10 Highest-Paying Engineering Jobs in 2025

Some of the highest-paying jobs in the U.S. are in engineering. An engineer's salary is usually over $100,000, although the specific numbers depend on factors like experience, specialization, and location.

When choosing what type of engineer you want to be, one thing to consider is salary. Keep reading to discover the highest-paid engineers in the U.S.

Highest-Paying Engineer Careers

There are several different types of engineering, and while most engineers earn a decent salary, some make more than others. Note that the most in-demand engineering jobs aren't always the highest paying, and you should check demand before going into a specific field. Below, we've highlighted the highest-paying engineering careers.

The following salary information was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides official data on wages, employment trends, and job outlooks across various industries. Please note that these salaries are based on national averages. The actual salary will vary depending on experience level, geographic area, and other factors.

1. Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and their components. They typically need to have at least a bachelor's degree and work in various computer design and manufacturing environments.

The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers in the U.S. is $138,080. Those working in research and development tend to make the most, while those working for the federal government make the lowest amount annually.

2. Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers are responsible for coming up with ways to improve oil and gas extraction and production. They may also oversee drilling projects and provide technical insight. They usually work in offices but spend time on drilling and well sites. To work as a petroleum engineer, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree.

The median salary for petroleum engineers is $135,690 but can range from $77,340 to over $225,920. Petroleum engineering managers make the most, with a median of $168,190 per year.

3. Aerospace Engineers

As their name might imply, aerospace engineers work on aircraft. Their job is to design, test, and develop aircraft like airplanes and helicopters, as well as spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. The majority of aerospace engineers work in aerospace manufacturing and have a bachelor's degree, although many pursue master's degrees as well.

About $130,720 is the median annual salary for aerospace engineers. However, wages can span from $81,620 to $188,910 depending on location, employer, and role.

4. Nuclear Engineers

Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy available, and nuclear engineers are what make it happen. These engineers are concerned with the release, control, and use of nuclear energy as well as the disposal of nuclear waste.

Most nuclear engineers have bachelor's degrees, and most work in office settings. They may work for power plants, the federal government, or research organizations. Nuclear engineers commonly work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers.

The median salary for nuclear engineers is $125,460. Note that the BLS expects jobs for nuclear engineers to decline by 1% by 2033, making it the only engineering career on this list that is expected to drop in employment.

5. Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineering is a field that focuses on developing and designing chemical manufacturing processes. Some chemical engineers choose specializations in a specific type of chemical process. Chemical engineers often work in office and lab settings and the majority hold bachelor's degrees.

Chemical engineers have a median annual salary of $112,100 per year. Jobs for this type of engineer are expected to increase 10% over the next decade, making chemical engineering the most in-demand field of engineering on this list.

6. Electrical Engineers and Electronics Engineers

Electrical and electronics engineers have very similar roles in the design and manufacturing of electronics. However, electrical engineers more often focus on electrical systems and equipment, while electronics engineers focus on electronic components and products.

Electrical engineers usually work for engineering services, while electronics engineers most frequently work for telecommunications companies. Both jobs generally require a bachelor's degree. The median annual salary for these engineers is $109,010, with electronics engineers usually earning slightly more than electrical engineers. However, this can depend on multiple factors.

7. Materials Engineers

Materials engineers are responsible for the engineering of materials that are then used to create various products. They may work in an office where they use computers to design materials, or work in factories or labs. Bachelor's degrees are sufficient for entry-level roles in the field, but many researchers hold PhDs.

About $104,100 is the median salary for materials engineers. However, those working for government organizations have a median salary of $126,940.

8. Health and Safety Engineers

Engineering and manufacturing can be dangerous fields, and health and safety engineers are responsible for keeping workers safe. Health and safety engineers need a strong understanding of industrial processes and mechanics to properly promote workplace and product safety.

These types of engineers may work directly for the manufacturing facility or for government agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A bachelor's degree is usually all that's needed for this role.

The median annual salary for health and safety engineers is $103,690. Those working for consulting services often earn more, a median of $108,430 per year.

9. Biomedical Engineers

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers specialize in using engineering principles in healthcare and medicine, or bioengineering. They may be responsible for designing and developing medical equipment, devices, software systems, or pharmaceuticals. Most work in research and development or manufacturing.

