Engineers

Employers

More than 1.7 million engineers are employed in the United States. Many different industries employ engineers. Most engineers are employed in manufacturing or for companies that provide professional, scientific, or technical services. Civil engineering is the largest engineering specialty, with approximately 341,800 workers. Many engineers are employed by federal government agencies (such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or U.S. Department of Energy) or those at the state level.

Starting Out

There are many ways to learn about job opportunities in engineering. Recent graduates can use their college placement services, or they may apply directly to employers. Information on job openings is also available at state employment offices, at the federal Office of Personnel Management (https://www.usajobs.gov), and at employment and association Web sites.

Entry-level engineers generally work under a senior engineer and may receive extensive on-the-job training in addition to augment their college education.