one of the highest-paying jobs available in the construction industry.)

Construction Equipment Operators

In this job, people drive or operate equipment and machinery to build and repair roads, buildings, and more. Apprenticeships and training programs are available, but it's also very common to learn on the job.

Construction and Building Inspectors

Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.

Construction Laborers and Helpers

Laborers and helpers do the physical work - including digging, building, unloading, clearing, and assisting craftspeople - required on job sites. They may also operate machinery. Training for the position comes on the job.

Electricians

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in both residential and commercial spaces. Training is required for this role, typically through schools or apprenticeships. Depending on the state, a license may be required as well. See a sample resume and skills list for an electrician here.

Elevator Installers and Repairmen

People in this role put in elevators, escalators, and other moving walkways and stairs, and also maintain and repair them. More than half of all states require these workers to be licensed, and training for the job is typically achieved through an apprenticeship.

Flooring Installers

Flooring installers and tile and marble setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile.

Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in storefronts and buildings.

Hazardous Material Removers

Hazardous material removal workers identify and dispose of asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other hazardous materials. They also neutralize and clean up materials that are flammable, corrosive, or toxic.

Ironworkers

Ironworkers can learn the correct way to install iron and steel for buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures on the job or through an apprenticeship .

Masonry Workers

Using bricks, stone, concrete, and other materials, masons create or build walls, fireplaces, fences, and more. Programs to learn masonry are available at technical colleges, or workers can learn on the job or through an apprenticeship.

Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, and Steamfitters

Training to install and repair roofs is typically achieved on the job, although apprenticeship programs are available.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers

Also known as PV installers, people with this job title install solar roof panels on residential and commercial buildings. Courses are available for training, as well as apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

More Construction Job Titles

See below for an extensive list of construction-related job titles and occupations. Use this list to help power your job search.
Construction Laborers and Helpers

Laborer

General Laborer

Painter

Construction Worker

Ceiling Tile Installer

Assistant Project Manager

Building Inspector

Civil Engineer

Superintendent

Field Engineer

Inspector

Planner

Construction Engineer

Purchasing Coordinator

Project Assistant

Project Manager

Safety Director

Safety Manager

Scheduler

Site Manager

Construction Assistant

Construction Coordinator

Construction Foreman

Construction Manager

Construction Superintendent

Construction Supervisor

Contract Administrator

Contract Manager

Estimator

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Construction Careers: Options, Job Titles, and Descriptions

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The construction sector includes the construction of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and engineering projects like roads, bridges, and utility systems. Construction includes both new construction and remodeling, additions, maintenance, and repairs. Construction is one of the industries with the highest projections for new employment opportunities.

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1. Career Guide

2. Finding a Job

3. 14 Types of Engineering Careers To Explore

Engineering careers offer the opportunity for creative thinking, innovative experimentation and intriguing design and development. With an engineering background, you might work with aircraft, watercraft, road design, software programs and more. There are many engineering careers that you can explore if you're interested in this area. In this article, we list some of the most popular types of engineering careers, their average salaries and general job descriptions.
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What is engineering?

Engineering refers to any type of science concerned with the design, construction and use of machines, systems and structures. It is a vast field that has applications in nearly every industry, from manufacturing and production to shipping and construction. Engineers of various types were likely involved in the home you live in, the building you work at, the bridges you drive over and the products that you buy. If you're interested in problem solving, experimentation and machine development, a career in engineering may suit you.

Popular careers in engineering

If you're interested in a career in engineering, you'll find that there are many specialties to explore. Below are 14 common types of engineering careers you might consider:

National average salary: $73,602 per year

Primary duties: Industrial engineers evaluate and improve production processes. They strive to eliminate waste and improve efficiency in these systems. Their responsibilities include evaluating production schedules and process flows, determining ways to improve efficiency and developing management control systems for improved effectiveness and lowered costs. They work closely with vendors, management and staff to better understand the processes in a facility and pinpoint the best ways to improve upon them.

National average salary: $76,018 per year

Primary duties: Biomedical engineers work with biological and medical sciences. They design and develop equipment, systems and software for the healthcare industry. A biomedical engineer is responsible for installing, maintaining, evaluating and repairing biomedical equipment, such as diagnostic machines and artificial organs. They train clinicians on the proper use of such technology, prepare research papers and technical reports and report their findings to colleagues, scientists, clinicians, management and the public.

National average salary: $76,189 per year

Primary duties: Environmental engineers research and develop ways to better protect and improve the environment. They may focus on air pollution, wastewater management, soil quality, water-borne diseases, environmental remediation, ozone depletion or other targeted areas.

An environmental engineer could develop technology to reduce automobile emissions or find a more effective way to measure climate change. They design large scale projects that will protect the environment and typically follow these through, obtaining permits, overseeing construction, monitoring use of the facility and inspecting operation to ensure compliance with the appropriate regulations.

National average salary: $79,748 per year

Primary duties: Marine engineers work with constructions that are used on or in the water. This includes submarines, tankers, aircraft carriers and sailboats. They work primarily with the internal systems of these ships, including the electrical, refrigeration, propulsion and steering systems. The architectural elements of the ship fall under the purview of the naval architect, who deals with the form and structure surrounding the marine engineer's systems.

National average salary: $80,692 per year

Primary duties: Civil engineers typically work for the government, designing and developing cities or towns. They may work on buildings, roads, tunnels, dams, airports and bridges. They are responsible for assessing an area's needs and designing constructions that facilitate a safe commute and productive function.

Buildings must be constructed to withstand environmental hazards, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, as effectively as possible. Responsibilities include analyzing soil tests, determining the most effective building materials, preparing cost estimates, submitting permit applications and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

National average salary: $81,789 per year

Primary duties: Mechanical engineers work with force, energy and motion, using these elements to design, develop and test mechanical devices. Their job responsibilities include designing effective tools, improving mechanical technologies, drafting blueprints, constructing prototypes, testing theories and proving functional ways to use products and procedures. Depending on the scope of their project, these engineers might modify existing equipment, produce new designs or draft documentation to guide future users.

National average salary: $84,103 per year

Primary duties: Petroleum engineers work with the equipment that digs beneath the earth's surface to extract gas and oil. They may experiment with new techniques for accessing new oil wells or better utilizing existing ones. Petroleum engineers work closely with geologists in the field to plan and oversee drilling operations. They are responsible for finding the most profitable and safest way to recover oil and gas.

National average salary: $84,605 per year

Primary duties: Computer engineers work with the software and hardware that make computers run. They develop and test technology to make sure that it works properly. A computer engineer may focus on computer games, business applications, security systems or another specialized area.

These professionals are also responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting existing systems, assessing them for flaws and developing the appropriate patches or upgrades to keep the company running smoothly.

Read more: Learn About Being a Computer Engineer

National average salary: $85,396 per year

Primary duties: Electrical engineers work with power generation and supply systems. They might work with electrical generation systems, wiring, lighting and circuitry. This career can take many forms. It may focus on developing instrumentation that measures electricity, improving systems that generate electricity or streamlining the installations that transmit and utilize power. Electrical engineers regularly evaluate existing systems and solutions and look for ways to improve efficiency in the energy sector.

Read more: Learn About Being an Electrical Engineer

National average salary: $85,591 per year

Primary duties: Nuclear engineers work with nuclear energy and radiation. They research the properties of nuclear energy and develop systems and processes to make the best use of this resource. They may develop medical or industrial uses for radioactive materials and establish protocols for working with these materials safely.

National average salary: $88,465 per year

Primary duties: A materials engineer is responsible for developing, processing and testing the materials that are used in various manufacturing processes. This can include plastics, ceramics, metals and composite materials. Materials engineers study these materials to determine their electrical, mechanical or chemical properties and assess their usefulness in different applications. They operate analytical equipment, prepare samples for testing, interpret the data and organize results so they can make informed recommendations on the best materials to use for new products.

National average salary: $93,080 per year

Primary duties: Chemical engineers typically work with pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals or food processing. These professionals research and develop new manufacturing processes for chemical production, byproduct treatment and manufacturing operations.

They develop safety protocols, establish standard processes and evaluate processing equipment and chemical engineering methods to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Chemical engineers may routinely test, assess and troubleshoot existing equipment and processes as well.

National average salary: $97,150 per year

Primary duties: Aeronautical engineers, also referred to as aerospace engineers, work in aviation, aerospace and defense. They develop, design, test and maintain aeronautical engineering systems that are used in helicopters, space shuttles, passenger airliners, fighter planes, stealth jets and other airborne vehicles. These engineers often focus on a particular part of the construction, such as electrical systems, structural engineering or software solutions.

National average salary: $104,682 per year

Primary duties: Software engineers design, develop, install and maintain computer software. They typically focus on either operating systems or computer programs and applications. These professionals utilize math, computer science and engineering skills to create new software, develop multi-platform programming and test their coding for stability and functionality. They regularly assess the performance of existing software systems and recommend updates, enhancements or new installations based on the company's needs.

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14 Types of Engineering Careers To Explore

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Career Guide Finding a Job 14 Types of Engineering Careers To Explore Engineering careers offer the opportunity for creative thinking, innovative experimentation and intriguing design and development. With an engineering background, you might work with aircraft, watercraft, road design, software programs and more.

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Infographic: The Difference Between Architects & Engineers

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What are the key differences between architects vs engineers? Our infographic showcases the key differences between architecture & engineering. Learn more!

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Completing a degree in architecture can be a long and arduous process, but also wonderfully rewarding. Despite this, many freshly graduated architects find themselves unsure about where to begin, or deciding that they actually don't want to be architects at all. Here is a list of 21 careers you can pursue with a degree in architecture, which may help some overcome the daunting task of beginning to think about and plan for the professional life that awaits.
1. Landscape Architect 2. Urban Planner 3. Restoration Architect
Careers in Architecture
4. Research Architect
Architecture: the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings. Architects often argue over the actual definition of our discipline, but can never really escape the use of broad terms, coming from a fantastically broad education. It's unsurprising then, that the task of figuring out what kind of architect you want to be is a daunting one. Below is a list of 7 branches of architecture for you to consider:
5. Lighting Architect
Designing outdoor landscapes, including infrastructure, public areas, agriculture and forestry is vital for constructing the webs that bind our urban and rural spaces, but also, and perhaps more importantly, it's essential for responding to globalization and climate change. Landscape architects are involved in storm water management, environmental restoration, and recreational areas among other things. If you enjoy working with and in the natural environment, this could be the path for you.
6. Political Architect
As a result of a rapidly growing percentage of our population moving into urban areas, the conditions of urbanism are constantly in a state of flux. The dynamic state of the urban environment makes it an exciting path to take as an architect, covering everything from economic and demographic changes, to sustainable development. It's an essential responsibility within our profession, but a challenging one; it requires adaptability and problem solving on a large scale.
7. Extreme Architect
Our societies' heritage and history as presented through architecture are not only beautiful glimpses into the past, but also crucial to understanding our culture as a discipline. Conservation and restoration of buildings is undeniably a challenge; it is never possible to please everyone. The media often targets the act of restoration as a " heritage massacre," in spite of the often very beautiful solutions.

With the current wave of digital design and constant advancement of digital tools, our methods of representation and expression are changing dramatically. Information technology has had a profound impact upon architecture that is far from over. These constant improvements are in part made possible by the exciting research being done by architects, not necessarily consisting of designing buildings, but focusing more on how these new tools can enhance our work.

