What Engineer Makes The Most Money

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 $103,800.¹⁰

7. Chemical Engineer

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With a median pay of $102,160, chemical engineers use hard science in the production of compounds used every day in fuel, food, pharmaceuticals and more.¹¹ 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.¹²

8. Electrical Engineer

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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 pay in 2017 was reported at $97,970 per year.¹³

9. Biomedical Engineer

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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 $88,040.¹⁴

With a graduate biomedical engineering program ranked in the nation's top 20 by U.S. News & World Report, Case Western Reserve's Department of Biomedical Engineering has a reputation for innovation and excellence. Take an inside look at how Case School of Engineering faculty and students are making astounding medical breakthroughs.

10. Environmental Engineer

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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.¹⁵ In 2017, median pay was reported at $86,800.¹⁶

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.¹⁷ Designed with working engineers in mind, the online master's programs in engineering at the Case School of Engineering can help your resume stand out from the crowd.

Sources

^{1. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from machinedesign.com/learning-resources/engineering-profession-still-good-job}
^{2. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/the-13-highest-paying-it-jobs-in-2019}
^{3. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm}
^{4. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm}
^{5. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2061.00}
^{6. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2011.00}
^{7. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm}
^{8. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2161.00}
^{9. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/nuclear-engineers.htm}
^{10. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from indeed.com/salaries/System-Engineer-Salaries}
^{11. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm#tab-9}
^{12. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2041.00}
^{13. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm}
^{14. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm}
^{15. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2081.00}
^{16. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm}
^{17. Retrieved on April 4, 2019, from usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/case-western-reserve-university-201645/overall-rankings}