15 Highest Paying Engineering Jobs

Engineering is one of the most in-demand and highest paid career paths today, offering high salaries and job satisfaction. The demand for skilled engineers is steadily increasing due to rapid technological advancement, leading to an abundance of opportunities for graduates. Salaries offered for engineer jobs are quite lucrative, typically exceeding $100,000 after a decade of experience due to the complex technical skills involved. The majority of professional engineers report high levels of job satisfaction, with 89% stating they are "very satisfied" with their careers. 90% of engineers would recommend the profession to a fresher, based on the positives while pursuing this career path.

To help you choose the ideal career path, we've highlighted some of the highest paying engineer jobs in this field. By exploring these options, you can gain a better understanding of the earning potential available in this exciting and dynamic industry.

1. Petroleum Engineer

Median Base Salary: $130,850

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 8.0%

Unemployment Rate: 1.77%

Average Annual Openings: 2500

Petroleum engineers design methods for improving oil and gas extraction and production. Supercomputers are used to analyse exploration data, automate oilfield production or extraction, and simulate reservoir behaviour. They are tasked with developing new oil and gas extraction and production technologies. Petroleum engineering is arguably the best paying engineer job, with the mean annual income of petroleum engineers being $156,780.

Top 3 recruiters for petroleum engineer jobs include Oil and Natural Gas, SLB and Shell.

2. Computer Hardware Engineer

Median Base Salary: $128,170

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 2.0%

Unemployment Rate: 1.59%

Average Annual Openings: 5200

Computer hardware engineers are responsible for the research, design, development, and testing of computers and computer-related equipment for scientific, industrial, military, or commercial applications. They can also oversee the production and installation of computer and computer-related components and equipment. Software and app developers, as well as software systems developers, are not included in this job category. With the number of opportunities available in this sector, Computer Hardware Engineering is among the best paying engineer jobs today. Computer hardware engineers earn an average annual salary of $123,030. 

The top three recruiters of computer hardware engineer jobs include Qualcomm, Robert Bosch and Intel Corporation.

3. Nuclear Engineer

Median Base Salary: $120,380

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: -8.0%

Unemployment Rate: 1.77%

Average Annual Openings: 1100

Nuclear engineers conduct research on nuclear engineering projects and apply nuclear science principles and theories to problems involving the release, control, and use of nuclear energy, as well as nuclear waste disposal. Nuclear engineers investigate new applications and management of nuclear power or material. They investigate nuclear accidents and analyse data to aid in the development of preventive measures. Nuclear engineers earn an average annual salary of $120,700 and hence are included in our list of the 15 highest paying engineer jobs.

The top three recruiters of nuclear engineer jobs include US Navy, Duke Energy and Dominion Energy.

4. Aerospace Engineers

Median Base Salary: $122,270

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 8.0%

Unemployment Rate: 0.78%

Average Annual Openings: 4500

Aerospace engineers design, build, and test planes, spacecraft, and missiles. They also conduct basic and applied research to assess the adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. Aerospace engineering is the primary engineering discipline concerned with the design of aircraft and spacecraft. Aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering are the two major and overlapping branches and hence are included in our list of the 15 highest paying engineer jobs. If you wish to study Aerospace engineering, these are the 15 best engineering schools in the US.

The top three recruiters of aerospace engineer jobs include Airbus, Atkins and NASA.

5. Chemical Engineer

Median Base Salary: $105,550

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 1.57%

Unemployment Rate: 9.0%

Average Annual Openings: 2400

Chemical engineers specialise in the design of chemical plant equipment and the development of processes for the production of chemicals and products (such as pharmaceuticals, construction, petrochemicals, food processing, electronics, plastics and polymer manufacturers), water treatment companies, and environmental health and safety organisations. Chemical engineers use engineering, chemistry, and physics principles and technology and are now one of the top 15 highest paying engineer jobs out there. 

