Industrial engineering is the fastest-growing subfield, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Between 2023 and 2033, the 12 percent projected growth equates to an addition of 40,900 jobs nationally. In other words, the number of available positions is expected to grow from 336,600 to 377,500 by 2033.
The work of an industrial engineer is generally focused on the concept of production efficiency. Depending on their work setting, an industrial engineer may be tasked with developing efficient systems that integrate workers, materials, machines, information, and energy in creating a product or providing a specific service.
Here are the latest salary averages, number of industrial engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 350,230 |
| Average Annual Salary | $107,900 |
| 10th Percentile | $70,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,910 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $101,140 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $157,140 |
After industrial engineering, mechanical engineering is slated to experience the greatest absolute increase in employment openings. The BLS (2025) reports that jobs in this field are expected to grow 11 percent, resulting in the addition of 32,100 jobs, with positions rising from 291,900 to 323,900 by 2033.
While all mechanical engineering positions will likely vary in specifics, these professionals are generally responsible for developing, designing, building, and testing thermal and mechanical devices, which often include tools, machines, and even engines. Furthermore, mechanical engineers in more managerial roles may also be tasked with supervising other engineering professionals’ design and development processes.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of mechanical engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 286,760 |
| Average Annual Salary | $110,080 |
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $102,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 |
According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), 26,200 positions in electrical and electronics engineering will likely be added by 2033, increasing the number of jobs to 313,900 overall. This field of electrical and electronics engineering is the third-fastest-growing field at 9 percent in the coming decade, from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations (4 percent).
Electrical and electronics engineers bring electronics to life. If a device or piece of equipment requires electricity, these engineers have engaged in the research, design, development, testing, and supervision of manufacturing that makes the device functional. They are involved in designing, developing, testing, and supervising electrical equipment manufacturing, such as electric motors, communications systems, power generation equipment, or navigation systems. They may also be involved in designing the electrical systems of aircraft and automobiles. Electrical engineers are centrally concerned about the production and distribution of electricity.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of electrical engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 282,740 |
| Average Annual Salary | $124,810 |
| 10th Percentile | $76,190 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,390 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $118,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,530 |
| 90th Percentile | $181,390 |
The field of civil engineering is one of the fastest-growing subfields, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). From 2023 to 2033, an estimated 22,100 positions will be added by 2033 in civil engineering, increasing the number of jobs to 363,900 overall. The growth rate for civil engineers is 6 percent.
Civil engineers are generally responsible for the design, operation, supervision, and maintenance of construction projects and systems. These projects may be operated in the public or private sector, often including constructing and maintaining roads, bridges, dams, airports, tunnels, or even water supply or sewer treatment systems. Civil engineers may also research current projects or operations and present their findings to the public on topics such as environmental impact statements, bid proposals, or property descriptions.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of civil engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 355,410 |
| Average Annual Salary | $107,050 |
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $99,590 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 |
Because computers and computer systems have become so ubiquitous in today’s society, the demand for more computer hardware engineers continues to grow over the years. The BLS (2025) reports that this subfield expects a 7 percent growth between 2023 and 2033, which amounts to an increase of 6,100 positions altogether, or a change from 84,100 to 90,200.
Computer hardware engineers retain various responsibilities, focusing on applying engineering principles to computer issues. For example, computer hardware engineers generally research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, memory devices, networks, circuit boards, and routers. Many perform detailed research to help advance the field of computer systems.
Here are the latest salary averages, number of computer hardware engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 75,710 |
| Average Annual Salary | $156,770 |
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $155,020 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 |
The redesign of aircraft results in less noise pollution and better fuel efficiency, which in turn helps sustain the demand for development and research. The BLS (2025) reports that this subfield expects growth of just 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, but this amounts to an increase of 4,100 positions or a change from 68,900 to 73,000 in that decade.