Light has a profound impact on our mental and physical health, as anyone living at high latitudes can empathize with. Delving into the architecture of lighting entails improving the quality of our experiences, our health and well-being, and the sustainability of not only the natural environment, but also smaller spaces such as our work environments.
8. Artist
Some argue that architecture is by nature political, however being active in the political decision of a city or country is a different story. Architecture is more than just creating beautiful objects; the discipline has a value in organizing society. Architecture firm Terroir, for example, has worked with the Burnie City Council as well as with the Parramatta City Council in Australia, to argue for a certain structure for the city, to predict what may happen, and to design a set of criteria for the evolution of the city. It is a case of architecture influencing politics, instead of the other way around.
9. Industrial Designer
With the current development of climate change, extreme weather conditions such as floods, heat waves and hurricanes are predicted to increase. Existing extreme environments, such as deserts, are likely to expand due to phenomena such as desertification. Being an architect who specializes in extreme weather conditions is therefore not only an incredibly fascinating way to tackle the subject, but also invaluable for us to adapt to the future of our planet.
10. Furniture Designer
Careers in Art and Design
11. Textile Designer
If, upon graduating, you realize that architecture is in fact not for you, design and art might be. Architecture already is a form of design (or maybe it's the other way around), making it easier to create direct links between your education as an architect, and your profession as an artist or designer. Another alternative is to combine two disciplines, such as graphic design and architecture. Perhaps your passion is to make it easier for architects to communicate through graphics?
12. Graphic Designer
Although Olafur Eliasson did not study architecture, he works with many architects at Studio Olafur Eliasson, exemplifying how harmonious and imperative the relationship between space and art is. The spatial reasoning and visualization skills one gains from an education in architecture lends themselves perfectly to installation art, sculpture and spatial experiences, without the necessity for functionality.
13. Video Game Designer
Several architecture firms have branched into industrial design, due to their close creative ties. However, industrial design focuses on smaller scale objects of mass production, as opposed to large-scale buildings designed for a specific context. If the prospect of designing something enormous, permanent, and landscape changing sounds all too intimidating, industrial design is a great, smaller scaled alternative.
14. Photographer
Even more so than industrial design, furniture design can be seen as architecture's little sister. Countless famous architects have made significant contributions to furniture design: Charles and Ray Eames, Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen, among others. Contemporary architects such as Zaha Hadid Architects are following suit, proving that the two can even be done simultaneously.
15. Production Designer
Designing textiles requires sensitivity for color, tactility, construction, patterns and forms, all of which are developed during any student's years at architecture school. The relationship between "skin" and structure is in some ways even more literal than in a building, as the two merge together. High fashion is also reminiscent of architecture in many ways, adopting the geometric and sculptural constructions of contemporary buildings.

Graphic design is the way in which we take in our world and identify it. It is invaluable when it comes to communication. It can also be so aesthetically pleasing that one can hardly resist becoming a graphic designer. Taking a short course in graphic design to supplement a degree in architecture can open up a range of possibilities to still work within the field, but take charge of tasks that are more suited to your interests in communication.

The near-limitless boundaries that come with designing a virtual world may be one of the most fun things a newly graduated architect could think of doing with their education. Constructing the architecture of a video game is a way of letting your imagination roam free, but could also add more depth to your spatial reasoning.
16. Teacher/Professor
Architecture photography is becoming increasingly popular, possibly due to the beautiful geometry that can emerge by constraining something within a lens. Photography concerns itself more with the aesthetic, with the object and the composition in that unique moment, within that specific frame. It concerns itself with the fleeting atmosphere, more than with the permanent organization of people and spaces. Yet it still consists of composition, colour, environment and experiences.
17. Philanthropist
Although a set or a stage are far smaller platforms than a virtual planet, designing theater and film sets allows for just as much creative flow. It lifts the pressure of traditional spatial design and expression, allowing for experiences that may be more evocative, sensuous, and story-driven, while still utilizing all the knowledge and skills one gains from an education in architecture: time pressures, conceptual environments and collaborative creativity.
18. Politician
Careers Outside of Design
19. Conservationist
If you find yourself scrolling through this list and shaking your head at any mention of architecture, art or design, perhaps this final list is for you. It covers 6 careers outside of the stereotypical fields of design, mostly within the human sciences as architecture is inherently directed towards the human experience. Drawing the essence of this from your architectural education and injecting it into another discipline may even make you a stronger candidate in the professional sphere.
20. Writer
Young teachers at architecture schools are becoming more common, and if you're looking for more time to learn about the field before making a decision on whether or not you want to remain in it, taking up a year or two of teaching could be an ideal way to do so. Teaching is a two way street, especially at such a young age, which provides you with an excellent method to learn from your students and reflect on your view of architecture. Here are some tips on how to succeed as a young professor.
21. Entrepreneur
In the past, architecture was a gentleman's profession, taken up as a philanthropic endeavour as opposed to an economic one. In our present day, women have begun to get a strong hold on the profession, but thankfully the philanthropic ideal has not died out. Contemporary architecture has a necessary focus on sustainability: environmental, social, psychological, and economic. The knowledge and awareness of these ideals can be converted into other types of philanthropy, if that's what interests you. Founding a sustainable foundation towards a humanitarian aim is never a waste of time.

As mentioned previously, architecture and politics are in many ways inherently tied together. The knowledge one gains of people, and the way they interact with their environment, the way they are organized, what makes the human body and psyche feel comfortable; all of these skills contribute hugely to making a good politician. In fact, in Finland, Anders Adlercreutz, a current first-term Member of Parliament, is educated as an architect and practiced as one for many years before turning to politics, while in Britain Richard Rogers serves in the House of Lords alongside running his practice.

Similar to philanthropy, conservation of the environment is becoming a focal point within architecture. Despite many efforts, our planet is still heading down a path leading to disaster when it comes to our natural surroundings. Using your knowledge of spatial organization to develop a method of environmental conservation is not only intellectually stimulating, but also vitally important for our society.

Becoming a writer or journalist can be a great way to utilize an architectural education; we learn to articulate ourselves using ( mostly) descriptive language and rhetoric, in order to communicate our complex projects to teachers and critics. Turning that into writing, whether fictional or not, is another way of constructing another world and an experience for others. Despite the print being two-dimensional, the stories definitely aren't.

Problem solving, creative thinking and the art of persuasion are three skills architects and entrepreneurs have in common that you can use to your advantage. Your experience with abstract concepts and human interaction can make you a stronger competitor with an alternative way of thinking.

The list above is of course incomplete, as the careers mentioned here can be combined in many ways, and other, unmentioned vocations can be brought to the table to provide virtually infinite possibilities. As German educator Kurt Hahn said, "there is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps, for the rest of our lives, we will be unwilling to settle for less." Don't forget that there is a sea of possibilities out there.

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21 Careers You Can Pursue With A Degree in Architecture

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Completing a degree in architecture can be a long and arduous process, but also wonderfully rewarding. Despite this, many freshly graduated...

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Engineering Careers: 33 Different Types of Engineers and Salaries

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Engineering Careers: 33 Different Types of Engineers and Salaries

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Engineering is similar to the medical field in the sense that you don't just simply choose to be an "engineer," just like you don't simply choose to be a "doctor." You have to pick a specialty, as there are many different types of engineering jobs.

This naturally gives rise to the question: 'how many types of engineers are there?' In this guide, we'll be comparing and contrasting the different aspects of the different types of engineering careers, including:

Job responsibilities

Educational requirements

Salaries (pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Pros and cons

How to get your foot in the door.

Take the quiz
We have a lot to cover, so let's jump right in and take a look at our list of engineering careers.

Which Type of Engineering Has the Highest Salary?

Currently, the highest paid engineering field is petroleum engineering. Petroleum engineers earn an average of over $130,000 per year.

Types of Engineering and Salaries

Electrical Engineering

Median Salary: $97,970

An electrical engineer's job will typically involve designing an electrical system or electrical equipment.

Electrical or electronics engineers work with computers, cell phones, and basically any device or item that transmits energy. The daily responsibilities of an electrical engineer could include testing an electrical system, solving any problem that comes up, designing a system or piece of equipment, checking a system or piece of equipment for safety, and much more.

Electrical Engineering: Pros and Cons

For one, the pay for electrical engineers is definitely attractive.

Also, electrical engineering is a fairly flexible job. There are various industries that you could apply your skills in. Unlike software engineering, you may get to use your hands more and get out of the office every once in a while.

That's not to say that you won't spend time at a computer. Electrical engineers use programs to design and map out systems and equipment.

Also, a con of electrical engineering is the inherent dangers involved with working with electricity.

How to Become an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers need to have a bachelor's degree, at the very least, and master's degrees are often encouraged.

Software Engineering

Median Salary: $100,690

A software engineer spends most of her time creating computer programs or applications. The daily activities of a computer engineer include various other duties, such as making patches or updates, finding and fixing bugs, and much more.

Software Engineering: Pros and Cons

Chief among the pros is pay. Software engineers get paid very well, especially as you gain more experience in your career. This is one of the main reasons software engineering is not only one of the most lucrative types of engineering but is also one of the best tech jobs for the future.

Another pro of software engineering is, physically, it isn't very labor-intensive. Much of your work will be done in a comfortable office space on a computer.

Another pro of software engineering is the fact that it's a high demand job, meaning you won't have to worry too much about there not being jobs available.

Perhaps the biggest con is that sometimes the job can be intense or mentally stressful. Issues like a bug in a program often require quick-thinking to fix, lest the end-consumer get frustrated with the software or application.

How to Become a Software Engineer

Becoming a software engineer doesn't have quite as big of a barrier to entry as the other careers in this list.

If your self-taught skills are strong enough, you can have a career in software engineering. With useful resources such as coding bootcamps available, you can expedite your path to becoming a software engineer.

Mechanical Engineering

Median Salary: $85,880

A mechanical engineer typically designs and develops physical products. Mechanical engineers tend to be the broadest of the types of engineering career choices.

That is, they design such a wide variety of things. Car engines are the work of mechanical engineers. So are refrigerators, HVAC systems, printers, airplanes, the controls on an airplane, and much much more.

A mechanical engineer must be able to design product blueprints, find efficient ways of manufacturing products, run simulations, and test products.

Mechanical Engineering: Pros and Cons

You can apply many of the pros of being a software engineer to a mechanical engineering career. You work in a comfortable office much of the day, though you may get to leave the office sometimes depending on your specific job.

Also, mechanical engineering is one of the most varied engineering careers possible. There are numerous industries that you can find a mechanical engineering job in.

Perhaps one of the biggest cons is that mechanical engineering is on the lower end of the pay spectrum when it comes to engineering jobs.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer

A mechanical engineer needs a bachelor's degree from an accredited mechanical engineering school, and a master's degree is often encouraged. A mechanical engineer must get a license in the state they want to work in.

Industrial Engineering

Median Salary: $85,880

An industrial engineer will use their skills to make manufacturing and industrial systems as efficient as possible. They esure that industrial processes are not only efficient, but cost-effective. This is done by designing plans for large systems, managing inventory, increasing worker and machine efficiency, and much more.

Industrial Engineering: Pros and Cons

Industrial engineers have the benefit of being able to translate their skills to a variety of industries and different areas in a company. They also tend to coordinate teams of people and have the potential to move into management positions, so if you enjoy leadership, you may enjoy industrial engineering.

The biggest con of industrial engineering is that the pay is the lowest average for the engineering jobs we're discussing in this blog. Yet, the pay is great when you compare it to most other jobs.

