Countries Where Engineers Make The Most Money

 best paying engineering jobs

Have you ever wondered in which countries engineers make the most money? A fair question and one that's not a simple one to answer. 

From the off engineers tend to benefit from some of the highest wages of any career choice out there. But could you be underselling yourself by staying and working in your nation of origin? 

Of course, it's not all about money and some feel more comfortable staying and working in their home nation. After all, it's very difficult to leave your family and friends for long periods of time.

But if you are brave enough you could find your money making potential is considerably higher further afield.

In the following article, we'll see if engineering careers are worth all the hard work, which disciplines tend to make the most and in which countries engineers tend to make the most money.

Is an Engineering Degree worth it?

In short yes, and some. Engineering positions tend to always feature in the top ten highest paying careers. 

This is good news as all that hard work, blood, sweat and tears during your undergraduate and postgraduate studies had better pay off. And now is a good time to be getting into engineering-related career paths as the job market is pretty healthy. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, Mining, Construction, and Manufacturing industries are currently enjoying a period of strong growth. 415,000 positions were added in 2016 in the Healthcare industry alone in the U.S. 

Engineering graduates also enjoy very high recruitment levels post graduation which is in stark contrast to many humanities graduates. But is pursuing a career in Engineering actually worth all the hassle?

Much like driving a car your degree is just the first test. Once you've graduated you will need to bolster your courage for a lifetime of stress, steep learning curves but, ultimately, one of the most rewarding careers one could choose. 

But, of course, like any career, there will be highs and lows. Although many Engineers tend to love what they do working conditions can get on top of them.

what job makes the most money

  what job makes the most money

Health care jobs continue to be the highest-paying jobs in the country, according to the latest ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

Anesthesiologists are the top-paid workers in the U.S. and make a mean salary of $267,020 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compiled by U.S. News. Surgeons and oral surgeons round out the top three jobs with the highest earning power, and jobs in health care take the top 10 spots overall.

To be sure, these high-paying health care jobs require high-cost educations. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, four years of medical school cost the Class of 2019 about $250,000 at public universities and $330,180 at private universities. But for those who graduate, it can pay off: Doctors are more likely than any other profession to be in the top 1% of earners, according to Brookings Institution research.

In all, more than half of the jobs on the list — 14 — require a doctorate degree, and all but one are within the medical field. Lawyers, which U.S. News categorizes in the social services industry, earn mean salaries of $144,230 per year.

Nine of the top-paying jobs, all of which exceed six-figure salaries, require just a bachelor’s degree.

The top-paying job that generally requires just a four-year undergraduate degree is petroleum engineer, which earns $156,370 per year. Petroleum engineers typically work in an office and travel to drilling sites to design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. While petroleum engineering is considered the highest-paying college major, a job in this field can be stressful and time-intensive, according to U.S. News.

The role of pilot makes its debut on the list in 2020 and earns $146,660 per year. Some airlines hire pilots who hold a bachelor’s degree, though a college education isn’t always required. Pilots also undergo training to earn a commercial pilot’s license and Airline Transport Pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. Job candidates also generally go through psychological and aptitude tests with airlines to assess critical thinking and decision-making under pressure.

Other top-paying jobs that generally require just a four-year degree include roles in engineering, IT, sales and marketing, and business.

Here are the top 25 best-paying jobs of 2020, according to U.S. News & World Report.

highest paying engineering jobs

 highest paying engineering jobs 

An impressive 87 percent of professional engineers report being "satisfied to very satisfied" with their job.1 But that's only one reason to choose a career path in engineering. There are many considerations when choosing a focus, but pay is certainly a key factor in planning for your future. In terms of median pay and growth potential, these are the 10 highest paying engineering jobs to consider.