Aerospace engineers primarily design spacecraft, aircraft, missiles, and satellites. Besides, these engineers are also involved in creating and testing prototypes to ensure they function as expected. They may also develop the latest technologies for use in defense systems, spacecraft, and aviation. Aerospace engineers often specialize in structural design; aerodynamic fluid flow; guidance, navigation, and control; robotics; propulsion & combustion; and instrumentation and communication. They typically specialize in 1 of 2 types of engineering: astronautical or aeronautical.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of aerospace engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 68,440 |
| Average Annual Salary | $141,180 |
| 10th Percentile | $85,350 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,740 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $134,830 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $205,850 |
The BLS (2025) reported that the field of environmental engineering is expected to grow by 7 percent overall, which amounts to an increase of 2,900 positions, or from 41,300 to 44,200 jobs by 2033. The growth rate for this branch of engineering is almost double the national average.
Most of the projected growth for environmental engineers is in scientific, technical, and professional services, as governments at the local and state levels look to the industry for addressing water efficiency concerns.
Environmental engineers are in relatively high demand in today’s society, as many individuals and organizations look towards engineering professionals to help solve complex issues as they relate to the environment. Environmental engineers are generally tasked with applying engineering ideas and principles, as well as those related to biology, soil science, and chemistry, to develop solutions to environmental issues.
Types of projects on which environmental engineering might work include those aimed at improving public health, waste disposal, water treatment, recycling, and even air pollution.
Here are the latest salary averages, number of environmental engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 37,950 |
| Average Annual Salary | $110,570 |
| 10th Percentile | $64,950 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,510 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $104,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,830 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,910 |
The BLS (2025) reports that jobs in chemical engineering are expected to grow 10 percent, adding 2,100 jobs. The total number of jobs will rise from 21,400 to 23,500 in 2033. The growth rate for the chemical engineering field is nearly triple the national average.
The demand for chemical engineering services largely depends on the demand for the products of several manufacturing industries. The need to find alternative fuels will continue to require the expertise of chemical engineers.
From food to pharmaceuticals, chemical engineers are responsible for applying STEM-based knowledge to solve practical problems in manufacturing and production.
Chemical engineers tend to have technical and scientific mastery that is quite comprehensive, enabling them to work in a wide range of fields. Furthermore, chemical engineers in more managerial roles may also be tasked with supervising other engineering professionals’ design and development processes.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of chemical engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 20,330 |
| Average Annual Salary | $128,430 |
| 10th Percentile | $78,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,040 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $121,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,290 |
| 90th Percentile | $182,150 |
The employment level for materials engineers depends largely on trends in manufacturing and technological innovation. The BLS (2025) reports that jobs in this field are expected to grow 7 percent, resulting in the addition of 1,800 jobs, with positions rising from 25,000 to 26,900 by 2033.
Materials engineers work with ceramics, plastics, and metals to create new materials. They develop, test, and process materials used to create a range of products, from aircraft wings and computer chips to biomedical devices and golf clubs. They also help select materials for specific products and develop new ways to use existing materials.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of materials engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 22,770 |
| Average Annual Salary | $116,380 |
| 10th Percentile | $68,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,820 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $108,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,370 |
| 90th Percentile | $172,000 |
The BLS (2025) reports that jobs in biomedical engineering are expected to grow 7 percent, adding 1,500 jobs. The total number of jobs will rise from 19,700 to 21,200 in 2033. The growth rate for the biomedical engineering field is higher than the national average (4 percent).
These engineers generally work with scientists, manufacturers, and medical researchers to address a wide range of physical disabilities and injuries.
These engineers combine biological and medical sciences with engineering principles for designing and creating equipment, computer systems, software used in healthcare, and devices. Biomedical engineers design electrical circuits or computer simulations for testing new drug therapies. Besides, these engineers are involved in designing and building artificial body parts like knee and hip joints.
Here are the latest salary averages, the number of biomedical engineers employed, and wage percentiles from the BLS (May 2024):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 21,860 |
| Average Annual Salary | $115,020 |
| 10th Percentile | $71,860 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,630 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $106,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,570 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,060 |
Nearly all engineering subfields are expected to experience growth between 2023 and 2033. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), only two fields of engineering are projected to have no growth or fewer than 100 jobs by 2033: mining and geological engineering (100 jobs) and nuclear engineering (decline 1 percent: -100 jobs).
Outside of these two subfields, the entire engineering field is expected to grow at a rate equal to or slightly faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations. By 2033, this engineering profession is expected to create many opportunities for aspiring engineers. Because of an omnipresent need for a wide variety of engineering expertise, pursuing a career in engineering can provide a rewarding and lucrative future.
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