How to Become an Industrial Engineer

An industrial engineer needs a bachelor's degree and preferably a master's degree as well. Although a license isn't required, it is recommended. Licenses in electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering are typically a good way to advance your career, so getting them as soon as possible is often the best course of action.

Aerospace Engineering

Median Salary: $113,030

As the name implies, aerospace engineering is the type of engineering that deals with flight. That is, aerospace engineers design, develop, and constructs aircraft and spacecraft.

More specifically, aerospace engineering can be broken down further into two more specific engineering disciplines: aeronautical engineering, which deals with aircraft that fly within the Earth's atmosphere, and astronautical engineering, which is concerned with spacecraft that fly beyond our planet's atmosphere.

Aerospace Engineering: Pros and Cons

The most obvious pro of being an aerospace engineer is the fact that every aerospace engineer gets to go to space at least once.

Okay, that's not true, but you do get to work in what is easily one of the coolest industries on (and off) the planet. And maybe it's just a lifetime of reading science fiction, but I also think there is something profoundly noble about aerospace engineering's project of extending human civilization out into the fire and void of empty space.

For this honor, you are also paid pretty well. At $113,030 aerospace engineers have the second-highest average salary of any engineering discipline, second only to petroleum engineering.

Probably the biggest con associated with aerospace engineering is the fact that there are a very small number of places at which you can find work. This has a few consequences.

First, you're almost certainly going to end up working for the government or one of maybe a dozen private firms that specialize in building and testing aerospace equipment. Though we've seen a really exciting expansion of job opportunities in the form of companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos can still only hire so many people to build rockets for them.

For this reason, you may well find yourself in an exceptionally hierarchical workplace once you do find employment. Moreover, when you have lots of talented people chasing a limited job pool competition can be extremely severe. Some people thrive in just this sort of environment, but those that don't should think carefully about the day-to-day realities of being an aerospace engineer.

If you do take a government job, you should also be aware of how glacially slow government projects tend to move. I'd wager that for every hour you get to spend building or even thinking about rockets, you're probably going to spend at least one hour in a meeting or filing a report.

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer

Your best bet is to earn at least a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, though you might also consider attending one of the programs that allow you to earn a bachelor's and a master's in just 5 years.

As with the other majors mentioned so far, you will probably also be well served taking the fundamentals of engineering (FE) exam after graduation and getting your professional engineering license after you've acquired the requisite 4 years of work experience.

Chemical Engineering

Median Salary: $102,106

The work of chemical engineers is primarily devoted to developing manufacturing processes for chemical components. That is, chemical engineering is concerned with manufacturing and using chemicals in fields like pharmaceuticals, energy, and any other realm that involves specialized understanding of chemical elements and chemical processes.

Chemical Engineering: Pros and Cons

Chemical engineering has much to recommend it. It is one of the better-paying engineering jobs, with an average pay in the low six figures and as many as 10% of practitioners clearing $150,000.

Chemical engineers also have their pick of industries to work in. Most types of engineering tend to have broad applicability, it's hard not to marvel at the sheer variety of places chemical engineers can end up.

There are obvious destinations, like the pharmaceutical industry, but less obvious ones include architecture, manufacturing, and developing new cleaners, stains, solvents, paints, paint removers, lipsticks, and basically everything else.

Naturally, there are a few cons associated with this engineering discipline.

Depending on where you end up as a chemical engineer, your job could have its fair share of dangers. Any time your mixing chemicals, especially ones that don't tend to be mixed very often, there's a chance that you'll cause an explosion or inadvertently summon Cthulhu.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer

Like most types of engineering, the journey usually starts with earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. As the ranks of college-goers continues to swell it is becoming more and more important for you to distinguish yourself. Arguably the most straightforward way to do this is by completing one or more chemical engineering internships while you're an undergraduate or graduate student.

In a similar vein, it will help you to choose a specialty early and begin building expertise and industry contacts in it. You should also look into completing the fundamentals of engineering and professional engineering exams when you're eligible to do so. The former can be taken after you graduate, the latter requires at least four years of relevant work experience.

Environmental Engineering

Median Salary: $86,800

Environmental engineering involves combining elements of a variety of scientific disciplines to solve environmental problems. The main goals of an environmental engineer are to ensure the ongoing health of humans and the other living organisms in our environment, as well as to increase the health of the overall environment itself.

Environmental Engineering: Pros and Cons

There are quite a number of pros associated with environmental engineering. For one, it seems to be one of those engineering disciplines that people feel really strongly compelled to pursue. With all the angst surrounding climate change and humanity's future, students of environmental engineering will often feel a sense of grand purpose associated with their chosen field that isn't always seen in other people and other professions. This might be why it has relatively high job satisfaction ratings.

While quite a lot of environmental engineering takes place in the lab or in an office, there is a real chance that you'll get to spend time outdoors, getting fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. On the other hand, of course, it's always possible that job sites could be remote, dangerous, or require you to be present for long weeks at a time.

This aspect of the job could be a pro or a con, depending on your personality and the specifics of your situation.

Relative to other engineering disciplines, environmental engineers don't get paid that well. If you love the work this will tend not to matter, but it's worth bearing in mind as you undergo the process of taking out loans to finance your education.

How to Become an Environmental Engineer

If you're interested in becoming an environmental engineer, you must attain at least a bachelor's degree in the field, though educating yourself up to the level of a master's degree or a Ph.D. will increase your career prospects and eventual pay.

Some colleges offer programs that will allow you to complete a bachelor's and master's in 5 years, and some have partnerships with companies that will allow you to complete internships and gain experience in environmental engineering.

To advance as quickly as possible you will need to complete the fundamentals of engineering exam after graduation and the professional engineering exam after gaining at least four years of relevant work experience.

Agricultural Engineering

Median Salary: $74,780

Agricultural engineers are tasked with combining elements of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and civil engineering in an effort to achieve agricultural-that is, farming and food production-goals. Much of the work of an agricultural engineer involves using and optimizing machinery and various types of farming tools and equipment.

Agricultural Engineering: Pros and Cons

Anyone with the word 'engineering' in their title is likely to be responsible for a wide variety of different tasks, and that's nowhere more true than in agricultural engineering. Agricultural engineering involves tackling a range of projects, from troubleshooting equipment malfunctions to assessing the purity of water sources.

Depending on your constitution this facet of the job could be a pro or a con. You could view it as a distracting waste of time or an exciting chance to broaden your horizons. Similarly, agricultural engineers don't make as much as most engineering professionals. How important this ultimately turns out to be is up to you.

How to Become an Agricultural Engineer

As will no doubt be shocking, the best way to become an agricultural engineer is to study agricultural engineering in school. From what I've seen a bachelor's degree is almost always sufficient to enter the field, but with more training comes a higher pay scale.

Petroleum Engineering

Median Salary: $132,280

You guessed it: petroleum engineering is all about oil. Indeed, petroleum engineers are those people who are tasked with producing hydrocarbons (oil and gas). Their work involves exploring sources of oil and natural gas, as well as implementing the processes of extraction.

Petroleum Engineering: Pros and Cons

Petroleum engineering is the highest-paying of all the types of engineering on the market, pulling down an average salary in excess of $130,000 a year. There is also a huge demand for petroleum engineers, projected to grow by as much as 26% from 2012 to 2022.

Which is not to say this outstanding pay scale and excellent job outlook don't come with some drawbacks. Petroleum engineers tend to work really long hours, sometimes in shifts of 80 hours or more if you work on a drilling rig.

All told, petroleum engineering is often considered among the toughest engineering professions.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer

You're unlikely to get a petroleum engineering job without a degree in engineering. While petroleum engineering is obviously the best degree to pursue, it isn't unheard of for graduates in mechanical or chemical engineering focuses to make the cut as well. A fair number of relevant jobs require more advanced degrees.

Geological Engineering

Median Salary: $84,320 (includes mining engineers)

A geological engineer is one whose expertise is applicable anywhere that large amounts of Earth needs to be extracted, moved, explored, processed, or otherwise dealt with.

Their responsibilities can include auditing tunnels for safety, designing underground or open-pit mines, developing means for transporting valuable minerals to processing facilities, handling conservation, sustainability, and reclamation efforts, surveying, or preparing technical reports.

Geological Engineering: Pros and Cons

There are several substantial pros to geological engineering. One of the biggest is common to all engineering, and that is that you get to apply engineering principles to solving valuable, large-scale problems.

The second is that your job should be relatively secure. Geological engineering is slated to grow at least as much as the average for all occupations.

There are two major cons to being a geological engineer. The first is that the pay is on the lower end for engineers.

The second could be a pro or con, depending on your personality, and that's that much of geological engineering occurs on-site. This means you could be working in offices or remote wildernesses, you might need to travel a fair bit, and you might have to be on location for multiple weeks at a time.

How to Become a Geological Engineer

Geological engineers need to at least have a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. In the United States, any engineer wanting to market their skills professionally must pass two additional tests given by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

Biomedical Engineering

Median Salary: $88,040

Biomedical engineering is a complicated field, but to put it simply, a biomedical engineer uses the analytical methods of other types of engineering and applies them to solve problems in medicine and biology. Biomedical engineers, for example, are the ones responsible for developing advanced mechanical devices and other health care innovations.

Automotive Engineering

Median Salary: $82,200

Automotive engineering is, somewhat obviously, the type of engineering that deals with the study, planning, and production of automobiles. Most automotive engineers have a strong background in mechanical engineering.

Nuclear Engineering

Median Salary: $105,810

Nuclear engineers specialize in the processes, research, and systems surrounding the safe use of nuclear energy. Many nuclear engineers focus on researching and testing innovative uses for nuclear materials in medicine or industrial processes, though most nuclear engineers dedicate their work to power generation.

Civil Engineering

Median Salary: $84,770

In many ways, civil engineering is what most people think of when they think about what engineers do. Civil engineers are involved in the planning of public works, like roads, bridges, dams, and other large projects. Indeed, civil engineers are the folks that make our environment inhabitable and usable in the modern world.

Structural Engineering

Median Salary: $82,845

Generally speaking, structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering. Structural engineers are the civil engineers who create the designs for the, well, structures that underlie larger projects found in other types of engineering.

Other Types of Engineering Careers

Finally, we'll close with a list of all the other types of engineering that we couldn't fit in our already expansive list. Be sure to check out these lesser-known engineering career fields and other sub-disciplines within the engineering sphere:

Biomechanical Engineering

Architectural Engineering

Computer Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Robotics Engineering

Microelectronic Engineering

Materials Science Engineering

Paper Engineering

Sustainability Engineering

Systems Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Marine Engineering

Photonics Engineering

Nanotechnology Engineering

Mining Engineering

Ceramics Engineering

Geomatics Engineering

Health and Safety Engineering

As you can see, although these different types of engineering vary widely in their responsibilities, they do share some DNA. All of them have to do with designing something and testing it to make sure it works well. In some ways, these jobs can't exist without each other.

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Types of Engineering Jobs: 2020 Engineers and Salaries List

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Engineering is similar to the medical field in the sense that you don't just simply choose to be an "engineer," just like you don't simply choose to be a "doctor." You have to pick a specialty, as there are many different types of engineering jobs.

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What is the difference between engineering and designing?

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What is the difference between engineering and designing?

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What is the difference between engineering and designing? What should I consider while deciding a shift from either one of the careers to...

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Kash's answer: Most of them have already given the answer. I will try my best to answer this question. Lets us assume a work in automobile industry, they have both engineering and designing team. now lets say they both are given a task to design a car with certian conditions.

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What is Engineering?: Crash Course Engineering #1

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Drive past a construction site, and what do you think?

