What does an engineer do?

At its core, engineering is the use of scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, test, and maintain structures, systems, machines, technologies, and processes.

Examples include:

• A civil engineer ensuring a dam can withstand extreme weather

• A mechanical engineer improving a manufacturing line

• An electrical engineer designing power systems or electronics

• A software engineer developing applications, infrastructure, or algorithms

While the day-to-day tasks vary wildly between specialties, the fundamental goal remains the same: solving technical problems in efficient, safe, practical ways.

Requirements to be an engineer

Most engineering careers require a mix of formal education, technical skills, and sometimes professional licensure. While specific rules vary by state and specialization, there are common expectations that apply to traditional engineering roles that impact public safety and infrastructure.

Educational foundation

For most traditional engineering fields (like civil, mechanical, electrical, or chemical), a bachelor's degree is the first step. This degree typically must come from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), especially if you plan to pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license later.

Some states accept closely related degrees or engineering technology programs, but they often involve additional experience or evaluation to qualify for licensure.

Essential skills

Beyond the degree, you need a specific set of hard and soft skills to succeed:

• Mathematics and science: You need a strong grasp of calculus, physics, and other relevant sciences.

• Analytical thinking: You must be able to break down complex problems into manageable parts.

• Attention to detail: A small miscalculation in engineering can have massive consequences.

• Communication: You often have to explain complex technical concepts to non-engineers, like clients or project managers.

• Teamwork: Engineering is rarely a solo endeavor; you will almost always work in multi-disciplinary teams.

Steps to become an engineer

This is the typical roadmap for how to become an engineer, especially if you want the option to become licensed later:

1. Choose an engineering major

Your first major decision is selecting an engineering discipline aligned with your interests and career goals. Common specializations include:

• Civil engineering: Designs and maintains infrastructure like roads, bridges, dams, and water systems

• Mechanical engineering: Focuses on machines and moving systems, such as engines, HVAC equipment, and manufacturing machinery

• Electrical engineering: Works with electrical and electronic systems, from microchips to power grids

• Structural engineering: Guarantees buildings and bridges can safely withstand loads and environmental forces

• Chemical engineering: Applies chemistry, physics, and biology to processes involving chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and food products

• Biomedical engineering: Combines engineering and medical sciences to create medical devices, imaging systems, and health technologies

• Software or computer engineering: Designs software, embedded systems, and computing infrastructure used across industries

2. Earn a bachelor's degree in engineering

Most aspiring engineers complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited program. The first one to two years cover foundational courses in calculus, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering, while the final years focus on advanced topics in your chosen discipline and a capstone design project.

3. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

If you plan to work in fields that affect public safety, such as civil, structural, or environmental engineering, the next step is to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Many students take the FE exam in their senior year or shortly after graduation.

Passing the exam earns you the title of Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI), depending on the state.

The FE exam is administered by NCEES, offered year-round at approved test centers, and typically takes about six hours.

4. Gain supervised engineering experience

After passing the FE exam, you'll need several years of experience under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer. In many states, the standard requirement is at least four years of progressive engineering work for those with an ABET-accredited engineering degree, though some jurisdictions require more time for non-accredited or technology degrees.

During this time, you will learn the practical side of the job—things that textbooks just can't teach you, like navigating local building codes, managing project budgets, and handling client expectations.

5. Obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license

Once you have met your state's education and experience requirements, you can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

Passing this rigorous exam allows you to become a licensed Professional Engineer. This is a major career milestone. It gives you the legal authority to sign and seal engineering plans, submit drawings to public authorities, and often opens the door to higher salaries and management positions.

In some industries and companies, a PE license is essential for advancement into senior, supervisory, or client-facing roles.

6. Maintain your license

Getting your license is a huge achievement, but the learning doesn't stop there. Engineering technology and safety codes change constantly, so you need to stay current to keep your status active.

Most states require Professional Engineers to complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Hours (PDHs) to renew their licenses. This typically involves attending seminars, taking online courses, or participating in professional workshops every year or two.

Staying active in professional societies and monitoring code updates also helps you maintain competence and credibility.

How much do engineers make?

Engineering salaries vary by discipline, location, experience, and licensure status. According to recent data, the median annual wage for most engineers is generally over $100,000, which is more than double the national average for all occupations. Entry-level roles often start lower, with significant growth over time.

How long does it take to become an engineer?

The time required to become an engineer depends on your goals:

• To start working as an engineer: Most people complete a bachelor's degree in about 4 to 5 years of full-time study.

• To become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE): Expect to add roughly 4 or more years of qualifying work experience after graduation, for a typical total of about 8 to 9 years from the start of college to licensure.

Some states or specialties may require additional education or longer experience periods, especially for candidates without ABET-accredited degrees.

How to become an engineer without a degree

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer depends heavily on both the type of engineering and how "engineer" is defined in your region.

Traditional engineering fields

Fields like civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering are regulated to protect public safety, so becoming a licensed engineer without a degree is extremely difficult and only allowed in a small number of states, usually requiring:

• A significant number of years (often 12 to 20+) of documented engineering experience

• Supervision by licensed engineers

• State board review

Even then, opportunities may be limited. Without a degree, you can work in roles like technician, drafter, or technologist, but advancement into full engineering responsibilities is often restricted. You will likely hit a "glass ceiling" where you cannot advance to true engineering roles without the formal education.

The software exception

Software engineering is the biggest exception. In most places:

• There is no licensing requirement.

• Titles like "software engineer" are determined by employers, not regulators.

• Many software engineers are self-taught or come from coding bootcamps or unrelated degrees.

• Employers focus on skills, projects, and problem-solving ability.

While some companies still prefer computer science or software engineering degrees, this is one of the clearest paths to "engineering" work without formal engineering education.

FAQs about becoming an engineer

Is engineering hard?

Yes, engineering degrees are considered challenging because they require a heavy load of advanced mathematics and science courses. However, with good study habits and a genuine interest in the subject, it is very manageable.

Do you need a master's degree to become an engineer?

For most entry-level jobs, you do not need a master's degree to be an engineer. A bachelor's degree is sufficient. However, a master's degree can be helpful if you want to specialize in a very technical niche, work in research and development, or move into engineering management.