The Five Highest Paying Engineering Jobs

engineer

Through the use of mathematical equations and scientific knowledge, engineers make practical and possible the technology we use in today’s society. Ever changing trends, designs and superior knowledge of the inner workings of these fine-tuned concepts help to create the devices that save lives and create technology when engineers use both their physical and intellectual capabilities in the office. That’s precisely why engineers make significantly more than so many other educated individuals.

Chemical Engineer — $75,000

Those who have the intelligence, education and background to work with raw materials in an effort to figure out how to keep the world working on the least amount of raw material go into this field. A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is required. However, most chemical engineers need five years experience in the field before earning this type of income.

Petroleum Drilling Engineer — $77,000

This engineer is the one who works diligently to produce technologies and equipment that funnel fossil fuels from their natural habitat into the world so that we can use them ourselves. Much of the world requires fossil fuels to function, which is why this job pays well. A bachelor’s degree is required, and engineers with a specific degree in petroleum are always considered favorable.

Materials Engineer — $87,000

It’s considered a sub-specialty, but it is a lucrative one. This level of engineering requires a minimum of four years experience and it’s not something you can do without a bachelor’s degree in engineering. This engineer specializes in one specific material, using it to create new materials and/or finding new uses for this existing material.

Engineering Manager — $115,000

Becoming an engineering manager requires a bachelor’s degree and at least a decade of experience. Like all career fields, there must be managers to manage those who work in the field. The engineering manager is paid handsomely given the fact that he is not only an engineer, but one in charge of overseeing the day to day operations of those beneath him, which requires a candid knowledge of many different aspects of the job.

Aerospace Engineer — $119,000

Most everyone has joked or heard the joke about how it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out, but this job actually does require a rocket scientist. This engineer is the engineer that gets to create, test and simulate aircraft of many different types. For example, an aerospace engineer might work on a commercial airplane, a missile or even a space craft; the job varies, but it pays well.

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Written by Tiffany Raiford

Tiffany Raiford is a lifelong Floridian, wife to my high school sweetheart and mother of four littles (two girls and boy/girl twins...no, they are not identical and yes, I'm sure). My kids love to whine, so I love to wine. My loves include nap time, bed time, date night, travel and evenings and weekends when my husband is home because he handles all diaper changes.