1. Big Data Engineer

The rise of big data has provided significant business opportunities, but complex data sets have no meaning if they're not structured in a comprehensible manner. Enter the big data engineer, tasked with creating the hardware and system architecture that enables others to interpret and utilize data. With a median annual salary of $155,500, big data means big opportunities for engineers.2

2. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineers develop methods for extracting petroleum and natural gas from the ground, and then use those materials to create energy efficiently and cleanly. With a median salary of $132,280, petroleum engineer is one of the highest paying engineering jobs of 2019. The field is also projected to grow much faster than the average career over the next five to 10 years.3

3. Computer Hardware Engineer

With a median pay of $115,120, this highly technical field involves designing and developing computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards and memory devices.4 Computer hardware engineering is an excellent field for analytical problem solvers with an interest in mathematics or physics.5

4. Aerospace Engineer

This is one career where you get to say "actually, it is rocket science." Aerospace engineers design and build aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and satellites. Design skills are a must, as well as sharp analytical skills and problem sensitivity.6 Median pay in 2017 was reported at $113,030.7

5. Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear engineers research, design and develop the tools and instruments needed to utilize nuclear energy.8 They're responsible for safely directing the operations of nuclear energy facilities and must be comfortable with a high degree of complexity. In 2017, median pay was reported at $105,810, landing nuclear engineers in the top five highest paying engineering jobs.9

6. Systems Engineer

Systems engineers manage the technical infrastructure of a company, maintaining all of the hardware and software required to keep the business moving forward. If you have strong communication skills and an ability to translate technical information to nontechnical teams, consider this career path, which has an estimated average annual 

What are the job qualifications for an architectural engineer?

 architectural engineer salary 

An Architectural Engineer uses mathematical and scientific principles in building design to test, evaluate, and improve the structural integrity of buildings and building systems. An Architectural Engineer may specialize in the design of a particular type of building system, such as ventilation, electrical, or plumbing.

Architectural Engineer Interview Questions

Architectural Engineers are responsible for ensuring building structures and systems are functional, reliable, efficient, and safe. They use maths and science in design principles to ensure the structural integrity and safety of buildings and building systems.

When interviewing Architectural Engineers, look for candidates who demonstrate strong analytical skills, as well as knowledge of maths, science, and engineering principles. Take note of candidates who lack good team working and communication skills.

Interview Questions for Architectural Engineers:

1. What process do you use to evaluate new projects?

Demonstrates candidates' knowledge of architectural engineering processes as well as industry codes and regulations.

2. How would you resolve a disagreement with the members of the design team?

Look for candidates who demonstrate problem-solving skills, as well as good communication skills. Take note of candidates who demonstrate a lack of interpersonal and team working skills.

3. What information or tools would you use to transform a clients wants and needs into a building design?

Look for candidates who demonstrate active listening skills, as well as sound knowledge of design and structural integrity principles. Take note of candidates who lack creative thinking skills.

4. How would you resolve a conflict with a difficult client?

Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills.

5. What tools would you use to test the structural integrity of an established building?

Demonstrates candidates' knowledge of industry technology.

Top 10 Highest Paying Civil Engineering Careers

 civil engineer starting salary

Interested in a civil engineering career? Find out about the Top 10 Highest Paying Civil Engineering Careers, what they do and what education you need.

1)  Engineering Project Managers
Average Salary: $56,250 – $149,729
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: An engineering project manager plans, directs, organizes projects, including preparing proposals, maintaining financial records, product strategy and ensures the project conforms with safety regulations.

 2) Senior Civil Engineer

Average Salary: $62,000 – $135,732
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: A civil engineer plans, designs, develops and manages projects to construct or repair buildings, bridges, highways, and other structures.

 3)  Engineering Managers

Average Salary: $95,000 – $125,000
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: An engineering manager plans, directs, organizes, controls and evaluates the activities of the engineering department, project or firm.

 4) Civil Engineer

Average Salary: $66,000 – $95,000
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: A civil engineer plans, designs, develops and manages projects to construct or repair buildings, bridges, highways, and other structures.

 5)  Architect

Average Salary: $66,000 – $95,000
Education: Post secondary education required. A bachelors degree or a diploma from a vocational school is preferred, as well as an internship.
Job Description: An architect conceptualizes plans and creates designs to construct and renovate commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

 6) Engineering Inspectors and Regulatory Officers

Average Salary: $66,000 – $95,000
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: Engineering inspectors inspect transportation vehicles, weighing meters, industrial instruments, processes and equipment to ensure they comply with government and industry regulations.

  7) Civil Engineering Drafter

Average Salary: $31,659 – $81,429
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: Civil drafting technologists and technicians prepare engineering designs and related technical information.

 8)  Civil Engineering Technologist

Average Salary: $53,000 – $66,000
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: A civil engineering technologist develops engineering drawings and designs from concepts and sketches which have already been laid out. They also prepare construction specifications, estimates for the cost of materials and labour, conduct field surveys and inspections, of all types of construction buildings and structures.

