What are the Highest Paid Engineering Jobs? (Excluding Software Engineers)

Engineering is a highly rewarding field, offering a variety of specializations and career paths. While software engineers often dominate salary discussions, other engineering roles are equally lucrative and deserve attention. But not all are paid equally. The question is  “What are the highest paid engineering jobs?”.  

We’ve listed the top engineering jobs based on average annual salary ranges, years of experience, and industry trends. 

1. Petroleum Engineers 

Salary Range

• Junior: $80,000
• Median: $135,000
• Senior: $200,000+

Experience Required

• 5–10 years for senior positions  

Specialization

• Drilling
• Reservoir Engineering
• Production Engineering  

Industries Employing Petroleum Engineers

• Oil and gas extraction companies
• Mining support
• Architectural and Engineering
• Energy consultancy firms 
• Petroleum manufacturing

Trends

• The global energy demand remains high, keeping petroleum engineering among the top-paying fields, however the job outlook is expected to lag other engineering disciplines. 
• A surge in sustainable drilling practices and alternative energy roles has opened additional career opportunities for petroleum engineers.

2. Aerospace Engineers 

Salary Range

• Junior: $69,000
• Median: $130,000
• Senior: $180,000

Experience Required

• 5+ years for senior positions
• Entry-level positions available for fresh grads  

Specialization

• Designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles
• Testing prototypes for both civilian and military organizations  

Industries

• Aerospace manufacturers
• Defense contractors
• Government research organizations (NASA, Raytheon)  

Trends

• The growth of commercial space exploration (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin) is significantly boosting demand for aerospace engineers. 
• The job outlook over the next 10 years is expected to increase faster than the average of all occupations.

3. Nuclear Engineers

Salary Range

• Junior: $90,000
• Median: $125,000
• Senior: $170,000  

Experience Required

• 6–10 years for senior positions  

Specialization 

• Developing and maintaining nuclear power plants as well as nuclear waste disposal
• Researching nuclear energy and radiation applications  

Industries

• Utility power generation
• Government agencies (Defense and Space exploration)
• Medical applications such as medical isotope production

Trends

• The employment trend with nuclear engineers is contracting, however a renewed emphasis on sustainable and low-carbon energy sources could amplify career opportunities in nuclear energy. 

4. Chemical Engineers

Salary Range

• Junior: $85,000
• Median: $112,000
• Senior: $170,000  

Experience Required

• 3–8 years, depending on the level of specialization  

Specialization

• New product development
• Developing and evaluating processes for manufacturing chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, food and plastics—includes design and plant equipment layout and establishing safety procedures

Industries

• Chemical manufacturing companies (Dow Chemicals, BASF)
• Energy and renewable resource development
• Food Manufacturing

Trends

• Job prospects for Chemical Engineers are one of the fastest growing engineering disciplines, increasing by 10% over the next 10 years.
• A rising focus on green chemistry and sustainable production processes is shaping new career paths for chemical engineers. 

5. Electronics and Electrical Engineers 

Salary Range

• Junior: $80,000
• Median: $107,000
• Senior: $170,000

Experience Required

• 5–10 years for senior positions

Specialization

• All aspects of electrical design
• Installation and inspection of electrical components
• Developing electrical standards

Industries

• Power generation and distribution
• Manufacturing, robotics and automation
• Telecommunications
• Aerospace and automotive
• Electronics
• Engineering services
• Renewable energy companies and utilities  

Trends

• The increasing adoption of renewable energy and smart grid advancements keeps electrical engineers in demand.
• This discipline is one of the fastest growing of all occupations at an average growth rate of 9% annually.

