GITNUX REPORT 2024

Mechanical Engineering Dominates as Most Popular Engineering Bachelors Degree

Unlocking the Top Engineering Majors: Insights into Job Outlooks, Salaries, and Graduate Statistics.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

Aerospace Engineering accounts for 3.8% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US

Statistic 2

The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $118,610 in May 2020

Statistic 3

Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030

Statistic 4

About 4,000 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade

Statistic 5

21.8% of aerospace engineering graduates are women

Statistic 6

The average starting salary for aerospace engineering graduates is $70,000

Statistic 7

91% of aerospace engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation

Statistic 8

25% of aerospace engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies

Statistic 9

The job outlook for aerospace engineers is expected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029

Statistic 10

37% of aerospace engineers work in aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Statistic 11

The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering is 4.6 years

Statistic 12

Chemical Engineering accounts for 7.2% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US

Statistic 13

The median annual wage for chemical engineers was $108,540 in May 2020

Statistic 14

Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030

Statistic 15

About 1,800 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade

Statistic 16

35.4% of chemical engineering graduates are women

Statistic 17

The average starting salary for chemical engineering graduates is $72,000

Statistic 18

96% of chemical engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation

Statistic 19

30% of chemical engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies

Statistic 20

The job outlook for chemical engineers is expected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029

Statistic 21

33% of chemical engineering graduates work in manufacturing industries

Statistic 22

The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering is 4.4 years

Statistic 23

Civil Engineering accounts for 14.3% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US

Statistic 24

The median annual wage for civil engineers was $88,570 in May 2020

Statistic 25

Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030

Statistic 26

About 25,000 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade

Statistic 27

24.5% of civil engineering graduates are women

Statistic 28

The average starting salary for civil engineering graduates is $61,500

Statistic 29

94% of civil engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation

Statistic 30

35% of civil engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies

Statistic 31

The job outlook for civil engineers is expected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029

Statistic 32

48% of civil engineering graduates work in engineering services

Statistic 33

The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering is 4.7 years

Statistic 34

Computer Science and Engineering accounts for 11.5% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US

Statistic 35

The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $119,560 in May 2020

Statistic 36

Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 2% from 2020 to 2030

Statistic 37

About 4,500 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade

Statistic 38

20.9% of computer science and engineering graduates are women

Statistic 39

The average starting salary for computer science and engineering graduates is $76,000

Statistic 40

97% of computer science and engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation

Statistic 41

40% of computer science and engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies

Statistic 42

The job outlook for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029

Statistic 43

27% of computer hardware engineers work in computer systems design and related services

Statistic 44

The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering is 4.5 years

Statistic 45

Electrical Engineering accounts for 14.5% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US

Statistic 46

The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $103,390 in May 2020

Statistic 47

Employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030

Statistic 48

About 22,700 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade

Statistic 49

15.6% of electrical engineering graduates are women

Statistic 50

The average starting salary for electrical engineering graduates is $71,000

Statistic 51

93% of electrical engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation

Statistic 52

28% of electrical engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies

Statistic 53

The job outlook for electrical engineers is expected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029

Statistic 54

31% of electrical engineering graduates work in engineering services

Statistic 55

The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is 4.6 years

Statistic 56

Mechanical Engineering accounts for 21.6% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US

Statistic 57

The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $88,430 in May 2020

Statistic 58

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030

Statistic 59

About 20,200 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade

Statistic 60

17.8% of mechanical engineering graduates are women

Statistic 61

The average starting salary for mechanical engineering graduates is $68,000

Statistic 62

92% of mechanical engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation

Statistic 63

33% of mechanical engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies

Statistic 64

The job outlook for mechanical engineers is expected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029

Statistic 65

45% of mechanical engineering graduates work in manufacturing industries

Statistic 66

The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is 4.5 years

Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges

Summary

  • Mechanical Engineering accounts for 21.6% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $88,430 in May 2020
  • Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 20,200 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 17.8% of mechanical engineering graduates are women
  • Electrical Engineering accounts for 14.5% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $103,390 in May 2020
  • Employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 22,700 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 15.6% of electrical engineering graduates are women
  • Civil Engineering accounts for 14.3% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for civil engineers was $88,570 in May 2020
  • Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 25,000 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 24.5% of civil engineering graduates are women

Looking to engineer your way to success? Mechanical Engineering might just be the cog in the wheel you need, with a whopping 21.6% of all engineering bachelors degrees in the US. But dont bolt just yet – Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Computer Science, and Aerospace Engineering bring their own sparks to the table with impressive stats on salaries, job prospects, and gender diversity. So, buckle up because were about to dive into the fascinating world of the Most Popular Engineering Majors that are electrifying the industry!

Aerospace Engineering

  • Aerospace Engineering accounts for 3.8% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $118,610 in May 2020
  • Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 4,000 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 21.8% of aerospace engineering graduates are women
  • The average starting salary for aerospace engineering graduates is $70,000
  • 91% of aerospace engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation
  • 25% of aerospace engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies
  • The job outlook for aerospace engineers is expected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029
  • 37% of aerospace engineers work in aerospace product and parts manufacturing
  • The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering is 4.6 years

Interpretation

In a world where the sky is no longer the limit, aerospace engineering emerges as a soaring star among the constellation of engineering disciplines. With a median annual wage that can make even gravity jealous and a job outlook that's hotter than a rocket launch, aerospace engineers are the modern-day pioneers exploring the final frontier of innovation. Despite the industry's gravitational pull towards male dominance, the growing presence of female graduates is like a re-entry maneuver bringing diversity back into orbit. So, strap in, future aerospace engineers, because the trajectory looks promising, the opportunities are sky-high, and with determination, your career can truly take flight.