 9) Civil Engineering Technician

Average Salary: $53,000 – $66,000
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: A civil engineering technician assists in developing engineering drawings and specifications and performs other technical duties pertaining to civil engineering.

 10) Land Surveyor
Average Salary: $53,000 – $66,000
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: Land surveyors plan, direct and conduct legal surveys in order to create and/or determine property boundaries, contours and prepare for drawings, plans, records and official documents.

 

What is the average salary of an engineer in USA?

 average engineer salary

Making a career in Engineering is not as easy as it sounds. Of course, the course work is taxing however, choosing a course is also difficult given the amount of programs and fields to explore in engineering. There are multiple branches of engineering today and choosing one is dependent on a couple of factors that are important before you take the plunge.

Most of us today live a very lavish lifestyle and want to have the best of everything. Is it that easy? It is if you’re raking in the big bucks. This happens to be one of the factors in choosing an engineering specialization. Some fields in engineering pay heavy and that is one of the reasons students choose to enter that field.

Learn 'All About Engineering'

Machines, physics, thermodynamics, space; if these are the things that fascinate you then finding the right career in engineering just got easier for you. The other factor that determines the choice of engineering field one enters is their personal interests. ‘Choose what you love and make it big’ is one of the mantras followed these days by not just the creative kinds but also the engineering students.

• Money

• Interests

Let’s get started with the best careers in engineering that keep both these aspects in mind and are the most popular courses as of now. The best careers in engineering that we have listed below also happen to be few of the highest paying engineering jobs in India. Engineering jobs usually pay well. Of course, the ones in demand will be the ones that provide a higher pay package. Petroleum Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering are the ones with the highest pay package in India as of now.

Hope we make your career choice easier with the in-demand engineering careers and jobs that we have listed here along with the salary offered according to the experience of the candidate.

Is an Engineering Degree worth it?

 In short yes, and some. Engineering positions tend to always feature in the top ten highest paying careers. 

This is good news as all that hard work, blood, sweat and tears during your undergraduate and postgraduate studies had better pay off. And now is a good time to be getting into engineering-related career paths as the job market is pretty healthy. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, Mining, Construction, and Manufacturing industries are currently enjoying a period of strong growth. 415,000 positions were added in 2016 in the Healthcare industry alone in the U.S. 

Engineering graduates also enjoy very high recruitment levels post graduation which is in stark contrast to many humanities graduates. But is pursuing a career in Engineering actually worth all the hassle?

Much like driving a car your degree is just the first test. Once you've graduated you will need to bolster your courage for a lifetime of stress, steep learning curves but, ultimately, one of the most rewarding careers one could choose. 

But, of course, like any career, there will be highs and lows. Although many Engineers tend to love what they do working conditions can get on top of them.

On the whole, most disgruntled engineers report that they have, or are tempted to, quit their job because of a few common issues. These include not getting on with the boss, long commutes, stupid working hours, not potential for advancement.

Which Engineers earn the most?

Before we look into the countries that tend to offer the most money for engineers, we thought it might be useful to explore those disciplines of engineering that tend to pay the most.

After all, engineering is something of an umbrella term that encompasses many different industries, specializations and, of course, competition for employment. 

The following are the top twenty highest paid engineering jobs. This data comes courtesy of typeofengineering.com .

The website compiled data from the US. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics data compiled with self-reported data from Universities, Forbes Magazine, US News & World Report, and reputable Engineering associations, such as the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Rank	Occupation	Average Annual Salary	Projected % growth in jobs between 2012 and 2022	Projected growth in jobs between 2012 and 2022
1	Petroleum Engineers	$147,520	25.50%	20,000
2	Architectural & Engineering Managers	$138,720	6.70%	61,000
3	Airline Pilots & Flight Engineers	$131,760	-6.60%	19,000
4	Computer Hardware Engineers	$110,650	7.40%	24,000
5	Aerospace Engineers	$107,700	7.30%	25,000
6	Sales Engineers	$104,660	8.90%	17,000
7	Nuclear Engineers	$104,630	9.30%	7,000
8	Chemical Engineers	$103,590	4.50%	9,000
9	Engineering Professors	$102,000	11.80%	11,000
10	Mining & Geological Engineers	$100,970	12%	3,000
11	Electronics Engineers	$99,660	3.40%	35,000
12	Marine Engineers	$99,160	10.30%	3,000
13	Engineers, All Other	$96,350	3.80%	30,000
14	Electrical Engineers	$95,780	4.70%	44,000
15	Biomedical Engineers	$91,760	26.60%	10,000
16	Materials Engineers	$91,150	0.90%	8,000
17	Mechanical Engineers	$87,140	4.50%	100,000
18	Civil Engineers	$87,130	19.70%	120,000
19	Environmental Engineers	$86,340	15.30%	21,000
20	Industrial Engineers	$85,100	4.5%	75,000

