Are you planning to join the Engineering profession? This article will help you understand what is involved in becoming a civil or electrical engineer and how it differs from one to another.
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How do you spell engineer?
An engineer is someone who designs, builds, and maintains the static or fluid systems that move people or cargo to where they need to go.
In most cases, engineers carry out these tasks independently. Engineering is often a system-based profession that deals with the application of science and mathematics in order to manipulate natural or physical resources for human use.
Civil Engineer Vs Electrical Engineer
The Top Careers: What’s Best for You?
- 1. If you’re looking to build a career and make a difference, civil engineering is the best choice.
- 2. Electrical engineering may be better if your interest is in building electrical-based projects such as solar power or consumer electronics rather than structural work such as bridges and dams.
- 3. Mechanical engineers on average pay $10 per year more than civil engineers but the top 10% of civil engineers are paid more than the top ten% of mechanical engineers!
- The salary gap between them can be attributed to how much demand there is for each type of engineer but also what they go into doing at their jobs!
- 4. The top 1% of civil engineers are paid an average annual salary of $100K.
- 5. The median age for hiring during each engineering career is fairly similar between the two engineering professions but over time, mechanical engineers have a higher use rate than civil engineers meaning there could be more employment opportunities in the future.
- 6. The annual median salary for both mechanical engineers and civil engineers is $75K per year but the average growth rate can be different depending on where you are looking to take your career in the long run!
- 1 Over 3 years, Mechanical Engineers have a higher average expected growth rate at 7% whereas civil engineers are typically around 5%.
- 7. Mechanical Engineering jobs generally stay more stable mid-career when compared to Civil Engineers with an employment growth rate averaging 2% versus 6%.
- Many factors contribute to this but overall mechanical engineering is a very rewarding profession both professionally and personally!
- 8. There are over 70,000 civil engineers in the US, 29% of which are female!
- 9. Electrical engineers on average make more than mechanical engineers with an average annual salary of $100K however both supply and demand are based on the time when it pertains to whether electrical or mechanical engineering is the right decision for someone!
- 10. Approximately one-quarter of practical engineering programs are offered at community colleges versus universities.
- This trend continues all through to university level with only 10% of civil engineers being obtained from community schools whereas 32% come from 4-year schools versus 38% from universities4!
- 11. Direct entry into civil engineering is very lucrative but it does take a lot to bear with the average income of $78K per year offsetting an 8-10 month student loan process!
- 12. Civil engineering students are more prone to get scholarships so research various resources around the internet for financial aid opportunities!
- 13. As mentioned before there is a high demand for mechanical engineers but the average salary of $77K per year definitely helps with offsetting your student loans or even giving you the confidence to move out and get a part-time job ;).
- 14. Once your student loans are paid off you will be making at 85K per year, however, looking into different engineering professions can help improve both satisfaction & income!
- 15. Civil engineers need to be very physically fit and also have a very strong work ethic!
- 16. Civil engineers spend most of their time indoors in a cubicle at a desk, up until your mid-twenties you will be spending about 85% of your time behind that damn thing ;).
- There is no required cold-weather training for this career but, having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree will probably make your job application better!
- 17. There are tons of mechanical engineers out there working for major companies like Ford running manufacturing plants all around the country to residential homes building windows & doors—this is something that you should keep in mind!
- 18. Civil engineers make a wide variety of products from bridges to siding, even heating and cooling systems.
- 19. As stated above most civil engineers work for construction companies that provide computer software that will analyze the traffic patterns & number of people walking by their storefront during certain numbers—this is key!
- 20. Architects (Degrees not needed).
- 21. Product Design Engineers (very similar to mechanical engineers but a specialized degree is needed).