Chemical Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering accounts for 7.2% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for chemical engineers was $108,540 in May 2020
  • Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 1,800 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 35.4% of chemical engineering graduates are women
  • The average starting salary for chemical engineering graduates is $72,000
  • 96% of chemical engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation
  • 30% of chemical engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies
  • The job outlook for chemical engineers is expected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029
  • 33% of chemical engineering graduates work in manufacturing industries
  • The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering is 4.4 years

Interpretation

Chemical engineering: where the median wage is high, the job outlook is rosy, and the gender balance is steadily improving – a field where chemical engineers are mixing equal parts of talent and determination to stir up success. With a promising growth projection of 9% from 2020 to 2030, it's no wonder there are on average 1,800 annual openings for these innovative problem solvers. It seems that the chemical engineering formula is proving to be a winning one, with strong employment rates, competitive starting salaries, and a swift path to success. So, for aspiring engineers looking to make a splash, the chemistry is just right in this dynamic and rewarding field!

Civil Engineering

  • Civil Engineering accounts for 14.3% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for civil engineers was $88,570 in May 2020
  • Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 25,000 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 24.5% of civil engineering graduates are women
  • The average starting salary for civil engineering graduates is $61,500
  • 94% of civil engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation
  • 35% of civil engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies
  • The job outlook for civil engineers is expected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029
  • 48% of civil engineering graduates work in engineering services
  • The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering is 4.7 years

Interpretation

Civil engineering: where the roads to success are paved with both concrete and opportunities. With a strong median annual wage, promising job growth, and an impressive employment rate for recent graduates, it's clear that civil engineers are building a sturdy foundation for their careers. Despite the profession traditionally attracting more men than women, the field is gradually diversifying. So, whether you're crunching numbers in the design office or putting on a hard hat at a construction site, it seems like civil engineering has something solid to offer for those willing to navigate the twists and turns of engineering landscapes.

Computer Science and Engineering

  • Computer Science and Engineering accounts for 11.5% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $119,560 in May 2020
  • Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 2% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 4,500 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 20.9% of computer science and engineering graduates are women
  • The average starting salary for computer science and engineering graduates is $76,000
  • 97% of computer science and engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation
  • 40% of computer science and engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies
  • The job outlook for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029
  • 27% of computer hardware engineers work in computer systems design and related services
  • The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering is 4.5 years

Interpretation

Computer Science and Engineering – where nerds become magicians, and code becomes the universal language of the future. With an average starting salary that can make even seasoned professionals envious and a high employment rate, it's no wonder that this field is booming. From building the hardware that powers our everyday devices to coding the software that makes our lives easier, the possibilities are endless for those who dare to enter this digital realm. And for the women trailblazing their way through a male-dominated industry, the future is as bright as the glow of a computer screen at midnight. So, plug in, boot up, and get ready to code your way to success – because in this high-tech world, the only limit is your imagination.

Electrical Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering accounts for 14.5% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $103,390 in May 2020
  • Employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 22,700 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 15.6% of electrical engineering graduates are women
  • The average starting salary for electrical engineering graduates is $71,000
  • 93% of electrical engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation
  • 28% of electrical engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies
  • The job outlook for electrical engineers is expected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029
  • 31% of electrical engineering graduates work in engineering services
  • The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is 4.6 years

Interpretation

Electrical Engineering seems to be the "shockingly" popular choice among budding engineers, with its sparks of success evident from the statistics - from the electrifying median annual wage of $103,390 to the jolt of 7% projected job growth. Despite the current imbalance noted in the gender ratio and the slightly tangled job outlook predictions, the field still manages to light up the path for graduates with bright prospects. With a strong voltage of 93% of graduates employed or continuing education post-graduation, it's clear that electrical engineering is a field that is both high-powered and highly valued in the professional landscape. So, for those aspiring engineers looking to "power up" their career, it seems like Electrical Engineering might just be the "current" best bet.

Mechanical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering accounts for 21.6% of all engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the US
  • The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $88,430 in May 2020
  • Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030
  • About 20,200 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade
  • 17.8% of mechanical engineering graduates are women
  • The average starting salary for mechanical engineering graduates is $68,000
  • 92% of mechanical engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation
  • 33% of mechanical engineering students participate in internships during their undergraduate studies
  • The job outlook for mechanical engineers is expected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029
  • 45% of mechanical engineering graduates work in manufacturing industries
  • The average time to complete a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is 4.5 years

Interpretation

Mechanical engineering: where the numbers add up faster than a well-oiled machine. With a median annual wage that could make even the most calculating mathematician swoon, the job outlook for mechanical engineers seems to only be headed in one direction—up. From the projected growth in employment to the ample job opportunities available, it's clear that mechanical engineering is a field not just for the numbers-minded, but for those who know how to make them work in their favor. And with a decent gender balance, high employment rates post-graduation, and a penchant for real-world experience through internships, it's no wonder that mechanical engineering continues to be a top choice for aspiring engineers.

References