As interesting as this is, it must be borne in mind that these figures are just a snapshot in time. They don't, for example, capture potentially future trends in their respective industries. 

Some disciplines, like Petroleum Engineering, are highly paid at present but future employment could be affected by changes in the supply and demand of hydrocarbons around the world.

So long as consumption remains at least comparable to today, as well as reserves, this should be a lucrative choice for the near future.

But there is another interesting consideration with fields like Petroleum Engineering. It is predicted that many current employees are set to retire over the next ten years.

 This will certainly affect the demand for 'new blood', likely inflating offered salaries far in excess of current rates. 

Computer engineering is another field that might not be fairly represented in this data. It is a relatively new discipline in engineering with some claiming it is currently under-supplied with labor.

Of course, the future could see a dramatic reduction in wages as more and more new graduates flood the market over the next few years given its current popularity for undergraduates.

What is the average starting salary for an industrial engineer?

 industrial engineering salary 

$59,468

The average salary for an entry level Industrial Engineer is $59,468. An experienced Industrial Engineer makes about $86,809 per year. Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes.

The short answer is, that Yes, Industrial Engineering is a good major.

The real answer depends on what you want to do. If you want to get into Business, an IE degree will translate better to management roles than many other typical engineering degrees, but do not make the mistake of assuming that you will actually be learning or doing typical “business” subjects as an IE major. In my university, as well as many others, IE majors take few to no business classes. It is an engineering degree, not just a fancy business degree as some think it is. You will take calcukus, mechanics, physics, and chemistry like everyone else.

It is a very good major if you want a job. I've found IE employment prospects good due to the skill set being applicable across multiple industries. It is valued in a lot of corporate environments and can be more flexible than say an electrical engineer who mainly focused on microectronics/semiconductors. That being said, do not expect to be considered a technical expert. There is a lack of technical depth that can limit you if you want to go into engineering design.

An IE degree and an MBA is a powerful combination. That being said, outside of the MBA and the MSIE, there are few direct graduate school options. You wouldnt necessarily be qualified to pursue a masters in say Electrical Engineering or Materials Science without some extensive professional background or additional j deegraduate classes. A mechanical engineer can be admitted to an IE grad program but the opposite scenario is more difficult.

Its been a good career so far and I dont have too many regrets. That being said, consider what you hope to get out of your career.

How much do civil engineers earn per month in SA?

 civil engineering salary

An impressive 87 percent of professional engineers report being "satisfied to very satisfied" with their job.1 But that's only one reason to choose a career path in engineering. There are many considerations when choosing a focus, but pay is certainly a key factor in planning for your future. In terms of median pay and growth potential, these are the 10 highest paying engineering jobs to consider.

Big Data Engineer

The rise of big data has provided significant business opportunities, but complex data sets have no meaning if they're not structured in a comprehensible manner. Enter the big data engineer, tasked with creating the hardware and system architecture that enables others to interpret and utilize data. With a median annual salary of $155,500, big data means big opportunities for engineers.2

2. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineers develop methods for extracting petroleum and natural gas from the ground, and then use those materials to create energy efficiently and cleanly. With a median salary of $132,280, petroleum engineer is one of the highest paying engineering jobs of 2019. The field is also projected to grow much faster than the average career over the next five to 10 years.3

3. Computer Hardware Engineer

With a median pay of $115,120, this highly technical field involves designing and developing computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards and memory devices.4 Computer hardware engineering is an excellent field for analytical problem solvers with an interest in mathematics or physics.5

4. Aerospace Engineer

This is one career where you get to say "actually, it is rocket science." Aerospace engineers design and build aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and satellites. Design skills are a must, as well as sharp analytical skills and problem sensitivity.6 Median pay in 2017 was reported at $113,030.7