If you're like most people outside the industry, you probably think nothing of it. Perhaps you have a flashing notion of hardhats or cranes. But there's a good chance you don't often think to yourself, "Wow, I wonder what a career in construction would be like?"

Even if you've been considering the field for a while, chances are you don't know its full potential. The truth is, construction is a dynamic industry, but not many people outside of it are aware of all of its intricacies. The vibrancy and diversity of roles and positions are incredible and offer enough possibility to people of all backgrounds that it's worth considering making the jump.

Although there is plenty of investment occurring in construction, the industry is experiencing a severe labor shortage. For career seekers, this means there are plenty of job opportunities with growing salaries. In addition to improving productivity and efficiency with technology, construction companies need more people to take on these exciting and lucrative jobs.

It's time to change that. To continue celebrating Careers in Construction month (coined by Build Your Future), this week, we'll discuss the top growing job trends in the industry and how to start a career in these sectors. Based on potential job growth, opportunities, median salary as well as personal fulfillment, these are our picks for the top 15 jobs in construction, in no particular order.

1. Construction Project Managers

If you like the view from the top, this is one of the best careers in construction for you. Project managers (PMs) are responsible for overseeing various aspects of a project from startup to closeout, including planning, coordination and budgets. In order to succeed in this role, PMs need excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to handle high-pressure situation, solid organizational and budgeting skills and strong leadership qualities.

You can check out our career guide for more information about this role, but to position yourself as a PM, it's helpful to have a degree in construction management, surveying, civil engineering or construction engineering. Before they become PMs, many people start their careers as project engineers (PEs) so it may take a few years of experience as an engineer plus some field work to achieve your goal.

Believe it or not, plumbing was ranked as the #1 best construction job by U.S. News & World Report . The market for plumbers is growing quite quickly right now, at a rate of 16% between 2016 and 2026, which is considerably faster than the market average. That translates to an additional 75,200 jobs in the next eight years, says the BLS , which makes investing in this role a very good idea. With a median salary of $52,590 annually, this is one of the most lucrative careers to pursue without a degree.

So what do they do? In the construction industry, typically, plumbers install and repair water supply lines, waste disposal systems, appliances and fixtures for residential, commercial and even industrial projects. A significant portion of their work in construction also involves service maintenance, after a project is complete. These contracts are usually long-term and add a steady and consistent stream of income.

Successful plumbers have a strong mechanical aptitude, coordination and a problem-solving skillset. They are also excellent in planning, people- and client-first focused roles and have an interest in continuing education, since technology in this field changes and is becoming more cutting-edge all the time. , you must be licensed and certified. Before that, in addition to earning a diploma or GED, plumbers must undergo vocational training and then a 4-5 year apprenticeship. The work is worth getting into one of the best careers in construction. If you're looking to learn more on the specifics of the opportunities and challenges that plumbers face, To work as a plumber check out our ebook.

3. Electricians

Electricians are responsible for designing, installing and maintaining the wiring and equipment through which electricity flows in all types of facilities. Similar to plumbers, a big segment of their work is maintenance related. To succeed as an electrician, you need to be highly mechanical, possess high standards for safety and quality, have customer-interfacing skills, be a natural problem-solver and enjoy the puzzle often presented by this role.

Similar to plumbers, electricians must be licensed and certified. Before that, in addition to a diploma or GED, electricians must undergo technical school to get hands-on training and then a 4-5 year apprenticeship program. We break down a little more of the specific hurdles electricians need to overcome in a recent ebook, here.

4. Civil Engineers

If you love the concepts of construction but don't love being out on the jobsite, civil engineering is a great career path to explore, as people in this role spend a lot of time inside a trailer or office. Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of our world's infrastructure which includes roads, tunnels, bridges, sewage systems and more.

5. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

You may not know that solar photovoltaic installers assemble, install and maintain solar panels and systems on the rooftops of a variety of facilities. You also may not know that as the world grows more dependent on renewable resources, the need for solar photovoltaic installers has been increasing exponentially.

It's not only one of the fastest growing careers in construction; it's one of the fastest in general . According , it is skyrocketing at a staggering rate of 105% between 2016 and 2026. The median salary is $39,490 annually, but people who enter the field and establish expertise can quickly outstrip this. Anyone with interest in energy production and electricity, as well as the propensity for continually improving their skills, will love and succeed in this field.

If you'd like to start a career in this fascinating field, you should head to technical school or community college for a 2-year program and subsequent apprenticeship. However, some may be able to get their start with a diploma or GED, followed by on-the-job-training of a year or so. Either way, there's no time to lose.

6. Wind Turbine Technicians

Wind turbine technicians are also predicted to be one of the fastest growing careers in construction and of all jobs given the growth of renewable energy. The career path is expected to grow 96% between 2016 and 2026, says the BLS , making them among the best jobs in field, not just construction. With a median salary of $53,880 annually, they're also quite appealing for the money you can get as a young professional.

Wind turbine technicians are also known as windtechs. Their job duties include installing, maintaining and repairing wind turbines. The work is generally done outdoors, in confined spaces and at great heights. So in addition to mechanical and troubleshooting skills, as well as strong documentation abilities, you'll need a lot of physical stamina and a significant tolerance of heights.

After getting a high school diploma or GED, most windtechs go to technical school to get certificates in wind energy technology. Some choose to earn an associate's degree. After schooling, they usually receive one year of on-the-job training related to the specific wind turbines they will maintain and service. While not necessary, internships and professional certification improve job marketability.

7. Sheet Metal Workers

Plus, sheet metal workers have some of the most interesting and challenging careers in construction. Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems. If you possess mechanical skills, math skills, critical thinking skills and good coordination, chances are you will excel in this cutting-edge but surprisingly artistic field.

Once you get a high school diploma or GEO, expect to do a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship to learn your trade. While optional, certifications like one from the American Welding Society can help job prospects.

If you're looking for careers in construction that are more physical in nature, glaziers have a promising path ahead of them. Glaziers install glass in windows, storefronts, and other displays, often using their technical knowledge and creative skills to fit panes to unique spaces or design solutions for specific specs.

To get started, all you need is a high school diploma, followed by an apprenticeship and on-the-job training.

9. Elevator Installers and Repairers

So what do they do, you're wondering? In a nutshell, people in this field help to install, repair and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways and more. You'll need good mechanical skills, troubleshooting skills, dependability, analytical thinking and independence to succeed in this role.

10. Masonry Workers

Masonry is one of the oldest careers in construction. Masons have a refined craft that requires hand-eye coordination and other physical skills, with thousands of years of history backing up the trade. Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and stones to build walls, walkways, fences, and other structures. Successful traits include color vision, physical stamina and strength, coordination, precision and attention to detail.

If you'd like to start in this field, you'll need a diploma or GED, followed by an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Many technical schools also offer a masonry track.

11. Ironworkers

While a career as an ironworker can be dangerous and full of risks, there are plenty of positive benefits that make it a fulfilling career for many. Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings and other infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. They require a calm nature, physical strength and stamina, determination and tolerance of heights.

12. Construction Equipment Operators

In this role, you can expect to drive, maneuver and control the heavy equipment and machinery used in a variety of construction environments. Successful traits include hand-eye coordination, physical stamina and mechanical skills.

To start a career as a construction equipment operator, you'll need a high school diploma and GED, and possibly some vocational training. However, many learn on the job and can hit the ground running.

13. Boilermaker

According to CareerExplorer, boilermakers, "assemble, install, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases." In addition to assembling and installing boilers on new builds, many boilermakers spend significant time inspecting and repairing the machinery and replacing parts.

While working as a boilermaker is physically demanding, the pay is good. The latest median annual wage for boilermakers was $62,150. Getting started as a boilermaker involves a GED and most learn the trade through a formal apprenticeship program.

14. Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Removal Worker

Removing hazardous materials is a common activity on a construction project. These workers identify and dispose of dangerous materials like lead, asbestos, radioactive waste and more, especially common on renovations and demolitions.

As careers in construction go, this can be a dangerous job. However, these workers always wear full, protective suits for long periods of time. That being said, the job can be demanding mentally. Workers often have to work overtime and nights and weekends. Nevertheless, the career path is projected to grow 11%t from 2018 to 2028, according to BLS. Typically, hazmat workers complete an apprenticeship and the median annual wage for the role is $42,030.

15. Construction Technologist

Haven't heard of the career construction technologist? It's a rising job role in many companies, especially as technology becomes ever more important in the industry. While the job role is so new that there's not solid salary data on it at this moment, it's influence and importance is rising in construction companies.

In general, it's helpful to have an IT background to succeed in this role as they are generally responsible for research, technology management and implementation. JBKnowledge released a helpful guide for anyone interested in learning more about the role.

Careers in Construction: Something for Everyone

Lesson learned? Construction is a vibrant field full of promising opportunities and fascinating job options. Not one job fits all.

No matter your skillset, education level or interest, there's probably a job that would be a good fit for you in construction. Choose one of the above careers in construction, and you're bound to stay moving, enjoy your job responsibilities and make good money while you're at it.

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15 of the Top Careers in Construction - PlanGrid Construction Productivity Blog

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Drive past a construction site, and what do you think? If you're like most people outside the industry, you probably think nothing of it. Perhaps you have a flashing notion of hardhats or cranes. But there's a good chance you don't often think to yourself, "Wow, I wonder what a career in construction would be like?"

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Mechanical Engineering: Crash Course Engineering #3

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Civil Engineering: Crash Course Engineering #2

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Construction careers attract ambitious, energetic people. The construction industry often relies on teamwork. People interested in a construction career have numerous trades and occupations to choose from. The construction industry also includes management jobs.

Skilled construction workers help build office buildings, homes, schools, roads, bridges, factories and other structures. The main construction sectors include new home building and renovation, heavy industrial construction, institutional and commercial construction and civil engineering construction.

Featured Online Schools

Many of the construction careers require unique skills obtained through training. Math and reading skills are important factors for some construction careers.

Most union apprenticeship programs require a high school diploma or a GED. Some union apprenticeship programs use aptitude or other types of tests as well as interviews to choose applicants.

Construction companies include general contractors, design-builders, construction managers, trade contractors and building companies which create buildings they plan to sell.

The construction and extraction career category offers pertinent, reliable information about numerous careers. TheBestSchools provides detailed information about construction careers such as employment outlook, salary, training, a matching online degree and much more. We help you find the construction career right for you.

After you've read this page on Construction and Skilled Trade Careers we encourage you to look over our extensive career guide with information on job options, education requirements and salaries.
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The Best Online Colleges by State
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Boilermakers

Education and Certifications Boilermakers Need

Boilermakers generally begin their career with a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a formal four to five year apprenticeship program. Having previous welding experience and certifications helps to increase the chances of getting accepted into a boilermaker apprenticeship program.

Boilermakers are generally required to have a welder's certification.

What They Do

A boilermaker career attracts mechanically inclined individuals comfortable working in a variety of settings and conditions. Boilers are made of steel, iron, copper, or stainless steel and generate electric power and heat through heating water. Boilermakers work on boilers, tanks, and vats used in a variety buildings, ships and factories.

A boilermaker career includes installing new boilers and reading blueprints in order to locate already existing boilers to perform maintenance work on them. When building new boilers, boilermakers may use robotic or automatic welders. Boilermakers must also test and inspect their assembled boiler for existing or potential leaks or defects.

