In the world of professional careers, one of the most debated topics among engineering graduates and professionals is the comparison between IT and core engineering jobs such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). Both fields come with their own sets of opportunities, challenges, work environments, and growth trajectories. However, with the rapidly evolving technology landscape and the demand for specialized talent, it becomes crucial to analyze these domains in-depth to understand which path might be more rewarding in the long run.
Today we will examine IT and core engineering jobs across several key metrics—salary growth over 10 years, work pressure, learning curve, industry stability, job satisfaction, growth opportunities, geographical flexibility, and future outlook—providing a holistic perspective for aspiring and current professionals alike.
1. Salary Trends Over Past 10 Years
IT Jobs
IT roles, especially in software development, data analytics, cloud computing, AI/ML, and cybersecurity, tend to start with moderate packages but offer exponential growth. A typical fresher in India may start with a salary of INR 3.5–6 LPA, depending on the company and role. However, within 10 years, professionals with relevant skills and experience can reach mid-to-senior level positions, commanding salaries upwards of INR 25–50 LPA or even more in top-tier companies or international roles.
Upskilling plays a significant role here—certifications in AWS, Azure, Salesforce, or AI tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch can lead to significant salary hikes. Leadership roles like Software Architect, DevOps Manager, or Data Scientist can command high compensation.
Core Engineering Jobs (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, ECE)
Core engineering roles typically start with lower compensation packages compared to IT. A fresher might earn between INR 2.5–4 LPA in India. Growth is often steady but relatively slower. After 10 years, professionals can expect to earn anywhere between INR 10–20 LPA, depending on their specialization, industry, and company.
Growth in salary is often tied to promotions, project completion success, and sometimes location (e.g., Gulf countries or Germany for mechanical/civil engineers). For electronics engineers, shifting into embedded systems, VLSI, or robotics can result in better packages over time.
2. Work Pressure and Life Balance
IT Jobs
Work pressure in IT jobs varies depending on the role and company. Product-based companies usually offer a better work-life balance compared to service-based companies. However, IT professionals often face tight deadlines, long working hours during deployment cycles, and the need to adapt quickly to new technologies.
Remote work opportunities are higher in IT, which allows for flexibility, but also sometimes blurs the line between professional and personal life. Burnout is a common issue, especially in roles involving round-the-clock system support or customer interactions.
Core Engineering Jobs
Core engineering roles typically involve on-site work—factories, construction sites, plants, or workshops. The physical nature of the job means that the work environment can be demanding. However, these jobs usually follow a more traditional 9-to-5 structure, especially in public sector units or government jobs.
Work-life balance is generally better in core jobs, though site engineers may have to travel or relocate frequently, which can be taxing.
3. Skill Development and Learning Curve
IT Jobs
IT professionals must consistently update their skills. The rapid evolution of frameworks, programming languages, cloud platforms, and AI tools means that those who stop learning can quickly become obsolete.
Learning is mostly digital—online courses, MOOCs, certifications, GitHub practice, etc. The environment encourages continuous improvement and experimentation.
Core Engineering Jobs
The learning curve in core sectors is more hands-on and practical. Engineers learn from experience, field exposure, and mentorship. Technology in core industries evolves at a slower pace compared to IT, but innovation in materials, automation, and design keeps the field dynamic.
However, access to advanced training or upskilling resources may be limited outside academic or R&D institutions.
4. Industry Stability and Job Security
IT Jobs
IT is a highly volatile industry. Layoffs are not uncommon, especially during economic downturns or when project-based contracts end. However, skilled professionals with in-demand expertise often find new roles quickly.
MNCs and startups can both be lucrative, but the risk levels vary.
Core Engineering Jobs
Core engineering offers better stability, especially in government or public sector roles. PSU jobs in BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, etc., are highly secure with excellent benefits. Private core companies also offer long-term employment but may have slower career growth.
5. Job Satisfaction and Passion Alignment
IT Jobs
For tech enthusiasts, IT roles provide intellectual satisfaction, especially when building impactful products or solving complex problems. However, those who enter IT without genuine interest might find the work monotonous or overwhelming.
