Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Jobs

Engineering offers some of the highest paying careers in the world. The field of Engineering is widely considered as one of the most lucrative and in-demand career choices for many. There are over 40 types of Engineering careers in 5 different sub-disciplines.

In fact, the field of engineering is expanding quickly. It requires skilled workers to apply principles based on scientific, mathematical, technological and social methodologies to design, develop, construct and operate structures, devices, systems, and processes.

There is high competition for Engineering jobs just like every other career. Candidates who complete formal education, gain work experience and display skill are often preferred over individuals with less education, experience, and skill.

As a result, engineering is one of the fastest-growing and best-paid professions in the world. Whether you’re a graduate, an apprentice or an experienced hire, there is a broad array of fields to choose from.

We’ve compiled the list of highest paying engineering jobs, so read on and find out where your skills could be utilised.

1. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineers are the highest-paid engineering profession perhaps due to the discovery and recovery of natural oil resources. They’re responsible for finding the most efficient and profitable means of extracting oil and gas from rock formation below the earth.

Petroleum engineers also design and develop ways to use water, chemicals, gases and steam to force oil out of reserves, perform research, develop drill plans, and ensure proper maintenance and function of oil and gas extraction equipment.

They also develop means of connecting oil and gas deposits to new or existing wells. Petroleum Engineers must complete bachelor or master’s degree programs in petroleum engineering and also gain work experience before entering the field.

Due to their relevance in the oil and gas sector, petroleum engineers are compensated handsomely by the global energy companies that hire them.

2. Computer Hardware Engineer

Hardware engineers are among the highest paying professions in the world. Hardware engineering is very different from software engineering. It is the combination of electrical engineering and computer science to create components used in computers, network systems and other commercial products.

As our world is getting more digitalized, computer engineering is becoming more valuable by the day. To become a hardware engineer, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, computer engineering or electrical engineering is necessary for success.

3. Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers are also among the highest paying engineering profession. They’re saddled with the responsibility of developing and maintaining of either aircraft (aeronautical) or spacecraft (astronautical). They research and determine the safety of proposed aircraft project and parts.

Aerospace Engineers also evaluate products to ensure they meet customer requirements, engineering specifications, and quality standards. They identify and develop solutions for malfunctioning or damaged aircraft, spacecraft, and parts. Candidates can begin their career withing entry-level positions upon earning a bachelor’s degree, though many employers prefer candidates with the combination of a degree and work experience.

4. Software Engineer

Software engineers blend computer science, mathematics, and engineering to design, develop, test and maintain software or computer systems. They write, test, implement and update the software code that is used by computers, applications and other digital platforms.

Many software engineers work closely with teams of other computer science and engineering experts to perform their work.

Software Engineers generally must complete a minimum of a bachelor degree based in computer science, software, mathematics, or engineering as well as experience working with computer systems and applications.

In addition, due to the constant changes within the industry, Software Engineers must continue education throughout the course of their careers.

5. Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers are among the top paying engineering profession in the world today. People working in this field research, design and troubleshoot the equipment and production process for large scale manufacturing.

Chemical engineers apply the engineering principles of physics, chemistry, and biology to develop, identify, and evaluate the safest and most efficient means of producing food, drugs, chemicals, fuel, and other materials.

They also research and determine the costs of manufacturing processes as well as the effects they have on the environment without compromising quality and safety. Chemical Engineers must complete studies within a bachelor level chemical or biomolecular engineering program and gain work experience before advancing to careers.

6. Electrical Engineers

Electrical engineers are said to be experts in all things electric, employing their finely tuned skills to a wide variety of industries, roles and locations.

They devise new and improved electronics, components, and equipment. They also test and resolve problems with existing electronics. Electrical Engineers work with a large number of products and systems from lighting and wiring within structures to cars, robots, generators, and navigation systems to ensure performance and resolve issues.

They also design and assemble new products, test products to ensure safety, and oversee the installation of components. Many create technical drawings and specifications indicating instructions and proper operation. Training to become an Electrical Engineer requires an associates or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

7. Biomedical Engineers

Biomedical engineering is seen as the bridge between medicine and conventional engineering, utilising advances in biological science to develop machinery and tools that can help diagnose, monitor and treat medical conditions and injuries.

Their job involves improving the quality, efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of medical systems and products. They also analyze, design, and resolve problems with biology and medicine.

Biomedical Engineers create artificial organs, devices, and machines used to replace body parts and diagnose medical issues. They also conduct research to advance medicine, develop methods to assure product quality, and test drug therapies using computer simulations. Biomedical Engineers typically complete a bachelor or master’s degree in biomedical engineering in order to advance.

8. Materials Engineers

The duties of a material engineer include developing, designing, processing and testing material to create new material and products. They use metals, composites, semiconductors, plastics, and other substances which meet requirements based upon mechanical, chemical, and electrical standards.

They also research, test, create, and evaluate the economic factors and standards involved in designing new products and developing materials processes. Additionally, Materials Engineers provide administrative and supervisory support by overseeing groups of technologists, scientists, technicians, and other engineers, providing proposals, completing reports, creating budgets, evaluating new projects, and preparing budgets. Most specialize in ceramic, composites, metallurgical, plastics, or semiconductor processing engineering fields.

Materials Engineers often complete studies within bachelors or masters level materials science or materials engineering programs to qualify for employment.

9. Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineering is a very broad discipline and, at its core, is essentially the design and maintenance of anything that is composed of moving parts. It requires a strong understanding and comprehension of the following key areas: mechanics, dynamics and thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, electricity.

It is the most common area of engineering and, as such, it is applicable across all industries and fields on projects and operations of all shapes and sizes. Mechanical engineers typically complete a bachelor or master’s degree in mechanical engineering in order to advance.

10. Civil Engineer

Civil engineering is the oldest engineering discipline in the world and it is concerned with the building and maintenance of the built and natural environment. Due to its broad nature, civil engineering is normally broken down into sub-discipline like;

• Structural: Deals with the structural design and analysis of buildings, bridges, towers, tunnels, flyovers, offshore structures and other manmade projects.
• Construction: Deals with the planning and logistical side of building and construction work, and is more business-focused.
• Environmental: Involves sanitary engineering, including hazardous waste management procedures and environmental remediation work.
• Transportation: Involves designing, monitoring and building transportation routes, including roads, highways, railway systems, canals, airports, ports and mass transit systems.
• Coastal: Similar to water resources engineering (which focuses more on inland water management such as dams), coastal engineering deals with erosion and water defences particularly in vulnerable areas such as the Netherlands and the southern US.

Although these are the more prominent areas, there are many other subspecialties, including municipal, surveying, plant, earthquake and forensic engineering. To begin you career, you need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.