Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Jobs
From computer hardware engineers to software developers, there are plenty of lucrative opportunities for engineers in the job market. With so many different engineering specialties, it can be hard to narrow down which ones offer the highest salaries. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 highest paying engineering jobs on the market today. Learn more about these jobs and what salary ranges you should expect when pursuing them. From petroleum engineers to aerospace engineers, find out which engineering job pays the most and how you can become one!
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Petroleum Engineer
A petroleum engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient extraction of oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They work closely with geologists and other engineers to develop a plan of action and then oversee the drilling, completion, and production operations.
Petroleum engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some positions may require a master’s degree or higher. In addition to their technical skills, petroleum engineers must also be able to effectively communicate with other members of the team, as well as with customers and clients.
Median Annual Salary: $130,850
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. They use their knowledge of computer science, engineering, and mathematics to solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields.
Computer hardware engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed an internship or cooperative education program in computer engineering. Certification is not required for entry-level positions as a computer hardware engineer; however, some employers may prefer or require certification.
Median Annual Salary: $128,170
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. They may specialize in one or more areas of aerospace engineering, such as structural design, guidance and control systems, propulsion systems, or acoustics.
Aerospace engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Many Aerospace engineers also have a master’s degree or doctorate. Aerospace engineers typically work in offices but may occasionally visit worksites where aircraft or spacecraft are being built or tested.
Median Annual Salary: $122,270
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers design and oversee the production of chemicals, drugs, fuel, food, and other products. They also develop new ways to make existing products better or more environmentally friendly.
Median Annual Salary: $105,550
Electrical Engineer
As an electrical engineer, you can expect to earn a median yearly salary of $98,780. Job growth in this field is expected to be about as fast as average at 7%, and electrical engineers are employed in a variety of industries, including but not limited to architecture and engineering, construction, manufacturing, and scientific and technical consulting services.
In order to become an electrical engineer, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited school. Once you have your degree, you will need to obtain a professional engineer (PE) license in order to work in this field. licensure requirements vary by state but generally include passing two exams and having four years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed engineer.
Median Annual Salary: $101,780
Materials Engineer
A materials engineer is responsible for developing, processing and testing materials used to create a variety of products. They may work with metals, ceramics, plastics, glass and other substances to create new materials or improve existing ones. Additionally, materials engineers may be responsible for choosing the best material for a particular application, as well as overseeing the production of the material.
Materials engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a focus on materials science. Some employers may require a master’s degree or Ph.D. for certain positions. Materials engineers must be able to understand and apply principles of physics and chemistry to solve problems. They also must be able to use computer simulations and other tools to model potential solutions.
Median Annual Salary: $98,300
Biomedical Engineer
A biomedical engineer is someone who applies engineering principles to medicine and biology. This can involve developing new medical devices, such as artificial organs or implants, or improving existing ones. Biomedical engineers may also work on developing new ways to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
There is a growing demand for biomedical engineers, as the population ages and more people require medical care.
Biomedical engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some jobs may require a master’s degree or higher. Coursework should include biology, chemistry, physics, math, and computer science classes.
Median Annual Salary: $97,410
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers are responsible for developing ways to protect and improve the environment. This could involve working on projects such as cleaning up polluted areas, creating recycling programs, or finding new energy sources. Environmental engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field.
Median Annual Salary: $96,820
Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers work to ensure that manufacturing and production processes are efficient and effective. They design, develop and oversee systems that incorporate people, materials and machines to create goods or provide services. In order to streamline processes and minimize waste, industrial engineers may apply statistical methods, ergonomics or work-study principles. They may also be involved in quality control or supervising production workers.
Median Annual Salary: $95,300
Civil Engineer
There are many different engineering jobs that offer high salaries, but civil engineering is one of the highest paying. Civil engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and dams. They must have a strong understanding of mathematics and physics, and be able to communicate effectively with other engineers and construction workers. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required for most positions.
Median Annual Salary: $88,050
The highest paying jobs in South Africa are those that require specialized skills and expertise and with the skills shortage, there are numerous, lucrative jobs available. As technology continues to rapidly evolve, so too does the knowledge and skill set required in these positions. To stay competitive in this field, it is important for engineers to continuously sharpen their skillset and be on top of recent developments. If you’re looking for an opportunity to enter a lucrative career path with lots of growth potential then one of these ten highest-paying engineering jobs might be just what you’re looking for!