6. Industrial Engineers 

Salary Range

• Junior: $70,000
• Median: $99,000
• Senior: $142,000  

Experience Required

• 3–8 years for senior positions, depending on the role’s complexity  

Specialization 

• Optimizing production processes and supply chains
• Improving systems efficiency in manufacturing  

Industries

• Manufacturing
• Energy and utilities
• Healthcare
• Government and public sector
• Food and beverage
• Aerospace and automotive
• Consulting firms  

Trends 

• Advancements in automation and Industry 4.0 technologies are making industrial engineering roles more vital than ever.
• Industrial engineering jobs are expected to increase 12% over the next 10 years. 

7. Mechanical Engineers

Salary Range

• Junior: $70,000
• Median: $99,000
• Senior: $154,000  

Experience Required

• 2–7 years for mid to senior positions  

Specialization

• Designing mechanical and thermal systems, engines, and manufacturing equipment  

Industries

• Automotive (Tesla, Honda)
• Aerospace
• Oil and gas
• Consumer goods companies
• Machine manufacturing and robotics
• Engineering services

Trends

• The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in machinery design has opened up exciting avenues for mechanical engineers.
• Mechanical engineering jobs are expected to increase 11% over the next 10 years, making this discipline the fastest growing engineering discipline.

8. Biomedical Engineers 

Salary Range

• Junior: $74,000
• Median: $100,000
• Senior: $154,000

Experience Required

• 2–6 years for advanced roles  

Specialization 

• Engineering medical devices, prosthetics, and diagnostic tools  
• Researching new healthcare solutions  

Industries

• Medical device manufacturers (Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson)  
• Hospitals and research institutes  

Trends

• The rise of wearable technology and advancements in healthcare innovations keep this field on the cutting edge.
• The employment outlook for biomedical engineering is a 7% increase over the next decade.

9. Environmental Engineers 

Salary Range

• Junior: $75,000
• Median $100,000
• Senior: $120,000  

Experience Required

• 3–6 years for impactful roles  

Specialization

• Addressing environmental challenges, such as waste disposal, water management, and pollution control  

Industries

• Government agencies (EPA)
• Waste management/remediation organizations
• Construction
• Energy
• Consulting  

Trends

• Companies facing increased regulatory pressure for sustainability as well as heightened public awareness regarding pollution is driving demand for skilled environmental engineers.
• This discipline is expected to increase 7% over the next 10 years.

10. Civil Engineers 

Salary Range

• Junior: $70,000
• Median: $95,000
• Senior: $150,000  

Experience Required

• 2–5 years for mid-level roles  

Specialization

• Infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and urban planning
• Renewable Energy projects  

Industries

• Construction and Engineering consulting firms
• Government organizations and urban development authorities  

Trends

• Global infrastructure development and smart city initiatives are boosting demand.
• Job growth is expected to increase by 6% annually over the next 10 years. 

Where Are the Highest Paid Engineering Jobs Located? 

A high engineering salary can typically be found in: 

• Energy Hubs (e.g., Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, North Dakota): Known for their thriving oil, gas, and renewable energy industries, these regions lead the way in energy production and innovation, powering the nation and setting new standards for sustainable practices.  

• Biotech & Life Sciences Centers (e.g., Northeastern US and California): These areas are home to cutting-edge research in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical advancements, fostering breakthroughs that shape the future of healthcare and medicine.  

• Manufacturing & Industrial Hotspots (e.g., Upper Midwest, Northeast, California, Texas and Florida): Long-standing leaders in automotive and industrial manufacturing, these regions continue to drive production and innovation in modern industry.  

• Agricultural Powerhouses (e.g., Midwest, Ohio Valley and California’s Central Valley): Critical to feeding the nation and the world, these regions excel in farming, food production, and agricultural technologies, pushing the boundaries of sustainable farming practices. 

Companies in these regions often offer additional benefits, such as relocation expenses, bonuses, and professional development opportunities. 

Final Thoughts 

Engineering roles outside of software are proving to be just as rewarding, both financially and professionally.  

Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or someone looking to switch to a more lucrative specialization, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.  

Sources: 

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)  

• Payscale.com  

• Glassdoor.com