The highest-paying engineering jobs include many different career paths and jobs, such as computer science, nuclear energy, or civil engineering. Regardless of which path you choose, there’s a job in your sphere that offers a high salary and enticing benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore the highest-paying engineering jobs of today. You’ll learn what the average salary for those jobs is and how you can get into the field of interest. This can help you make a decision if you’re in the market for a new role or if you’re making long-term plans for the future.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
The highest-paying engineering jobs vary significantly in the skills and knowledge required and the type of work they offer.
Most professionals in these fields work full-time, while some occasionally do overtime work.
For the majority of the highest-paying engineering jobs, you need at least a bachelor’s degree, while some require internships or on-the-job training.
Some engineers primarily work in offices and on computers, while others travel and work in various locations.
13 Highest-Paying Engineering Jobs
Let’s take a look at a comprehensive list of the highest-paying engineering jobs sorted in descending order based on the salary.
Keep reading to find out which engineering field has the highest salary and which ones have exceptional job growth.
#1. Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers work with computer systems and components. Their job includes researching, designing, developing, and testing various parts and models. As a result, many of these professionals work in design and manufacturing departments.
To become a computer hardware engineer, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. This will net you a median annual salary of $138,080, making it one of the highest-paying engineering jobs in the USA.
A faster-than-average employment growth rate of 7% means there will be about 5,000 projected new openings each year between 2023 and 2033. If you’re looking to enter the industry and get your first job as a computer hardware engineer but lack work experience, you should focus on demonstrating your computer hardware skills in your resume.
#2. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers work on methods for extracting oil and gas and improving existing processes. They often work with geoscientists and other professionals to understand reservoirs of these natural resources and come up with optimal drilling and extracting techniques.
As a result, petroleum engineers periodically travel to visit sites or meet with other engineers, oilfield workers, and customers. A typical requirement for an entry-level role includes a bachelor’s degree, but some employers value prior work history or internship experience.
Petroleum engineering salary is $135,690 per year, making this one of the highest-paying engineering jobs. Though the job outlook is at a modest 2%, that still leaves around 1,200 new openings each year that you can apply for with a strong resume and cover letter.
#3. Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers work with aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and more. Their job involves designing and developing these systems, which requires exceptional engineering skills, precision, and attention to detail.
These professionals typically work on computers in office settings. The majority of aerospace engineers work full 40 hours per week, while some work even more. The basic requirement to get into the field is a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, if the projects are related to national defense, an aerospace engineer might need a security clearance.
For all this, aerospace engineers can expect a lucrative median annual pay of $130,720 with a 6% positive job outlook. That makes professionals in this field some of the highest-paid engineers looking at faster-than-average expected growth. All of this makes aerospace engineering a strong choice overall for upcoming specialists.
#4. Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear engineers are experts in nuclear energy. Their job involves doing research and development in the field of controlling and using nuclear power and disposing of nuclear waste.
Like many other engineers, they also work typical 40-hour weeks in office settings, though the exact circumstances can vary depending on the employer. To enter the field, you typically do not need prior work experience or a license, but you need at least a relevant bachelor’s degree.
This will net you a high median pay of $125,460 per year. However, employment for nuclear engineers is on the decline, with a -1% job outlook between 2023 and 2033. As a result, you want a strong engineering resume and a well-written cover letter to maximize your chances of getting hired.
#5. Sales Engineer
Sales engineers specialize in selling complex products or services that require a high degree of technical expertise. They combine exceptional engineering proficiency with communication skills to explain the benefits of their products or services to potential customers.
Due to the nature of their work, sales engineers often collaborate with other departments, notably with product development and marketing. Most of them work full-time, which is usually a combination of office work and traveling to meet clients. A bachelor’s degree is necessary to apply for the job, and many employers also look for
As a sales engineer, you can expect a median annual salary of $116,950. On top of that, a 6% job outlook makes this one of the highest-paying engineering jobs for those with strong interpersonal skills interested in a people-oriented line of work.
#6. Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers apply extensive theoretical knowledge in the fields of chemistry, physics, and engineering for manufacturing processes. Their work typically revolves around transforming raw materials into usable products, like gasoline, paper, and detergents.
Most of the chemical engineers work in an office setting or a laboratory. A lot of them work full-time, and some work even longer. They are usually employed in industries like pharmacy, energy, food production, etc. Entry-level education required to get into the field is a bachelor’s degree.
The median annual pay for chemical engineers is $112,100, and a 10% positive job outlook is much higher than average. As a result, this is one of the highest-paying engineering jobs with the highest demand for skilled professionals.
#7. Electrical and Electronics Engineer
Electrical and electronics engineers work with electrical equipment and systems. They develop and test various wiring, motors, and transformers, research power generation and transmission, design communication systems, robotics, circuits, semiconductors, consumer technology, and more.
The job requires a bachelor’s degree, and most of the work is done in an office. However, electrical and electronics engineers sometimes have to visit sites or go to production facilities to analyze problems or operate complex equipment. They are typically employed in fields like telecommunications, research and development, manufacturing, and federal government.
