Education: Bachelor�s degree

Average salary*: $56,000

Testing: Pre-employment testing is typically required. Many companies require a passing score on the industry exams before being considered for employment. Topics focus on spatial ability, math concepts, mechanical reasoning and reading comprehension.

Special certificates/licenses: Registration as a professional engineer (P.E.) in a specific state.

Average salary*: $92,930

Things you’ll do: Develop safety procedures to be used by workers operating equipment or who will be near on-going chemical reactions. Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents using controlled chemical processes. Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.

Average salary*: $77,990

Things you’ll do: Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities such as pipeline and power plants. Direct or participate in surveying to lay out installations and guide construction. Inspect project sites to check on progress and make sure workers are following design specifications and safety standards.

Average salary*: $85,920

Things you’ll do: Conduct research and apply electrical theory to engineering projects. Perform calculations to determine how electrical systems should be built. Use computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks.

Average salary*: $79,230

Things you’ll do: Use knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance. Oversee how machines and equipment are installed, operated, and maintained, making sure they follow specifications. Discover why equipment fails and make recommendations to the maintenance crew.

Average salary*: $101,930

Things you’ll do: Design and oversee the construction and operation of nuclear reactors and power plants. Monitor activity in a nuclear facility to ensure safety rules and laws are followed. Perform experiments that provide information about how to use and dispose of nuclear material.

Average salary : $122,190*

Required years of experience: Typically ten years.

Education: Companies may provide some training in supervisory and leadership skills. A Master�s degree may be required.

Things you’ll do: Design and oversee projects using detailed plans to accomplish goals. Plan and direct the installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of facilities and equipment. Hire employees and assign, direct and evaluate their work. Create policies and procedures for the engineering work performed in the department, service, laboratory or firm. Review and write reports; enforce rules; and make decisions, including whether to buy specific materials or services.