Core Engineering Jobs
Those passionate about design, construction, manufacturing, or electronics will find core jobs fulfilling. Seeing a bridge built, a machine assembled, or a city powered due to your work offers a tangible sense of accomplishment.
6. Growth Opportunities and Promotions
IT Jobs
Growth in IT can be very fast, especially for those who show initiative. From software developer to team lead to engineering manager or architect can happen within 8–10 years. Opportunities to move into product management, business analysis, or even entrepreneurship are abundant.
Core Engineering Jobs
In core sectors, promotions are often seniority-based, and the ladder is slow. However, those with strong leadership and technical skills can climb to project manager, plant head, or senior consultant positions over time. Higher education like M.Tech or MBA can accelerate career progression.
7. Geographic Flexibility and Remote Work
IT Jobs
IT roles offer excellent geographic flexibility. Remote work is widely accepted, and many Indian IT professionals work for clients or companies abroad without leaving the country. Onsite opportunities in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia are also common.
Core Engineering Jobs
Core jobs are location-bound. Civil engineers must work at construction sites, mechanical engineers at manufacturing units, and electrical engineers at plants. Remote work is almost non-existent. However, international job opportunities are available in sectors like oil & gas, construction, and automobile manufacturing.
8. Future Outlook and Industry Demand
IT Jobs
The demand for IT professionals continues to rise with digital transformation, automation, and data-driven decision-making across industries. New roles in AI, blockchain, cloud computing, DevOps, and cybersecurity will create millions of jobs globally.
However, routine programming or support roles may decline due to automation. The key to relevance is continuous learning.
Core Engineering Jobs
Infrastructure development, urbanization, and renewable energy will keep core jobs relevant. Government initiatives like “Make in India” and smart city projects support job creation. However, automation in manufacturing may reduce manual roles, making specialization crucial.
Final Verdict: IT or Core—Which Is Better After 10 Years?
Making a career decision between IT and core engineering jobs is not just about comparing salaries or job roles. It involves a deep introspection into one’s personal goals, interests, aptitude, and long-term ambitions. The choice ultimately shapes your career trajectory, lifestyle, financial standing, and professional satisfaction.
In this expanded verdict, we will delve deeper into the various factors that determine which path might be more suitable for an individual after 10 years. This analysis includes critical comparisons based on skill evolution, future-readiness, global opportunities, job relevance, and alignment with individual aspirations.
1. Passion and Professional Alignment
One of the most important indicators of long-term career satisfaction is the alignment of your work with your passion. Individuals who are genuinely interested in their field of work tend to perform better, innovate more, and show higher levels of resilience and satisfaction.
IT Sector: If you have a passion for coding, digital technologies, app development, automation, or artificial intelligence, IT offers an ever-evolving playground. Projects often involve problem-solving, innovation, and creating scalable digital products. People who enjoy debugging, writing efficient code, and staying ahead of tech trends thrive in this environment.
Core Engineering: If your interest lies in designing machines, overseeing construction projects, working with circuits, or innovating physical products, then core engineering could be your true calling. Many engineers find deep satisfaction in building structures, creating energy systems, or contributing to national infrastructure.
2. Adaptability and Skill Evolution
Every industry is evolving. However, the pace of change is particularly rapid in the IT sector. Technologies become obsolete within years, and professionals need to learn constantly to stay relevant.
IT Jobs: Adaptability is the cornerstone of a successful IT career. Programming languages, frameworks, and platforms evolve constantly. To remain competitive, professionals must upskill regularly through certifications, bootcamps, and hands-on projects. Learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning are integral to this ecosystem. Edure Learning offers the best training program for courses like Data Science, Data Analytics, MERN stack development, Full Stack development, Software Testing etc. You can join for a online or offline course, where you can upskill and take a successful step toward your bright future.
Core Jobs: While the pace of innovation in core industries is slower, new technologies like IoT, industrial automation, smart grids, and advanced CAD software are becoming essential. Engineers need to be open to learning new tools and participating in R&D to stay ahead. However, once a core skill is mastered, it often remains valid for decades.
