Engineering is one of the broadest and most promising fields in the job market.
Present in virtually all sectors of the economy, it trains professionals capable of creating solutions to complex problems and driving the development of society.
But what are the most important types of engineering? What does each engineer do? And how much does a professional in this field earn?
In this guide, you'll learn about the main areas of study, understand how an engineering degree works, and discover which courses are in high demand in the job market. Check it out!
What are the 7 types of engineering?
Among the various types of engineering, 7 stand out as the most sought after in Brazil and worldwide.
Below is a brief overview of what each professional area entails, what students study during their undergraduate studies, and the average salary.
1. Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is one of the most traditional and well-known professions. Civil engineers design, build, and manage infrastructure projects such as houses, buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and airports.
What do you study in a civil engineering program?
During their undergraduate studies, students learn subjects such as calculus, physics, strength of materials, hydraulics, geotechnics, and construction management. There is also a focus on sustainability and new technologies applied to civil construction.
What does a civil engineer do?
- Plans and oversees projects of all sizes, from small to large.
- It guarantees the structural safety of buildings.
- Oversees budgets and deadlines.
Average salary: According to market data, the starting salary is around R$ 5,000, and can exceed R$ 15,000 in leadership positions or in large construction companies.
2. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering focuses on the development, manufacturing, and maintenance of machines, engines, vehicles, and industrial systems. It is an essential field for the automotive, aeronautical, and energy industries.
What do you study in a mechanical engineering program?
Students learn calculus, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, technical drawing, materials, and manufacturing processes.
What does a mechanical engineer do?
- Creates and tests prototypes of machines and equipment.
- Performs industrial maintenance.
- It operates in the development of vehicles and transportation systems.
Average salary: It varies between R$ 5,500 and R$ 12,000, depending on the sector and experience.
3. Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering focuses on systems for generating, transmitting, and distributing electrical energy, as well as automation and applied electronics.
What do you study in college?
Students take courses in electrical circuits, power systems, automation, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
What does an electrical engineer do?
- Develops electrical projects for industries and residences.
- It works with power plants and sustainable energy sources.
- It operates in industrial automation and telecommunications.
Average salary: around R$ 6,000, potentially reaching over R$ 14,000 in management positions or large-scale projects.
4. Production Engineering

Production Engineering focuses on optimizing production processes, combining engineering and management knowledge to improve the efficiency of companies.
What do you study in a Production Engineering degree?
Subjects such as logistics, administration, economics, statistics, quality management, and strategic planning are part of the training.
What does a production engineer do?
- Manages industrial and service processes.
- It works on reducing costs and increasing productivity.
- Works in the areas of logistics, planning, and quality management.
Average salary: approximately R$ 5,800, potentially reaching R$ 13,000 in coordination and management positions.
5. Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering combines knowledge from chemistry and engineering to transform raw materials into valuable products, such as fuel, food, medicines, and cosmetics.
What do you study in college?
The subjects include organic and inorganic chemistry, industrial processes, thermodynamics, biochemistry, and environmental management.
What does a chemical engineer do?
- Develops production processes in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
- Works in research and innovation.
- It works with quality control and sustainability.
Average salary: around R$ 6,500, potentially exceeding R$ 15,000 in strategic positions.
6. Software Engineering
Software Engineering focuses on the development of systems, applications, and digital solutions. It is one of the most promising fields due to the growth of technology and digital transformation.
What do you study in college?
Students learn programming, databases, artificial intelligence, information security, and agile methodologies.
What does a software engineer do?
- Develops and maintains software and applications.
- Works with systems analysis and quality testing.
- Works in startups, large technology companies, or independently.
Average salary: It ranges from R$ 6,500 to R$ 16,000, making it one of the highest-paying engineering fields currently.
7. Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering combines knowledge of hardware and software. Engineers in this field are capable of developing everything from embedded systems to computer networks and artificial intelligence.
What do you study at Faculty of Computer Engineering:
The subjects include programming, electronics, computer architecture, networks, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
What does a computer engineer do?:
- Develops hardware and software for various applications.
- Works with automation systems, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Works in technology, telecommunications, and research companies.
Average salary: between R$ 6,000 and R$ 14,000, and potentially even higher in cutting-edge technology companies.
Read also: 5 Reasons to Study Computer Engineering
What is engineering school like?
An engineering degree typically lasts 5 years and is considered one of the most challenging fields of higher education.
The beginning of the course is marked by foundational subjects such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
In the following years, the student delves deeper into the specific subjects of each area, in addition to developing projects, internships, and finally, the Final Course Project (TCC).
A degree requires dedication, logical reasoning, and a passion for solving problems.
Despite the intensity, the career is rewarding, both for professional recognition and for opportunities for growth in the job market.
Colleges offering Production Engineering and Computer Engineering programs.

If you are looking for a quality institution, ESEG College stands out with modern courses aligned with market demands.
Furthermore, it boasts a 98% employability rate and includes English in its curriculum, expanding your opportunities in Brazil and abroad.
See below for more details on how each course stands out:
– Production Engineering at ESEG:
The course of Production Engineering at ESEG It prepares students to work in different sectors of the economy, combining management, technology, and innovation.
By enrolling at ESEG, you will have access to:
- Entrepreneurship projects.
- Classes in logistics, production management, and supply chain management.
- Modern tools such as Lean, Six Sigma, and IoT.
- Robotics, automation, and data modeling.
- Courses in Python, Lingo, Data Science, and Big Data.
– Computer Engineering at ESEG:
Already Computer Engineering course At ESEG, you learn about both hardware and software, developing skills in programming, artificial intelligence, robotics, and intelligent systems.
In addition, you will have contact with:
• Practical courses in IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and Microelectronics.
• Programming with Python, Data Science, and Big Data.
• Physics applied to sensors and electricity.
• 3D design and printing.
Read also: What is the difference between Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and IT?
Conclusion on the types of engineering
Now that you know the different types of engineering, their roles, salaries, and how college works, it's easier to decide which path to follow, right?
Each area has its own particularities, but all offer excellent career opportunities.
If your goal is to have a dynamic, well-paid profession with a significant impact on society, engineering may be the right choice.
And you, do you already know which engineering field best suits your profile? Not yet? Come to ESEG College in SĂŁo Paulo and talk to our career advisor; she will help you find the best path for your career!
In addition to offering high-level courses in Production Engineering and Computer Engineering, The institution guarantees individualized support and employability for its students.
Visit the website and learn more about our courses!
Among the most sought-after Engineering courses in Brazil are Civil Engineering, Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Control and Automation Engineering, and Mining Engineering.
Among the best-known engineering fields are Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Production Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Environmental Engineering.
A ESEG College, In SĂŁo Paulo, the institution offers Engineering courses with a focus on practical application, innovation, and the development of skills aligned with the job market. Students have access to laboratories, integrative projects, professors with professional experience, and a methodology that bridges the gap between theory and the challenges of the profession.