When cleaning vats, boilermakers use tools such as scarpers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents. Typical boiler parts needing maintenance or repair include valves, pipes, or joints. When fixing these parts, boilermakers may use hand or power tools, gas torches, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, and turnbuckles and other welding equipment.

Boilermakers repair air pollution equipment and blasting furnaces and perform repair work at water treatment plants, they also work on storage and process tanks, repair smokestacks, install refractory brick and other heat-resistant materials in fireboxes or pressure vessels and install large pipes used in dams.

Essential Career Information

Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons

Education and Certifications Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons Need

A brickmason career or blockmason career usually begins through a formal 3-4 year apprenticeship. Contractor associations and unions often sponsor mason apprenticeships. Brickmasons, blockmasons and stonemasons may also begin their career with a one-year program at a technical college.

Brickmasons, blockmasons and stonemasons don't need specific licenses or certifications.

What They Do

If you've ever driven by a brick or stone exterior home or building and commented on it's beauty or uniqueness, you have complimented the work of a brickmason, blockmason, or stonemason. Masons, as they are also sometimes called for short, build fences, walkways, walls, buildings, and other structures out of brick, stone, and concrete blocks.

Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons must be able to read blueprints and drawings in order to accurately determine and order materials needed for a project. Mason careers include regularly use straightedges, trowels, plumb bobs, levels, and other various hand tools. They also mix mortar or grout for spreading onto a project's foundation. Precision and straight lines are vital in a brickmason's, blockmason's, and stonemason's job. They polish a finished project using power tools or hand tools.

Brickmasons and blockmasons - also called bricklayers - build or repair on things such as walls, floors, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys.

Stonemasons focus on stone walls, building exteriors, and floors. A stonemason career includes working with natural-cut stones and artificial stones. Some stonemasons also specialize in setting marble.

Other masons include: pointing, cleaning, and calking workers, who repair brickwork, and refractory masons, who install firebrick and refractory tile in high-temperature machines.

Essential Career Information

Carpenter

Education and Certifications Carpenter Need

A carpenter career generally begins with a three to four year apprenticeship. Contractor associations and unions often sponsor the apprenticeship programs.

Carpenters may also receive training through a two-year technical school offering a carpentry degree. These degrees are affiliated with unions and contractor organizations.

Carpenters are not required to obtain any specific license or certification to practice their trade.

What They Do

Anyone living in a home or working in a building owes the quality of the building's structure to carpenters. Carpenters build and repair the framework, structures, and fixtures of various types of buildings made of wood and other materials. They build things such as stairs, doorframes, partitions, rafters, and install items such as kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall.

Carpenters do everything from meeting with clients and interpreting blueprints to labor-intensive work such as constructing and putting up the framework for buildings. They may use large pulleys and cranes to assist in setting up framework.

Carpenter careers include measuring, cutting and shaping wood and other materials. Carpenter careers also include installing fixtures such as windows and molding.

A carpenter career includes using a variety of tools from small hand tools like squares, levels, hammers, and chisels, to power tools such as sanders, circular saws, and nail guns.

Carpenters may also play a supervisory role, instructing other workers and closely inspecting framework for damaged or misaligned sections.

The primarily types of carpenters include: residential carpenters, commercial carpenters, and Industrial carpenters.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Carpenters' extremely diverse daily workload increases their chances of advancing in their career to a general construction supervisor position. Some carpenters become an independent contractor.

Essential Career Information

Carpet Installers

Education and Certifications Carpet Installers Need

A carpet installer career begins with on-the-job training from a more experienced carpet installer. There are no formal education requirements for carpet installers.

Carpet installers don't need specific licenses or certifications.

What They Do

It only takes one time of trying to install carpet in order to for a person to fully appreciate a professional carpet installer. Carpet installers lay carpet in a variety of buildings, including offices, restaurants, and homes.

Carpet installers must understand how to properly remove various types of old flooring and properly prepare surfaces for new carpet. Preparation prior to laying carpet includes closely inspecting the bare floor surface and correcting any issues that may show through installed carpet. A carpet installer career includes accurately measuring areas intended for carpeting.

The carpet installation process includes installing padding beneath the carpet, rolling out the carpet, fitting the sides of the carpet snuggly against walls, attaching carpet to the ground with staples, glue, or tacks, and blending any carpet seams. Carpet installer careers include using tools such as knee kickers, staples, knives, carpet shears, hammers, and power sanders.

Essential Career Information

Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers

Education and Certifications Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers Need

A cement mason career and a terrazzo worker career generally begin with on-the-job training, shadowing a more experienced worker. Another option for cement masons and terrazzo workers is a three-year apprenticeship, usually sponsored by a union or contractor association.

Cement masons and terrazzo workers don't need specific licenses or certifications.

What They Do

Cement masons do important and necessary foundational work, whereas terrazzo workers make it beautiful and attractive. Cement masons pour, smooth, and finish concrete floors, sidewalks, roads, and curbs. Terrazzo workers use a cement mixture to create decorative floor and stairway surfaces.

Cement mason careers involve installing reinforcing rebar or mesh wire into concrete for strength. Cement masons set forms which hold concrete in place, and direct cement trucks where to pour, then proceed to spread, level, and smooth concrete for a flat finish. Cement mason careers involve using tools such as a trowel, float, or screed.

While monitoring the drying of the cement, cement masons must consider the temperature, wind, and other elements which may affect the cement drying perfectly flat. Once the concrete has been poured and dried, cement masons apply sealants to waterproof and protect the surface.

Terrazzo workers do much of the same work as cement masons; they also blend in a marble chip mixture and then grind and polish surfaces for a more attractive look. Terrazzo workers specialize in creating decorative walkways, floors patios, and panels.

Essential Career Information

Construction and Building Inspectors

Education and Certifications Construction and Building Inspectors Need

A construction inspector career or building inspector career requires at least a high school diploma and knowledge of construction trades. Construction inspectors and building inspectors receive on-the-job training, however they learn building codes and standards on their own.

Employers also seek construction inspectors or building inspectors with a certificate or associate degree which includes classes in building or home inspection, construction technology, and drafting.

Increasingly, construction inspectors and building inspectors begin their career with a bachelor's degree.

In most jurisdictions construction inspectors and building inspectors need a license or certificate. Some states offer individual licensing programs for construction inspectors and building inspectors, other states require certification from associations such as the International Code Council, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, or the National Fire Protection Association.

What They Do

We have the luxury of not having to worry whether every building we enter properly adheres to building codes, because construction inspectors and building inspectors have already done this for us. Construction inspector careers and building inspector careers include making sure all new construction, changes to buildings, or repairs are in compliance with local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.

Construction inspectors and building inspectors often visit construction sites for buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures. A construction inspector career and a building inspector career include monitoring construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they comply with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. A construction inspector career and a building inspector career also include conducting inspections using survey instruments such as metering devices and test equipment.

If a violation is determined, construction inspectors and building inspectors must issue a violation notice and stop-work order until the problem is corrected. Construction inspectors and building inspectors maintain daily logs and photographs of their observances and any tests performed.

Some specific types of inspectors are: Electrical inspectors, elevator inspectors, mechanical inspectors, plan examiners, plumbing inspectors, public works inspectors, and specification inspectors.

Essential Career Information

Construction Equipment Operators

Education and Certifications Construction Equipment Operators Need

Many construction equipment operators begin their career with on-the-job training, shadowing a more experienced worker and gradually entrusted with larger equipment. Other construction equipment operators go through a three to four year apprenticeship, usually sponsored by a union or contractor association. Some private vocational schools offer programs for construction equipment operators.

Construction equipment operators must obtain a commercial driver's license in order to move the large equipment to different jobsites. Rules surrounding commercial driver's licenses vary by state.

Piledriver operators are sometimes required to obtain crane operator certification.

What They Do

At some point, most kids idolized the men and women behind the controls of heavy duty contraction machines; as adults they can make their dream come true with a construction equipment operator career. Construction equipment operators drive and operate the large machinery used in the construction of roads, bridges, building, damns, airport runways, and other structures.

Construction equipment operators monitor equipment to ensure it runs properly and remains clean and well taken care of. Any issues with machines are reported to supervisors.

A construction equipment operator career includes working with other crew members, often communicating with hand or audio signals, as they may be far apart or the machines may be too loud to hear over. Activating the power equipment many includes using levers, pedals, and valves.

Operating engineer careers include controlling excavation and loading machines which scoop, shovel, and dig, such as a bulldozer, tractor, trench excavator, or road grader.

A paving and surfacing equipment operator career involves controlling machines which spread and level asphalt and concrete for roads. These equipment operators may also specialize, such as asphalt spreader operators, concrete paving machine operators, or tamping equipment operators.

A piledriver operator career includes using large machines to hammer piles into the ground. The piles generally support retaining walls, bridges, piers, or building foundations.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Construction equipment operators may advance in their career to a teaching position in a training facility or opt to start up their own contracting business.

Essential Career Information

Construction Laborers and Helpers

Education and Certifications Construction Laborers and Helpers Need

No formal education requirements exist for construction laborers and helpers, and most learn their trade through on-the-job training. Some individuals, however, opt to begin their construction laborer career through a formal apprenticeship program, which includes two to four years of technical instruction and on-the-job training.

Construction laborers and construction workers who handle hazardous materials need a federal hazmat license.

Construction laborers and helpers may need certifications, depending on the specific work they do. They may earn any of the following certifications: asbestos, energy auditor, lead, operators qualification for pipline, OSHA 10/or 30 hour construction safety certification, radiological worker, rough terrain forklift operation, scaffold user and builder, signalperson qualification, weatherization technician installer and supervisor, welder, work zone safety technician, flagger and supervisor.

What They Do

Construction sites are extremely busy areas with a great deal of prep work and clean up needed; construction laborers and construction helpers perform this physically demanding work.

Construction laborers and construction helpers remove any debris and potential hazards and unload and prepare tools and other supplies. Part of the preparation involves building or disassembling things such as bracing, barricades, forms, scaffolding, and temporary structures. Construction helpers may also dig trenches or fill holes. A construction helper may use tools ranging from a simple broom to a jackhammer, explosives, or laser beam equipment.

Construction laborers and construction helpers offer assistance to multiple craftworkers. Craftworkers who generally have helpers include: brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, carpenters, electricians, painters, pipelayers, plumbers and roofers.

Most construction laborers are generalist, but they may also specialize in one or many of the following areas: building homes and facilities, tearing down buildings, removing hazardous materials, building highways and roads, or digging tunnels and mine shafts. Some construction laborers become certified to remove asbestos, lead, or chemicals.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Advancement becomes more likely for construction laborers and helpers who earn certifications in different areas requiring specialized knowledge. Construction laborers and helpers may also advance to construction craft occupations.

Essential Career Information

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers and Tapers

Education and Certifications Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers and Tapers Need

A drywall installer career or ceiling tile installer career does not require formal education; rather, these careers generally begin with on-the-job training. Less commonly, drywall installers and ceiling tile installers begin their career with a three to four year formal apprenticeship.

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers and tapers don't need specific licenses or certifications.

What They Do

Most of us take the walls and ceiling around us for granted, but their construction and insulation is due to skilled drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers. Drywall installers and ceiling tile installers hang wallboards to walls and ceilings and will often do the taping for their own projects.

Drywall installer careers include reading design plans and determining how to cut the wallboard in order to minimize waste. They must accurately measure around electrical outlets, plumbing, windows, and vents. After the drywall has been fastened to the wall studs, drywall installers must trim and smooth all rough edges, ensuring the boards join evenly. Drywall installers use tools such as utility knives, power saws, hammers, and screwdrivers.