3. Career Priorities: Earnings vs. Stability vs. Impact
Your career decision should reflect your long-term professional and personal goals. Are you aiming for high financial gains? Or is job security more important? Do you want to make a tangible impact on society?
Choose IT If You Want High Earnings and Rapid Growth: IT roles generally offer higher salaries, quicker promotions, and lucrative international job options. If your goal is financial independence or a fast-paced corporate ladder, IT may be more aligned.
Choose Core If You Prefer Stability and Tangible Contributions: Core jobs, especially in public sector or government departments, provide job security, pensions, and clearly defined roles. Professionals who take pride in seeing their work manifest in buildings, machines, or infrastructure may find this path more fulfilling.
4. Job Relevance and Automation Resilience
The future of work is being shaped by automation, AI, and robotics. Certain jobs may decline, while others will see increased demand.
IT Sector: Many IT roles are at the forefront of automation, yet some lower-level roles like manual testers, basic coders, and system administrators may become obsolete. However, new roles in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and quantum computing will more than make up for it.
Core Sector: Automation is also entering manufacturing and design, but core infrastructure, energy, and construction sectors cannot be fully automated. Civil engineers will still be needed to plan cities, electrical engineers to manage grids, and mechanical engineers to oversee production lines.
5. Global Exposure and Mobility
In a globalized economy, the ability to work in different geographies is a strong career asset.
IT Jobs: These offer exceptional geographic flexibility. Remote roles, freelance contracts, and onsite opportunities in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia are common. The digital nature of work allows IT professionals to earn foreign currency while residing in their home country.
Core Engineering Jobs: These are location-bound but also offer strong global opportunities, particularly in the Middle East (civil/mechanical/electrical), Germany (automotive and mechanical), and Canada (infrastructure and renewable energy). However, remote working is rarely an option.
6. Leadership and Cross-Functional Growth
After 10 years, many professionals consider switching to leadership roles or launching their own ventures.
IT Sector: The transition from technical to managerial roles is smooth in IT. Many become product managers, project heads, or startup founders. IT knowledge also supports roles in sales engineering, business analysis, or digital consulting.
Core Sector: Climbing the ladder to leadership positions is possible, especially with an MBA or project management certification. Entrepreneurs in core fields often start design consultancies, construction firms, or manufacturing units. The capital and time required to start core ventures are usually higher.
7. Societal Impact and Job Purpose
A rewarding career often has a component of societal contribution and impact.
Core Engineering: These jobs have direct societal impact—building roads, power plants, water systems, or medical devices. Engineers in core roles often contribute to nation-building and sustainable development.
IT Sector: The societal impact may be indirect but far-reaching. From creating e-learning platforms to healthcare software or fintech apps, IT professionals build digital ecosystems that improve lives.
8. Job Switching and Career Flexibility
It’s important to consider whether you can switch careers if interests change down the line.
From Core to IT: Many mechanical or ECE graduates successfully transition to software roles by learning coding, data analytics, or cloud computing. This pathway is well-trodden.
From IT to Core: This transition is less common and more difficult unless supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Core industries demand practical experience that can be difficult to obtain mid-career.
Final Thoughts: Make the Right Decision
In the debate of IT vs Core Engineering jobs after 10 years, there is no definitive winner. Both fields are vast, dynamic, and filled with potential. What matters most is choosing a path that resonates with your interests, strengths, and long-term vision.
You Should Choose IT If:
You are driven by innovation and enjoy working with technology.
You seek a fast-paced career with high financial rewards.
You prefer digital workspaces and remote opportunities.
You are ready to upskill regularly and adapt quickly.
You Should Choose Core Engineering If:
You are passionate about tangible engineering challenges.
You value stability, structure, and physical results of your work.
You prefer onsite work and real-world problem-solving.
You aim to contribute to society through infrastructure, manufacturing, or energy systems.
Ultimately, success in any career depends more on individual effort, learning mindset, and resilience than on the industry itself. Choose wisely, grow consistently, and your career—whether in IT or core engineering—will be both prosperous and purposeful.