The median annual salary is $109,010, and the job outlook is 9%, which is much faster than average. With about 19,000 new openings each year, this is one of the highest-paying engineering jobs that can be fairly easy to get in the current business climate with a well-written electrical engineering resume.
#8. Materials Engineer
Materials engineers develop, process, and test various materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. Their focus is on optimizing these materials to be used in a variety of products, whether it’s computer chips or aircraft parts.
Due to the nature of their work, these engineers work in factories and laboratories in addition to traditional office work. On top of that, they occasionally have to work overtime when necessary. To get into the field, all you need is a bachelor’s degree, while internships and cooperative engineering programs can help you get hands-on experience.
The median annual salary is $104,100, and the job outlook is 7%, which means there are about 1,700 new openings each year.
#9. Health and Safety Engineer
Health and safety engineers use their extensive knowledge of engineering practices and proficiency in safety standards to promote worksite and product safety. They aim to prevent accidents that can lead to injuries, illnesses, and equipment damage. To achieve this, they ensure environments and equipment comply with safety regulations.
A typical work setting for health and safety engineers includes an office and a computer, though these professionals sometimes travel to sites. A bachelor’s degree is a must-have, while an internship during your studies can help you gain real-world experience.
The median annual wage for health and safety engineers is $103,690, and the job outlook is 5%. This projected change in employment is as fast as average, which results in about 1,500 openings each year.
#10. Bioengineer and Biomedical Engineer
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers design and develop healthcare-focused technology. This includes medical equipment, devices, computer systems, and software. They need to have combined knowledge of engineering and medicine and work closely with doctors and researchers to advance and innovate in the healthcare field.
To become a bioengineer or a biomedical engineer, you generally only need a bachelor’s degree and no prior experience. Typical work environments include manufacturing and research facilities in addition to regular offices. Some professionals occasionally work more than 40-hour weeks.
A high median salary of $100,730 per year, coupled with a faster-than-average 7% job outlook, makes this one of the highest-paying engineering jobs in the healthcare sector.
#11. Mining and Geological Engineer
Mining and geological engineers work on extracting metals, minerals, and other valuable resources from the earth for further use. They need to have an in-depth understanding of the Earth’s composition and knowledge of mining processes, extraction techniques, and specialized equipment.
Most of these engineers work in locations where these resources are present. This includes mines and quarries in remote areas, sites and platforms for gas and oil extraction, and more. To enter the industry, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
The average salary is $100,640 per year, and the job outlook is 2%, which is slower than average. That amounts to around 400 new openings per year, most of which stem from the need to replace retiring workers.
#12. Marine Engineer
Marine engineers design, evaluate, and maintain ships, submarines, various other marine vessels, and related equipment. Many of them focus on internal systems, such as propulsion, heating, and electrical, ensuring marine vessels can operate safely and effectively.
This is one of the highest-paying engineering jobs that includes work in a variety of settings, including offices, shop floors, and even the sea. A typical requirement for an entry-level position is a relevant bachelor’s engineering degree.
The median salary is $100,270 annually, and the job outlook is 8%, which amounts to about 900 openings each year over the next decade.
#13. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers use engineering knowledge and principles to improve the natural environment and protect planetary health. Their fields of work include air pollution control, water treatment, waste management, sustainability, and more.
Most of these engineers work full-time, both in office settings and in the field. A typical requirement for an entry-level position is a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a relevant field, e.g., civil or chemical engineering.
The median annual salary is $100,090, and a faster-than-average job outlook of 7% makes this one of the highest-paying engineering jobs that is fairly easy to get into.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are vast differences among the highest-paying engineering jobs. With some of them, you can write a resume as soon as you graduate to start working, while others might require prior internships or on-the-job training.
Daily duties range from office work behind a computer to on-site visits and active participation in manufacturing. Many professionals work full 40-hour weeks and are sometimes expected to perform longer.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to grab one of the highest-paying engineering jobs, you can rest assured knowing there’s a role for you regardless of your interests. You can help advance the healthcare industry, protect the planet, work on aircraft and marine vessels, and much more.
Highest-Paying Engineering Jobs FAQ
#1. Where do engineers get paid the most?
Engineers typically get paid the most in the computer hardware, petroleum, and aerospace industries. Based on the engineering salary statistics, these are lucrative fields that, on average, pay skilled and experienced professionals upward of $130,000 per year.
#2. What engineering job is the easiest?
There is no definitive easiest engineering job, as each is different, with unique challenges and requirements. For instance, civil engineering is considered somewhat straightforward due to many established rules and processes. On the other hand, environmental engineering is considered easy to pick up quickly once you start working.
#3. Which engineer is most in demand?
Chemical engineers have projected job growth much faster than average at 10%. That amounts to around 1,400 new openings each year. Electrical and electronics engineers have a slightly lower job growth percentage at 9%, but the number of job openings is about 19,000 per year.
#4. What is the best engineering field?
The best engineering field depends on individual strengths and interests. If you’re looking for the highest-paying engineering jobs, you can’t go wrong with computer hardware, petroleum, aerospace, nuclear, or chemical engineering. On the other hand, biomedical and environmental engineering are perfect for those eager to make a meaningful change.