Ceiling tile installer careers include reading blueprints and preparing measurement accordingly. They attach tiles or sheets of shock absorbing materials on ceilings using cement adhesive, nails, or screws.

Tapers prepare surfaces for drywall installers or ceiling tile installers by patching nail holes and applying tape to cover wallboard joints. Tapers may also apply sealing compound to cover joints or create a more even surface.

Essential Career Information

Electricians

Education and Certifications Electricians Need

An electrician career generally begins with a four-year apprenticeship. Completion of the apprenticeship program qualified individuals for both construction and maintenance work.

Some electricians attend a technical school with programs related to safety and basic electrical information. Credits earned here often go toward the individual's four-year apprenticeship.

Sometimes electricians need to take continuing education courses, usually related to safety practices, changes to the electrical code, and training on specific products from a manufacturer.

In most states electricians need a license; requirements for licensure vary by state.

What They Do

Dealing with wiring within your home can be confusing and incredibly intimidating; it is a job best left to a professional electrician. Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings.

Electricians interpret blueprints and technical diagrams in order to determine where electrical wires already exist or where they can add them. Electricians install wiring and lighting systems or inspect and maintain existing systems. When inspecting or installing electrical work, electricians must adhere to state and local building regulations based on National Electric Code.

When electricians work on older electrical systems, they sometimes replace outlets, circuit breakers, motors, or robotic control systems.

An electrician career includes using a variety of tools, ranging from hand tools to power tools and testing devices used in identifying electrical problems. Common electrician's tools include: pipe benders, screwdrivers, wire strippers, drills, saws, ammeters, voltmeters, and multimeters.

Occupational specialties for electricians include inside electricians and residential electricians.

Essential Career Information

Elevator Installers and Repairers

Education and Certifications Elevator Installers and Repairers Need

An elevator installer career or elevator repairer career begins with a four-year apprenticeship, usually sponsored by a union or individual contractor.

In some states elevator installers and repairers need a license.

Certification is not required for elevator installers and repairers, but certification helps with job competition and to show specific skills and expertise. Elevator installers and repairers can become certified as a Certified Elevator Technician or Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technician through the National Association of Elevator Contractors.

What They Do

No one wants to get stuck in an elevator, so elevator installers and elevator repairers work hard to ensure this modern convenience continues running smoothly. Elevator installers and repairers also work on escalators, moving walkways, chairlifts, and other lifts.

Elevator installers and repairers careers include reading blueprints in order to determine the type of equipment needed for installation or repair of elevators, elevator doors, steel frames and cables, motors, or control systems.

When an elevator breaks down, an elevator installer or elevator repairer must determine the issue; they use test equipment such as voltmeters. An elevator repairer career includes performing preventative maintenance, such as oiling and greasing parts, replacing worn parts, and making adjustments.

An elevator installer career includes ensuring new elevators comply with safety regulations and building codes.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Elevator installers and repairers may advance in their career through acquiring certification and taking continuing education courses. Possible positions for promotions include mechanic-in-charge, adjuster, supervisor, or elevator inspector.

Essential Career Information

Glaziers

Education and Certifications Glaziers Need

People interested in a glazier career typically only need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training, called an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships generally last for 3 years and include 144 hours of related training and about 2000 hours of paid on-site training.

During an apprenticeship, glaziers learn the tools of the occupation, how to measure, cut and install glass, cut moldings, read schematics and understand basic mathematics, construction and safety.

Licensure is only necessary in the state of Connecticut. The National Glass Association offers certifications.

What They Do

Ever marvel at the number of windows installed in a high-rise building and wonder, "who installs those?" The correct answer is glaziers. Glaziers install and replace glass in almost any environment from homes, skyscrapers and display cases to special surfaces like ceilings and storefronts.

A glazier career includes reviewing schematics and blueprints for the specific color or type of glass to install, measuring and cutting glass to fit an area and removing any broken glass before installation. A glazier career also involves creating moldings for glass installation using steel framing, securing glass panes into frames with points or other fasteners and adding putty to seal joints and laminating glass to improve safety and durability when needed.

Glaziers work in all kinds of settings from homes, businesses and small offices to commercial buildings and construction sites. In homes and businesses workers replace and install items such as shower doors, windows and mirrors by hand.

On big jobs, commercial glaziers precut, mount and secure glass using cranes or other large moving equipment. A glazier's work can take them to many locations from routine installation areas in homes and buildings to complex, dangerous jobs working on multilevel high-rise buildings and enormous skyscrapers. Overall, this work demands precision, skill and physical prowess.

Essential Career Information

Oil and Gas Workers

Education and Certifications Oil and Gas Workers Need

Typically, oil and gas workers only need to be in good physical shape and can have less than a high school diploma to enter the field. However, some employers may prefer for some workers to have vocational training in areas such as welding and basic mechanics. Workers operating most oil and gas machines need a tremendous amount of job training. Formal training is increasingly important as equipment and methods continually advance in complexity and technology.

What They Do

If an occupation that includes excellent hand-eye coordination, an abundance of physical strength, working outdoors (and sometimes in very harsh climates) and great attention to detail sounds interesting, then an oil and gas careers may be in the future. Oil and gas workers carry out the drilling plans created by petroleum engineers.

Drilling workers and service workers carry out two main jobs within this field. A drilling worker career includes operating equipment used to drill the well through soil and rock formation as well as preparing the well for use. A service worker career includes prepping the well and assembling the equipment that removes the oil or gas from the well.

Oil and gas workers are comprised of different operators including derricks, roustabouts, service unit operators and rotary drill operators. A typical day for a derrick operator includes inspecting derricks before they are moved up or down, ensuring drilling fluid flows correctly, fixing any drilling fluid system pumps and problems, training and supervising crew staff and guiding pipe in and out of elevators.

Roustabouts have demanding responsibilities such as keeping the work area and equipment clean, safe and free of debris, locating leaks with special electronic detectors, moving pipes to and from trucks either by hand or with motorized lifts and taking apart and repairing oil field parts and machinery.

Service unit operator careers include maintaining wells, observing gauges and pressure indicators for variations, checking equipment for issues such as faulty operations, guiding cables through derrick pulleys, using pumps to circulate fluids through wells to get rid of any objects obstructing the oil flow and manipulating controls that lift derricks.

A rotary drill operator career includes managing the maintenance of the drill rig and carrying out the well plan, training crewmembers on safety procedures and checking pressure gauges and operating levers. A rotary drill operator career also includes keeping records of operations performed, equipment used and footage drilled and managing pump operations to ensure proper circulation of drilling fluids.

Career Advancement Opportunities

All operators in the oil and gas industry have opportunities for career advancement. As each worker gains more training, skills and actual work experience, they have the chance of moving to higher paying positions.

Essential Career Information

Painters

Education and Certifications Painters Need

People interested in a painter career typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and they need to complete their training.

Painter unions sponsor apprenticeship programs where workers learn skills within 3 to 4 years. For each program year, apprentices must complete 144 hours of technical instruction and 2,000 hours of paid onsite training. Painting skills taught range from preparing surfaces and mixing paints to application techniques.

Painters interested in industrial painting can earn different certifications, such as the Protective Coating Specialist certification, from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers. Certificate program lengths range from a day to several weeks, depending on the specialty.

What They Do

Painters paint a variety of objects from equipment, walls and buildings to bridges and other large structures. They use different types of tools and equipment from rollers, brushes and spray guns to ladders, scaffoldings and harnesses.

A painter career includes removing old paint through sanding or wire brushing to prepare surfaces for new paint, protecting floors and furniture with drop-cloths, setting up ladders or scaffolding and filling cracks or holes in walls with putty or similar fillers.

A painting career includes mixing colors to achieve desired color or thickness, applying sealers and using tools such as brushes, rollers or power sprayers to paint areas.

Essential Career Information

Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters

Education and Certifications Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters Need

Typically people interested in a plumber, pipefitter or steamfitter career need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass basic math, and train as an apprentice.

Businesses and unions usually offer apprenticeships which can take 4 to 5 years to complete. For each year apprentices receive training, they must earn at least 1700 to 2000 hours of paid onsite training and a minimum of 246 hours of technical instruction. They receive education about blueprints, safety, plumbing codes, applied physics, chemistry and math. After they complete their training they can work independently as a journey worker.

In most states plumbers need a license. In addition, in some localities pipefitters need a license.

What They Do

Homes, businesses and factories need good plumbing; plumbers help keep offices, buildings and residences sanitary. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters maintain, assemble and repair drainage systems, pipes and pipe systems which carry water, gas, air, or other liquids to and in residential homes, businesses and factories.

Plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter careers include maintaining and installing pipe systems and fixtures, reading blueprints and following building codes, assessing materials and equipment needed. Plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter careers also include testing pipelines and systems, replacing old or damaged parts and repairing pipes and pipe systems when needed.

Plumber, pipefitter and steamfitter skills and job duties tend to overlap; however, they are each specialized in different areas. For example, pipefitters commonly maintain manufacturing or industrial pipes which carry gases, acids and different chemicals, whereas steamfitters specialize in piping systems that carry steam under high pressure. Master plumbers work in settings such as construction sites where they develop blueprints which demonstrate where all the necessary pipes and fixtures will be located.

Essential Career Information

Roofers

Education and Certifications Roofers Need

People interested in a roofer career typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and intensive training. Experienced roofers, contractors and unions offer apprenticeships that can take up to three years to complete. For each year an apprentice is in training, they must earn at least 144 hours of technical training and 2000 hours of on-site instruction.

Education includes learning to how to use machines, tools and equipment, reading blueprints, following safety requirements, as well as learning math and construction basics. After roofers complete their training they can work independently as a journey worker.

What They Do

A roofer career is not for the faint of heart. People interested in a roofer career need physical strength, an indifference to heights, skill and the ability to endure all weather conditions. Commercial roofers spends their days diligently repairing and installing roofs of homes, offices and other buildings using different materials such as shingles, metal, tile and asphalt.

Roofer careers include assessing roof damage and determining the most effective ways to fix it, replacing worn materials such as plywood and installing insulation layers as well as shingles or other materials to ensure the roof is watertight. Roofer careers also include cutting and aligning roofing materials to fit angles formed by vents or walls and covering screw heads to prevent leakage.

Roofers typically install low-slope and steep-slope roofs. Low-slope roofs are the most common roofs for industrial, commercial and apartment complexes. Most single-family homes have a steep-slope roof.

Essential Career Information

Education and Certifications Sheet Metal Workers Need

People interested in a sheet metal career typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and either formal or informal apprenticeships through technical colleges, businesses or unions.

Apprenticeships can take up to 5 years to complete and for each year in training workers must earn a minimum of 246 hours of technical training and at least 1,700 to 2,000 hours of paid, on-site instruction.

Education includes learning how to use machines, tools and equipment, reading blueprints, following safety requirements, as well as learning math and construction basics.

Once they complete their training they can perform tasks independently as a journey worker. Programs such as the Sheet Metal Institute provide Certification for sheet metal workers.

What They Do

Sheet metal workers install, assemble and repair products made from thin metal sheets, such as drain pipes or ducts used for ventilating, heating and air-conditioning. They work in many different specialty areas such as welding, metal roofing and siding, rain protection systems and kitchen equipment.

A sheet metal worker career includes choosing and measuring specific metal or nonmetal materials, drilling holes, anchoring parts and installing metal sheets with supportive frameworks and securing joints and other parts through using techniques such as welding or riveting.