The top three recruiters of chemical engineer jobs include Schlumberger, ITC and Honeywell.

6. Electronics Engineer

Median Base Salary: $104,820

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 7.0%

Unemployment Rate: 1.23%

Average Annual Openings: 9000

Electronics engineers conduct research, design, and development of electronic components and systems for scientific, industrial, military, or commercial applications. They create electronic circuits and components for applications such as telecommunications, acoustics, aerospace guidance, and propulsion control. Electronics engineers are becoming more useful as technology advances. A new computer, phone, telecommunications system, or life-saving medical equipment could be designed by an electronics engineer. Computer Hardware Engineers are not included in this job category. Electronic engineers earn an average annual salary of $110,210 and are one of the top 15 best paying engineer jobs out there. 

The top three recruiters of electronics engineer jobs include Intel Corporation, Cummins and Schneider Electric.

7. Electrical Engineer

Median Base Salary: $100,420

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 7.0%

Unemployment Rate: 1.23%

Average Annual Openings: 13900

Electrical engineers work on electrical products and systems at all stages of development, from research and design to installation and handover, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. They work in a variety of industries, including transportation, information technology, manufacturing, power and construction, and telecommunications. Computer Hardware Engineers are not included in this job category. The average annual salary for an electrical engineer is $103,480 and is one of the top 15 highest paying engineer jobs out there. If you wish to study electrical engineering, and Australia is on your list, then know everything about Engineering in Australia.

The top three recruiters of electrical engineer jobs include Schneider Electric, ABB and Siemens.

8. Marine Engineer and Naval Architect

Median Base Salary: $93,370

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 4%

Unemployment Rate: 3.68%

Average Annual Openings: 800

Marine engineers and naval architects are professionals who design, build, and maintain ships, boats, and other watercraft. They use their expertise in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles to create vessels that are safe, efficient, and seaworthy. Marine engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of a vessel's propulsion systems, including engines, generators, and other mechanical equipment. Naval architects, on the other hand, focus more on the overall design and layout of a vessel. They consider factors such as the vessel's size, weight, and intended use, as well as the materials and construction techniques to be used. Marine engineers are now one of the top 15 highest paying engineer jobs out there. 

The top three recruiters of marine engineer jobs include Shell, Maersk, and US Department of Defense.

9. Agricultural Engineer

Median Base Salary: $82,640

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 5%

Unemployment Rate: 2.14%

Average Annual Openings: 200

Agricultural engineers are professionals who use their knowledge of engineering principles and technology to solve problems related to agriculture. They work to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural systems, from crop production and animal husbandry to food processing and distribution. Agricultural engineers may be involved in a wide range of activities, such as designing and testing new equipment and systems, managing the environmental impact of agricultural practices, and developing new technologies to increase crop yields and improve food safety. They often work closely with farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural professionals to develop and implement solutions to challenges facing the agriculture industry and hence are included in our list of the 15 best paying engineer jobs.

The top three recruiters of agricultural engineer jobs include Nestle India, Proagro Seed and Godrej Agrovet.

10. Materials Engineer

Median Base Salary: $98,300

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 8.0%

Unemployment Rate: 1.81%

Average Annual Openings: 1700

Thanks to the gorilla glass protection in many of today's phones, we don't cry when our phones fall on the floor. Have you ever wondered who created gorilla glass? Materials Engineering, also known as "Modern Day Alchemy," may be for you if you want to get the most out of materials and create significant innovations. Materials engineers assess various materials and develop processes and machinery to produce materials for use in products that must meet specialised design and performance specifications. Materials Engineer is now among the highest paying engineer jobs right now.

The top three recruiters of materials engineer jobs include Honeywell, Shell and The Indian Hotels.

