12 of the Highest-Paying Engineering Jobs (2024)

Engineering careers stand as vital pillars in today's economy, driving innovation and technological advancement that fuel global competitiveness. With their ability to design and optimize systems, engineers are essential in addressing pressing challenges such as renewable energy, infrastructure resilience and human health and safety. As industries continue to evolve, engineers' problem-solving skills and technical expertise are in high demand, signifying job security and opportunities for economic growth.

In engineering as in any profession, financial considerations play a crucial role in career planning.

How much do engineers make?

Among the 1000+ seasoned engineers who took part in the 2023 Machine Design Salary and Career Survey, an impressive 84% report being “satisfied to very satisfied” with their jobs and 91% recommend engineering as a career path for a young person.¹ But those are only two reasons to choose a career path in engineering. While there are many considerations when choosing a focus, pay is certainly a key factor in planning for your future.

In general, the average engineer salary is higher than the salary averages of many other professions. This is due, in part, to the fact that engineering jobs require significant technical skills that are in high demand as our industries become increasingly reliant on technology.

Upon closer inspection, the salaries for engineering jobs vary. While today’s mechanical engineering salary average is $99,500 a year and mining and geological engineers make roughly $100,640 per year, engineering managers have an annual salary of approximately $165,370.^2,3,4

So what are the highest paying engineering jobs? Read on to explore 12 at the top, in terms of median pay and growth potential.

1. Environmental Engineer

Working frequently in the construction industry, environmental engineers use engineering skills, earth science, biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental issues. Because of the nature of the work, they may spend time on job sites, making this a great career track for those who don’t want to be tied down to a desk job.⁵ The median pay is reported at $100,090.⁶

2. Mining and Geological Engineer

Experts in mining and geological engineering design open-pit and underground mines to help ensure the safe, efficient, environmentally sound removal of metals and minerals such as coal. With a median annual salary of $100,640, they’re called upon to supervise shaft and tunnel construction, monitor mine production for effectiveness, and troubleshoot challenges regarding pollution, sustainability and land reclamation.⁷

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3. Biomedical Engineer

Often working in a medical or clinical context, biomedical engineers utilize the principles of engineering to advance medical science by developing tools for medical professionals to better diagnose and treat their patients. Biomedical engineers can expect a median pay of $100,730.⁸

With a graduate biomedical engineering program ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, Case Western Reserve’s Department of Biomedical Engineering has a reputation for innovation and excellence.⁹ Take an inside look at how Case School of Engineering faculty and students are making astounding medical breakthroughs.

4. Health and Safety Engineer

Health and safety engineers develop procedures and systems to protect people from illness and injury, and property from damage. Their combined knowledge of engineering and of health and safety helps them prevent chemicals, machinery, software, furniture and other products from harming people and property. In addition to reviewing plans and specifications for new machinery and equipment, ensuring that they’re compliant with safety regulations, they inspect facilities, machinery and safety equipment to identify and correct potential hazards. As of 2023, health and safety engineers in this country drew a median annual salary of $103,690.¹⁰

5. Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers work in a variety of industries, developing electrical and electronic components such as electric motors, radar or navigation systems. They might also be involved in developing broadcasting or communications systems. Median annual pay in 2023 was reported at $109,010.¹¹

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 salary of $ 111,462.¹²

7. Chemical Engineer

With a median pay of $112,100, chemical engineers use hard science in the production of compounds used every day in fuel, food, pharmaceuticals and more.¹³ Chemical engineering is a great career track for engineers with a background in biology, chemistry or physics who enjoy working on a team to solve big problems.¹⁴

8. Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear engineers research, design and develop the tools and instruments needed to utilize nuclear energy.¹⁵ They’re responsible for safely directing the operations of nuclear energy facilities and must be comfortable with a high degree of complexity. In 2023, median pay was reported at $125,460, landing nuclear engineers in the top five highest paying engineering jobs.¹⁶

9. 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 $127,895, big data means big income opportunities for engineers.¹⁷

10. Aerospace Engineer

This is one career where you get to say, “Actually, it is rocket science.” Aerospace engineer salaries compensate them for designing and building aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and satellites. Design skills are a must, as well as sharp analytical skills and problem sensitivity.¹⁸ Median pay in 2023 was reported at $130,720.¹⁹

11. Petroleum Engineer

In one of the highest-paying jobs in engineering, 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 $135,690, petroleum engineer is one of the highest paying engineering jobs of 2023.²⁰

12. Computer Hardware Engineer

With a median pay of $138,080, professionals in this highly technical speciality are among the highest-paid engineers working today. Their work involves designing and developing computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards and memory devices.²¹ Computer hardware engineering is an excellent field for analytical problem-solvers with an interest in mathematics or physics.²²

Build the engineering career you deserve.

To land one of these highest paying engineering jobs, you will need the right experience and credentials. Case Western Reserve University, a highly respected research university ranked among the Top Graduate Engineering Schools, can help.⁹ Led by a faculty of experts and designed with working engineers in mind, the online master’s programs at the Case School of Engineering—the online Master of Engineering, online MS in Biomedical Engineering, online MS in Mechanical Engineering and online MS in Systems and Control Engineering—can help your resume stand out from the crowd.

Start your career ascent today. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to find out how.