Essential Career Information

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Education and Certifications Structural Iron and Steel Workers Need

Typically, structural iron and steel workers need a high school diploma or equivalent and either formal or informal apprenticeships through technical colleges, businesses or unions to enter the field.

Apprenticeships can take up to 4 years to complete; for each year in training workers must earn a minimum of 144 hours of technical training and at least 2,000 hours of paid, on-site instruction.

Ironworker education includes learning how to use tools and equipment, how to reinforce and install metal frameworks as well as how to cut and install rebar, how to read blueprints and follow safety requirements. Ironworker education also includes math and construction basics. Once this training is complete, steel workers can perform tasks independently as a journey worker.

American Welding Society for Certification provides certification for ironworkers seeking certification for welding skills.

What They Do

The job requirements of steel workers are physically demanding and highly dangerous. Not only do structural iron and steel workers need the training necessary to install steel beams and columns to form bridges, buildings, and other structures but they also require incredible balance, stamina and the ability to deal with the ever increasing heights of today's buildings and skyscrapers.

An iron worker career includes unloading materials and lifting heavy girders, steel beams and columns with cranes, working with crane operators to make sure the steel materials are correctly positioned, aligning and confirming all beams and girders are in correct horizontal or vertical positions and connecting columns and beams through bolts and welding and manipulating. An iron worker career also includes cutting the steel with tools such as torches and shears.

Essential Career Information

Tile and Marble Setters

Education and Certifications Tile and Marble Setters Need

Typically, most tile and marble setters need a high school diploma and either formal or informal apprenticeships through technical trainings, businesses or unions to enter a marble setter career.

Apprenticeships can take up to 4 years to complete; for each year in training workers must earn a minimum of 144 hours of technical training and at least 2,000 hours of paid, on-site instruction.

Tile and marble setter education includes learning how to use tools and read blueprints, follow building code requirements and safety practices, as well as math and construction basics. Once this training is complete, tile and marble setters can perform tasks independently as a journey worker.

What They Do

If working with different forms of tile and marble in a highly detailed and physically demanding position sounds interesting, then a career as a marble setter may be in the future. From roofs to decks and ceilings to countertops, tile and marble setters use different tools and equipment to install marble, hard tile and wood tile to many surfaces.

A tile setter career includes cleaning and leveling surfaces, measuring, cutting and arranging tile according to specific design schematics, applying sticky paste with different sized trowels, wiping off any extra paste to apply sealants and finally, allowing work to dry.

Essential Career Information
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Construction & Skilled Trade Careers - Jobs, Salaries & Education

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Construction careers attract ambitious, energetic people. The construction industry often relies on teamwork. People interested in a construction career have numerous trades and occupations to choose from. The construction industry also includes management jobs. Skilled construction workers help build office buildings, homes, schools, roads, bridges, factories and other structures.

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Why You Should Choose a Career in Construction

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The auto industry has a career for everyone. Maybe you're a person who likes to work with your hands and solve problems. A career in auto service and repair offers variety in day-to- day work, along with the sense of a job well done when returning a repaired vehicle to its owner.

Maybe you're looking for more opportunity to work with people thanks to great communication skills and a knack for customer service. Your personality fits a career as a service advisor, estimator, manager or parts professional.

Below, take a deeper dive into careers in high demand and find a position that lets you do what you love. Not only are the employment options endless, but you can work in many different settings, including:

Collision and mechanical repair facilities

New car dealers

Parts stores

Manufacturers and distributors

Insurance companies

Educational institutions

In Minnesota alone, there are more than 6,800 aftermarket/repair/service facilities, 1,500 auto dealerships and 150 supplier companies.

Auto Career Paths

Auto Service Tech:

Diagnose, repair and perform preventative maintenance on cars and light trucks. Virtually every system on today's vehicles is electronically controlled by computers, and auto techs use sophisticated diagnostic tools to improve engine performance and repair transmissions, steering and suspension, brake, electrical and heating and air conditioning systems. There is a high demand for well-trained technicians.

Salary: $39,550 median salary ¹

Education: High school diploma required. Auto-specific certificate or degree recommended.
Traits of the Best Auto Service Techs:

Collision Tech:

Use specialized tools, materials and techniques to straighten or replace damaged body panels and structural components as well as perform related mechanical and electrical repairs, restraint system repairs and stationary glass replacement. Employees are in high demand, as accidents are common.

Salary: $54,842 median salary ²

Education: High school diploma required. Auto-specific certificate or degree recommended.

Traits of the Best Collision Techs:

Auto Shop Owner:

Manage the day-to-day operations of an automotive repair facility, including staffing, facility/equipment, customer service, financial, marketing and other aspects of running a business. Often work in other positions within the industry before becoming an auto shop owner.

Salary: Varies based on experience and location.

Education: High school diploma required. Post-secondary education in business and/or automotive repair recommended.
Traits of the Best Auto Shop Owners:

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Automotive Career Paths | CarCareers.org

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The auto industry has a career for everyone. Maybe you're a person who likes to work with your hands and solve problems. A career in auto service and repair offers variety in day-to- day work, along with the sense of a job well done when returning a repaired vehicle to its owner.

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The 15 Best Automotive Careers for Car Lovers

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We’ve compiled a list of the best jobs in the automotive industry. From valet to automotive engineer, including the qualifications needed and where to start.

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Pursuing a career in the automotive industry can be a rewarding way to work hands-on with vehicles and technology. If you are considering a career involving cars, it is helpful to understand the responsibilities of various roles. Jobs in the automotive industry span many career segments, including maintenance, repair, design, development, sales and customer service. In this article, we will discuss 15 common careers across all sectors of the automotive industry.
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Why work in the automotive industry?

If you love cars, hands-on work and technology, pursuing an automotive related career can be a great way to apply what you love to your job. There are a wide variety of roles available, which allow you to apply your passion and skills to your chosen sector of the car industry. You will also have the opportunity to work with a diverse mix of individuals who share your love of cars. Additionally, since forms of automotive transport are always in use, a career in the industry is likely a stable one.

Types of careers in the automotive industry

Here are 15 common careers in the automotive industry:

National average salary: $11.90 per hour

Primary duties: Car detailers clean the interior and exterior of vehicles by washing, vacuuming, waxing and polishing the car. If needed or requested by the vehicle's owner, they may also steam and deodorize the carpets, buff the painted surfaces, apply protective finishes to the exterior and shine the wheel rims. Car detailers interact with the customers to determine what services they need and drive vehicles around their shop to complete the work.

National average salary: $12.25 per hour

Primary duties: Car rental agents administer and recommend rental cars to guests who need to temporarily use a vehicle. They take customer documentation and ensure vehicles in the rental fleet are well maintained. Car rental agents should be familiar with the operation and technological features of a variety of vehicle types and be comfortable driving them around their lot as needed.

National average salary: $13.39 per hour

Primary duties: Tire technicians service, repair and replace car tires to create a fuel-efficient and smooth ride for the driver. They are knowledgeable about various tire types-including snow tires-and recommended treads for various road or off-road environments. Tire technicians can be employed by a tire specialty repair shop or as part of a bigger automotive technician team at a large auto body shop.

National average salary: $15.42 per hour

Primary duties: The vehicle inspector is responsible for ensuring vehicles meet safety standards-reporting violations and recommending repairs. They check cars for damages and drive them to determine any malfunctions. The inspector also connects the vehicles to mechanical and electrical testing devices to examine the components for damage or incorrect settings. They review the cars' emission levels and any customizations added to the vehicles and confirm the cars meet all required regulations. If any repairs are necessary, the inspector will review the cars after repairs are completed to ensure they meets quality standards.

National average salary: $17.80 per hour

Primary duties: Auto instructors teach high-school or college students about repairing cars, engines, mechanical features and electrical systems. They may specialize in one or two maintenance areas or teach the basics of all vehicle components. They typically work in a shop-style classroom where students are able to gain hands-on maintenance and repair experience. A state teaching license is required for all teachers, including auto instructors.

National average salary: $20.06 per hour

Primary duties: Auto body repair technicians are responsible for safely and efficiently fixing car frames, suspensions, dents, windows and the wheel alignment after a vehicle has been damaged. They primarily focus on the exterior, non-mechanical components of the vehicle and make them look new again. Auto body repair technicians often directly interact with customers in their repair shop and must have strong customer service and business skills to give the customer an upfront estimate of the cost and time required to repair their vehicle.

National average salary: $21.25 per hour

Primary duties: Auto mechanics are responsible for carrying out routine maintenance, diagnostic testing and mechanical repairs. They primarily work on motorized components including engines, drive belts, power-steering, brakes and transmissions. Newer vehicles can be plugged into a computerized diagnostic testing machine, which tells the mechanic what repairs are required. The mechanic may need to recalibrate a motor, rewire parts or replace the entire component. Auto mechanics are familiar with vehicle regulations and technological systems and ensure the vehicle is safe to operate when returned to the owner.

National average salary: $25.79 per hour

Primary duties: Auto electricians are responsible for inspecting, repairing and maintaining a vehicle's headlights, dashboard warning lights, alarm system, circuit boards and starter motor. They often work in mechanical and auto body shops with other technicians, but focus on the electric issues within the vehicle. The auto electrician plugs the computerized diagnostic system into the car to determine the issue and develop a plan to fix it. The plan could include rewiring elements, replacing light bulbs or the entire electrical system.

National average salary: $45,513 per year

Primary duties: Tow truck drivers work on call to attend to disabled or damaged vehicles on the road. They are responsible for safely securing vehicles to their tow truck by using a chain, winch, steering locks and affixing indicator lights on the disabled vehicles. They then transport the vehicles to the designated repair shop or junkyard. They should have a basic knowledge of vehicles and various car parts to effectively provide assistance and determine if the vehicle can be fixed without a tow. Tow truck drivers might handle roadside repairs that include jump-starting the car, changing tires and reconnecting parts.

National average salary: $61,111 per year

Primary duties: A car salesperson helps customers find the right car to purchase, explains the benefits and drawbacks of different models and begins the payment process. They build relationships with their customers to understand their vehicle needs and encourage repeat purchases with their dealership. A car salesperson also partners with the marketing team to reach out to and engage new potential clients. They promote the sale of their vehicles by encouraging test drives and riding along with the customer while they drive to explain various features of the car.

National average salary: $67,034 per year

Primary duties: Auto sales managers lead a car dealership by forecasting vehicle demand and preferences for their area, maintaining inventory levels and managing the car sales team. They handle initiating and negotiating vehicle trades with other dealerships in the area. The sales manager also oversees and approves promotional discounts, public relations events and advertising campaigns. Their primary responsibilities are to ensure customer happiness and generate revenue for the dealership.

National average salary: $85,581 per year

Primary duties: Auto engineers research, develop and design the technical systems in vehicles. They work with the development and design team to utilize sophisticated technology in a safe and user-friendly way in the vehicle's navigation, warning, control and fuel systems. The auto engineer can continue improving upon previous technologies used in their vehicle or develop new systems based on the current market trends. Throughout the design process, they troubleshoot any problems that arise and guarantee that they are fixed before production begins. They also partner with the process engineer to plan and develop the manufacturing process for their technological components.

National average salary: $87,000 per year

Primary duties: Process engineers handle the engineering of the plant production process by maintaining automated systems and resolving technical issues. They have strong technical expertise in the automated manufacturing process and use creativity to further develop and pilot new production processes. The process engineers often work independently in overseeing the overall efficiency of the plant, but they also partner with plant personnel to understand what developments would benefit the production line the most.