11. Bioengineer and Biomedical Engineer

Median Base Salary: $97,410

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 6.0%

Unemployment Rate: 2.14%

Average Annual Openings: 1500

Biomedical engineering is the field that combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create equipment, devices, and software used in healthcare. It's like being a mad scientist, but instead of creating a potion to turn people into frogs, you're creating devices that help doctors save lives! In short, biomedical engineering is all about using technology and innovation to improve people's health and well-being. It's a challenging and rewarding field that makes a real difference in the world. Biomedical engineering is one of the best paying engineer jobs in the world today.  If you are looking for the best Biomedical engineering schools, look no further!

The top three recruiters of biomedical engineer jobs include Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare and Johnson & Johnson.

12. Geological Engineer

Median Base Salary: $95,203

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 2%

Unemployment Rate: 1.77%

Average Annual Openings: 7500

Geological engineering is the field that combines geology (the study of the Earth and its processes) with engineering principles to solve problems related to the Earth's resources and environment. It's like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you're solving puzzles about the Earth! geological engineers might study how to extract minerals from the ground safely and efficiently, or how to predict and prevent natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides. They might also work on environmental issues, such as finding ways to clean up contaminated land or water. It's a fascinating field that touches on everything from geology and geophysics to mining and environmental science and hence is included in our list of the 15 highest paying engineer jobs.

The top three recruiters of geological engineer jobs include Oil and Natural Gas, SLB and Shell.

13. Health and Safety Engineer

Median Base Salary: $99,040

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 6.0%

Unemployment Rate: 2.26%

Average Annual Openings: 2000

Health and safety engineers are like superheroes for the workplace! They use their technical skills and knowledge to identify and eliminate hazards, ensuring that businesses and organizations are safe and compliant. Whether they're designing new systems, conducting risk assessments, or educating employees on how to stay safe, health and safety engineers are on the front lines of protecting people and preventing accidents. So if you want to make a difference and keep people safe, a career as a health and safety engineer, one of the best paying engineer jobs, might be the perfect fit for you!

The top three recruiters of health and safety engineer jobs include IQVIA, Accenture and Linkedin.

14. Civil Engineer

Median Base Salary: $88,050

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 8%

Unemployment Rate: 1.25%

Average Annual Openings: 28300

Civil engineers are the masterminds behind the design, construction, and maintenance of our physical and natural environment. They work on a wide range of projects, from building roads and bridges to developing water treatment plants and creating sustainable communities. Civil engineers use their knowledge of math, science, and engineering principles to solve complex problems and create infrastructure that meets the needs of society. If you're interested in making a positive impact on the world and enjoy working with your hands and your mind, a career as a civil engineer might be right up your alley as it is also one of the highest paying engineer jobs. 

The top three recruiters of civil engineer jobs include NCC Limited, Mott MacDonald and Indian Oil.

15. Environmental Engineer

Median Base Salary: $96,820

Projected Job Growth in Ten Years: 4.0%

Unemployment Rate: 2.57%

Average Annual Openings: 4600

Environmental Engineering is one of the best paying engineer jobs now-a-days. Environmental engineers are professionals who use their expertise in science and engineering to protect the environment and public health. They work on a wide range of projects, such as cleaning up pollution, conserving natural resources, and designing systems to treat wastewater. If you're passionate about the environment and enjoy solving problems, a career as an environmental engineer could be a great fit for you! Also, check out this blog to know how to write your resume and also check out few examples.

The top three recruiters of environmental engineer jobs include Barclays, The Coca-Cola Company and Tata Steel. Also checkout our blog on highest paying jobs with a psychology degree.‍

As we celebrate the prospects within the engineering realm, it's essential to consider the global impact of this profession. Beyond individual success, there's an opportunity to contribute to a broader community, especially for those passionate about fostering global connections. One impactful way to do so is by joining the amber Ambassador program. Joining the amber Ambassador program is a meaningful step, enabling you to make a difference in the lives of students worldwide by assisting them in finding suitable accommodation. Embrace the opportunity to be part of something bigger and leave a lasting impact on the global community.