Industry CategoriesDay in the Life Video
Energy
Energy is a major part of the American way of life, and a large and growing part of the work force in the United States is involved in keeping energy available day in and day out. Industry jobs include finding oil and natural gas and delivering them to their end uses such as heating homes and fueling cars. Other jobs involve finding and mining coal, operating power plants and maintaining and repairing the power lines that deliver electricity to homes, schools and offices.
The demand for energy around the world is growing, and a large section of the current industry is about to retire. This means young professionals with engineering degrees will find tremendous opportunity within the industry. Not only is the variety of jobs expansive, but the pay is good, too. Six-figure salaries are not out of reach for engineers with four-year degrees starting out. Those numbers grow with increasing years of experience and education. 
Industry Education
Did You Know?
The energy industry needs civil, chemical, environmental, geological, mining, nuclear and seismic engineers. With big-name companies looking to hire the best graduates in these specialties, the pay and job security can be very good.
A 'roustabout' is a laborer on an oil or natural gas rig. These energy professionals earn $12.75 an hour, on average.
A derrick operator can earn $16.75 an hour and a rotary drill operator can earn almost $18.70 an hour.
|