National average salary: $89,471 per year

Primary duties: Auto designers are responsible for developing the appearance of the interior and exterior of the car. They combine art, engineering and business to make the car visually pleasing, aerodynamic, functional and cost-effective. They use creativity to seamlessly incorporate all required mechanical, electrical, technical and comfort features into the vehicle. The designer partners with the auto engineer to create and implement the technological systems in an efficient way. They also work with the process engineer to implement an efficient manufacturing process for the aesthetic components.

National average salary: $90,562 per year

Primary duties: Quality testing engineers are responsible for testing all components of a vehicle to ensure proper function and safety. They typically specialize in a specific area of the vehicle, such as crash testing, electronics, system integration or wireless connectivity. They develop a test case, execute the test and resolve any quality defects. These engineers partner with their cross-functional teams regularly to ensure the entire vehicle meets the highest quality standards.

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15 Careers in the Automotive Industry To Explore

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Pursuing a career in the automotive industry can be a rewarding way to work hands-on with vehicles and technology. If you are considering a career involving cars, it is helpful to understand the responsibilities of various roles. Jobs in the automotive industry span many career segments, including maintenance, repair, design, development, sales and customer service.

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What is the difference between engineering and designing?

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What is the difference between engineering and designing?

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What is the difference between engineering and designing? What should I consider while deciding a shift from either one of the careers to...

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Kash's answer: Most of them have already given the answer. I will try my best to answer this question. Lets us assume a work in automobile industry, they have both engineering and designing team. now lets say they both are given a task to design a car with certian conditions.

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Career, Salary and Education Information

What They Do: Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.

Work Environment: Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites in order to collaborate with architects and engineers. Most drafters work full time.

How to Become One: Drafters typically complete education after high school, often through a program at a community college or technical school. Some programs lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree. Others result in a certificate or diploma.

Salary: The median annual wage for drafters is $55,550.

Job Outlook: Employment of drafters is projected to show little or no change over the next ten years. Increased construction activity is projected to drive demand for drafters, but this is expected to be tempered as engineers and architects increasingly perform some tasks previously done by drafters.

Related Careers: Explore occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Following is everything you need to know about a career as a drafter with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:

Top 3 Drafters Jobs

Mechanical Drafter - NX -Infosoft Inc -Alpharetta, GA
Mechanical Drafter - NX Pay Rate: $22 to 25.20/Hr Duration: 2 Months Job Requisition: JP00059521 Location: Alpharetta, GA This position is for Commercial Vehicles division. * Prepares layouts ...

CAD Drafter -MILLER & ASSOCIATES -Kearney, NE
May assist Engineer in developing design concepts, with attention to appearance, proper mechanics, and other necessary items. * Assist in detail checking of own work and work of other drafters

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DESIGNER/DRAFTER -Biter & Associates, LLC -Arlington, TX
Performs as the expert in all applicable CAD systems, responsible for mentoring Jr. Drafters and peers. * Maintains delegated product line(s) and makes changes to increase product quality

See all Drafters jobs

Drafters use software to convert the designs of architects and engineers into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

Duties of Drafters

Drafters typically do the following:

Design plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software

Work from rough sketches and specifications created by engineers and architects

Design products with engineering and manufacturing techniques

Add details to architectural plans from their knowledge of building techniques

Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for new products

Work under the supervision of engineers or architects

Many drafters are referred to as CAD operators. Using CAD systems, drafters create and store technical drawings digitally. These drawings contain information on how to build a structure or machine, the dimensions of the project, and what materials are needed to complete the project.

Drafters work with CAD so they can create schematics that can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into building information modeling (BIM) systems. These systems allow drafters, architects, construction managers, and engineers to create and collaborate on digital models of physical buildings and machines. Through three-dimensional rendering, BIM software allows designers and engineers to see how different elements in their projects work together.

The following are examples of types of drafters:

Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings for construction projects. These workers may specialize in a type of building, such as residential or commercial. They may also specialize by the materials used, such as steel, wood, or reinforced concrete.

Civil drafters prepare topographical maps used in construction and civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and flood-control projects.

Electrical drafters prepare wiring diagrams that construction workers use to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in power plants, electrical distribution systems, and residential and commercial buildings.

Electronics drafters produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing and in installing and repairing electronic devices and components.

Mechanical drafters prepare layouts that show the details for a wide variety of machinery and mechanical tools and devices, such as medical equipment. These layouts indicate dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements needed for assembly. Mechanical drafters sometimes create production molds.

Drafters hold about 199,900 jobs. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up drafters was distributed as follows:

The largest employers of drafters were as follows:

Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites to collaborate with architects and engineers.

Drafter Work Schedules

Most drafters work full time.

Get the education you need: Find schools for Drafters near you!

Drafters typically need specialized training, which can be accomplished through a technical program that leads to a certificate or an associate's degree in drafting.

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Education for Drafters

Drafters generally need to complete postsecondary education in drafting. This is typically done through a 2-year associate's degree from a technical institute or community college.

Technical institutes offer instruction in design fundamentals, sketching, and computer-aided design (CAD) software and award certificates or diplomas upon completion. Programs vary in length but are generally 2 years of full-time education. The types of courses offered will also vary by institution. Some institutions may specialize in only one type of drafting, such as mechanical or architectural drafting.

Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes that lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or related degree. After completing an associate's degree program, graduates may get jobs as drafters or continue their education in a related field at a 4-year college. Most 4-year colleges do not offer training in drafting, but they do offer classes in engineering, architecture, and mathematics.

To prepare for postsecondary education, high school students may find it useful to take courses in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and where available, drafting.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Drafters

The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers certification for drafters. Although not mandatory, certification demonstrates competence and knowledge of nationally recognized practices. Certifications are offered for several specialties, including architectural, civil, and mechanical drafting.

Important Qualities for Drafters

Creativity. Drafters must be able to turn plans and ideas into technical drawings that will guide the creation of real buildings, tools, and systems.

Detail oriented. Drafters must pay close attention to details so that the plans they convert are technically accurate according to the outlined specifications.

Interpersonal skills. Drafters work closely with architects, engineers, and other designers to make sure that final plans are accurate. This requires the ability to communicate effectively and work well with others.

Math skills. Drafters work on technical drawings. They may be required to solve mathematical calculations involving factors such as angles, weights, and costs.

Technical skills. Drafters in all specialties must be able to use computer software, such as CAD, and work with database tools, such as building information modeling (BIM).

Time-management skills. Drafters often work under strict deadlines. As a result, they must work efficiently to produce the required output according to set schedules.

The median annual wage for drafters is $55,550. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,170, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,140.

Median annual wages for drafters are as follows:

The median annual wages for drafters in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services

$56,930

Architectural, engineering, and related services

$55,570

Most drafters work full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week.

Overall employment of drafters is projected to show little or no change over the next ten years. Employment growth will vary by specialty.

Growth in the engineering services and construction industries is expected to account for most new jobs for drafters. However, computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) technologies allow engineers and architects to perform many tasks that used to be done by drafters, which is expected to temper demand for all drafters.

Job Prospects for Drafters

Competition for jobs is expected to be strong.

Demand for particular drafting specialties varies across the country because jobs depend on the needs of local industries. Job prospects for mechanical drafters should be best in large manufacturing hubs.

Because many drafting jobs are in construction and manufacturing, job opportunities for drafters will be sensitive to fluctuations in the overall economy.

Candidates proficient in CAD and BIM are likely to have better job opportunities.

Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.

Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers to plan, design, and build highways, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure projects. They also help to plan, design, and build commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects.

Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, and use measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment. They are also involved in the manufacture and deployment of equipment for automation.

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day. Industrial designers consider the function, aesthetics, production costs, and usability of products when developing new product concepts.

Landscape architects design parks and the outdoor spaces of campuses, recreational facilities, businesses, private homes, and other open areas.

Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.

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

Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land. Mapping technicians use geographic data to create maps. They both assist surveyors and cartographers and photogrammetrists.

Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. They provide data relevant to the shape and contour of the Earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, and construction projects.

*Some content used by permission of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

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What They Do: Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Work Environment: Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites in order to collaborate with architects and engineers. Most drafters work full time.

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Are you interested in learning more about careers in drafting? Click for information about opportunities at all levels of education. Start planning today.

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Careers and Personal Finance by Khan Academy

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Automotive Mechanic | What I do & how much I make | Khan Academy

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Automotive Jobs: The Highest Paying Ones

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Drafting and Design Engineer Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities are available for drafting and design engineers in fields such as the following:

Examples of specific industries requiring the expertise of drafting and design engineers include the following:

Aeronautics

Automotive

Computer Hardware

Construction

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Information Technology

Medical Equipment

Salaries and Outlook for Drafting and Design Engineering Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), simple drafters earn a median salary of $47,880 per year or a median hourly wage of $23.02 per hour. Most who earn this level of compensation will hold an Associates degree. However, because this compensation represents the more moderate pay scale of drafters in general, those who specialize in both drafting and design or who qualify as a drafting and design engineer can expect to earn more. When drafting and design professionals bring these two valuable skills into the engineering field, they can expect to command more lucrative compensation - possibly 50 percent more.

Mechanical and civil engineering are two areas in which a drafting and design engineer can specialize. The BLS lists mechanical engineering median salaries/wages at $71,160 per year or $37.58 per hour and civil engineering median salaries/wages at $77,560 per year or $37.29 per hour. While the BLS predicts that job growth in drafting technology will reach 6 percent between 2010 and 2020, it expects mechanical engineering growth to hit 9 percent and civil engineering growth to hit 19 percent during the same period.

Is Drafting and Design Engineering for You?

If you are technically oriented, mechanically inclined, good at mathematics and talented at translating intangible concepts into hands-on project plans, and you enjoy being involved in the practical application of complex theoretical principles, you may be well-suited to the drafting and design engineering field.

Engineering Associations for Drafting and Design Engineers

The following engineering organizations can provide a wealth of information for anyone interested in drafting and design engineering:

American Design Drafting Association/American Digital Design Association (ADDA)

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

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Drafting and Design Engineer Jobs and Careers | EducatingEngineers.com

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Employment opportunities are available for drafting and design engineers in fields such as the following: Examples of specific industries requiring the expertise of drafting and design engineers include the following: Aeronautics Automotive Computer Hardware Construction Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Information Technology Medical Equipment According to the U.S.

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Careers and Personal Finance by Khan Academy

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Construction Business Owner | What I do & how much I make | Part 1 | Khan Academy

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A career in Computer Aided Design (Industrial Drafting) at RTC

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What is 3D Printing and how does it work?

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Trade Up - become a Collision Repair Technician

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The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government's premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations-such as carpenters, teachers, and veterinarians. Revised annually, the latest version contains employment projections for the 2022-32 decade.

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Detailed descriptions of the world-of-work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, developers, researchers, and more. Individuals can find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on their goals and needs. Comprehensive reports include occupation requirements, worker characteristics, and available training, education, and job opportunities.

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Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

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Get detailed career information on literally hundreds of occupations including job descriptions, training/education, employment projections, salary, and more.

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design and drafting  are good for your careers and gives you money.

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design and drafting  are good for your careers and gives you money.

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engineering is good for you because you build everything like building or something you like you can make em .

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engineering is good for you because you build everything like building or something you like you can make em .

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automotive is good you get to make your own ride like for example: lowrider,trucks,golf carts.

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automotive is good you get to make your own ride like for example: lowrider,trucks,golf carts.

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building: you get make a manson or alot of houses.

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building: you get make a manson or alot of houses.