Engineers Make A Comeback! Interesting Findings Of National Association Of Colleges And Employers’ (NACE) Survey
Just when most of America was worried over high unemployment rates and jobs losses, engineering graduates were relatively calm. Why, you ask? Because of the great job prospects and excellent stating salaries in this profession. A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers Survey reports engineering to be amongst the top professions for new graduates in terms of salary. Curious, aren’t you? Aboutonlinedegrees.org gives you the scoop on the findings…
Which engineering specialties give the big bucks?
Amongst the ten majors with the highest starting salaries, according to the NACE survey, six are in the engineering profession, with Computer Engineering dominating the list. The ranking in order of starting salaries for engineering majors follows:
| Computer Engineering | $70,400 |
| Chemical Engineering | $66,400 |
| Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering | $64,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $62,900 |
| Electrical/Electronics and Communications Engineering | $62,300 |
| Civil Engineering | $57,600 |
Don’t forget that these are starting salaries we’re talking about here. The average salaries will likely be higher, as will be the earnings at the peak of your engineering career.
Are job prospects good too?
Yes! Getting an engineering degree, for example by becoming an online engineering student, can mean a prosperous professional life for you with the promise of great job prospects. Even though the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not predict an astounding increase in the number of jobs in these engineering specialties, NACE claims that the low supply of graduates doesn’t meet the high demand. And that’s why employers are willing to pay these graduates a handsome amount.
Civil Engineering – The Specialty With Quite A Few Jobs!
If you are wondering which of the engineering specialties is the most popular in terms of jobs and job growth, civil engineering appears to be a clear winner of the above engineering specialties. The number of jobs for civil engineers in 2010 stood at about 262,800, with a 19 percent expected growth between 2010 and 2020 – an additional 51,100 jobs. Jobs for mechanical engineers are also plenty, with 243,200 jobs in 2010, and 21,300 additional ones to be added by 2020.
So, how to get there?
The first step for becoming an engineer is to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering in your preferred major. This takes anywhere between 4-5 years, and you can also explore the option of getting enrolled in an Accredited Online Engineering Degree. Engineering programs have to be accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
And Licensing Requirements…?
Licensing is a necessity for engineers in all states in the US. For this, besides graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program, you will also need relevant work experience. Then you’ll have to pass a state exam to get a Professional Engineering (PE) license.
All in all, becoming an engineer can mean an enviable, satisfying professional life for you. So if you really wish to make it big as an engineering professional, you should start working towards your career goals now.