Engineering programs are known to be among the best-paying degree programs in the world. Nearly all engineering jobs pay well above $100,000 once you have more than 10 years of experience. With technological advancements, most of which will require engineers in almost every field, enrolling in an engineering program can be a worthwhile investment. We have highlighted some of the highest-paying engineering jobs in the in a bid to help you choose the most ideal option available to you.

1. Petroleum Engineers
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 highest paying engineering job, with the mean annual income of petroleum engineers being $156,780.
- Entry-level annual income – $79,270
- Mid-career annual income – $137,720
- Advanced level annual income – $208,000
2. Computer Hardware Engineers
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 amount of opportunities available in this sector, Computer Hardware Engineering is among the highest paying engineering jobs today. Computer hardware engineers earn an average annual salary of $123,030.
- Entry-level annual income – $68,460
- Mid-career annual income – $117,220
- Advanced level annual income – $185,240
3. Nuclear Engineers
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 is included in our list of the 15 highest paying engineering jobs.
- Entry-level annual income – $71,860
- Mid-career annual income – $113,460
- Advanced level annual income – $179,430
4. Aerospace Engineers
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 is included in our list of the 15 highest paying engineering jobs. If you wish to study Aerospace engineering, these are the 15 best engineering schools in the US.
- Entry-level annual income – $72,450
- Mid-career annual income – $116,500
- Advanced level annual income – $166,620
5. Chemical Engineers
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 is now one of the top 5 highest paying engineering jobs out there.
- Entry-level annual income – $66,810
- Mid-career annual income – $108,770
- Advanced level annual income – $176,090
6. Electronics Engineers
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.
- Entry-level annual income – $66,620
- Mid-career annual income – $105,570
- Advanced level annual income – $164,210
7. Electrical Engineers
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. If you wish to study electrical engineering, and Australia is on your list, then know everything about Engineering in Australia.
- Entry-level annual income – $63,020
- Mid-career annual income – $98,530
- Advanced level annual income – $155,880
8. Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
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.
- Entry-level annual income – $65,440
- Mid-career annual income – $92,400
- Advanced level annual income – $147,710
9. Agricultural Engineers
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 is included in our list of the 15 highest paying engineering jobs.
- Entry-level annual income – $47,330
- Mid-career annual income – $80,720
- Advanced level annual income – $160,950
10. Materials Engineers
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 and is among the highest paying engineering jobs right now.
- Entry-level annual income – $57,340
- Mid-career annual income – $93,360
- Advanced level annual income – $148,960
11. Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
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 highest paying engineering careers in the world today. If you are looking for the best Biomedical engineering schools, look no further!
- Entry-level annual income – $55,280
- Mid-career annual income – $91,410
- Advanced level annual income – $148,210
12. Geological Engineers
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 engineering jobs.
- Entry-level annual income – $52,160
- Mid-career annual income – $91,160
- Advanced level annual income – $151,230
13. Health and Safety Engineers
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 highest paying engineering jobs, might be the perfect fit for you!
- Entry-level annual income – $53,650
- Mid-career annual income – $91,410
- Advanced level annual income – $143,880
14. Civil Engineers
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 also one of the highest paying engineering jobs.
- Entry-level annual income – $55,380
- Mid-career annual income – $87,060
- Advanced level annual income – $144,560
15. Environmental Engineers
Environmental; Engineering is one of the highest paying engineering 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!
- Entry-level annual income – $54,330
- Mid-career annual income – $88,860
- Advanced level annual income – $142,070
Well, these were some of the highest paying engineering jobs at the current period. So go ahead and make your pick according to your future aspirations. We hope this blog helps you make your decisions.