The field of engineering offers an array of specialized career paths that are both lucrative and impactful. But you might be wondering: “What is the highest paying engineering job?” This blog post will answer this question.
Petroleum Engineering
Statistically, petroleum engineering jobs have held the top spot for the highest paying engineering jobs in recent years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these engineers, tasked with devising efficient and sustainable methods of extracting oil and gas from below the earth’s surface, earn an average annual salary of $145,720.
Computer Hardware Engineering
Close on the heels of petroleum engineering is Computer Hardware Engineering. These professionals design, develop, and test computer components, and they earn an average salary of $136,230 per year. The impact of advancements in technology and the ever-growing reliance on computer hardware make this field an attractive one.
Machine Learning Engineering
Machine learning engineering, a field under the umbrella of software engineering, is garnering increasing attention for its earning potential. These engineers design and implement machine learning systems, which are fundamental to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. They earn around $112,806 per year, according to statistics from Glassdoor.
Aerospace Engineering
Engineers engaged in the design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft have a pretty stellar pay grade themselves. A mid-career Aerospace Engineer garners an average annual pay of $116,500.
Big Tech Engineering Roles
In prominent tech companies, for example, Google, software engineering roles are among the highest paying jobs. These roles often offer tremendous earning potential, particularly for employees who ascend to senior levels within the company. For instance, Senior Software Engineers at Google earn an average base salary of $239,179.
The Importance of a Master’s or Doctorate Degree
Monster’s career advice also highlights the significance of higher degrees in engineering. It states that for some of the highest-paying engineering jobs, employers will require a master’s degree or occasionally, a doctorate, although a bachelor’s degree is the standard engineering qualification.
Conclusion
While petroleum engineering, computer hardware engineering, and machine learning engineering hold positions of considerable earning potential, your qualifications and your employer play a significant role in salary determination.