A bachelor's degree is common for biomedical engineers, but many have advanced degrees. The median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers is $100,730.

10. Mining and Geological Engineers

Many of the materials used in everyday objects come from the ground. Mining and geological engineers are tasked with designing mines in the most efficient, yet also safest, ways possible. They often work in offices, but it's very common for them to visit mining sites. These engineers may work closely with industrial engineers as well as environmental engineers.

The median salary for mining and geological engineers is $100,640. However, those who work for oil and gas extraction typically earn far more than those at companies that extract coal or metal ore.

How To Secure a High-Paying Engineering Job

Many engineering occupations have great earning potential and are in high-demand. We've listed a few tips for securing an engineering job that pays well.

1. Explore High-Paying Engineering Fields

Start by looking into the fields of engineering that pay the most. Note that the salary ranges above are the median salary, meaning that about 50% of engineers make more than the posted salary range.

For example, mechanical engineers aren't usually the highest-paid engineers, with a median salary of $99,510. But the highest-paying mechanical engineering jobs pay upwards of $157,470.

However, the same can be said about the top engineering fields on this list. You can find many computer engineering jobs that pay well, but the lower end of the salary range is closer to $81,630 for these types of engineers.

When trying to choose the right field of engineering, consider not just the range of salary, but also potential career growth and job demand. Note that salary and demand can vary significantly based on your location.

2. Earn the Right Engineering Degree

Once you've selected your field, it's time to earn your degree. Engineer educational requirements usually include a bachelor's degree, which takes four years to complete.

Most engineering schools offer degrees in specific areas of engineering. For example, if you're planning to pursue electrical engineering jobs that pay well, you'll want to major in electrical engineering.

However, not all schools offer all types of engineering majors. Maybe you're gunning for one of the highest-paying software engineering jobs—you may not be able to find a software engineering major, but a major in computer science or computer engineering can often suffice.

Look for engineering schools accredited by ABET, an accreditation agency for engineering and technology programs. This accreditation ensures that the program meets high educational standards.

3. Gain In-Demand Skills

Most engineers need to have a variety of technical skills, as well as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Your degree program will help you develop some of these skills, but you can look for other places to develop your skills as well, such as internships, research projects, and other hands-on experiences.

4. Gain Experience and Build a Strong Resume

You can start gaining engineering experience during your degree program through projects and internships. These not only allow you to develop your skills, but allow you to start building a resume and portfolio.

Having a resume and portfolio can make a huge difference when starting your job hunt. Additionally, gaining experience also helps you network and gives you potential references for your job search.

5. Get Certified & Licensed

Most entry-level engineering roles do not require additional certification or licensure. However, if you're looking to move up to a management role, you will need a Professional Engineering (PE) license.

To earn a PE license, you'll need a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program, relevant work experience, and a passing score on the necessary exams. Once you obtain your license, your state may require you to take continuing education courses to keep your license current.

6. Stay Competitive & Keep Learning

The best way to set yourself up for job growth in a field like engineering is to never stop learning. Engineering, like other STEM fields, is constantly evolving as new research and information come to light.

Look for conferences held by professionals in your field or opportunities to participate in interesting research or development projects. These allow you to stay competitive as you navigate your engineering field.

FAQs About High-Salary Engineering Careers

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about the highest-paying engineering careers.

What Is the Highest-Paying Engineering Job in the US?

The highest-paid engineers in the U.S. are computer engineers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for computer hardware engineers in the U.S. is $138,080, but some areas of the country offer much higher wages. Computer engineers in California, for example, have an average salary of $173,270.

What Engineering Job Has the Highest Salary in the World?

Worldwide salary data is not available for engineering jobs. However, in general, most of the same engineering jobs that have a high salary in the U.S. also have a high salary worldwide.

Can You Make 300K a Year as an Engineer?

Most engineers do not earn $300,000 per year. However, with enough experience and by living in the right area, you may be able to make strategic career moves that could get you to $300,000.

Explore Engineering Programs

Start your journey toward a career path in engineering by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific engineering schools to learn more about the engineering programs they offer.