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Eight high-paying career options in Engineering

Zoom Local News > Education > Eight high-paying career options in Engineering

Eight high-paying career options in Engineering

Engineering is a profession that uses scientific and technological ideas to develop and construct tools, buildings, and other functional objects that assist people in solving issues. However, most of us have a very confined view of engineering as a career. 

The truth is, engineering offers a wide variety of job options. In addition to the six main sectors – chemical, civil, electrical, geotechnical, management, and mechanical – many smaller divisions are ignored or aren’t popular.  

So if you are an engineer or want to be one, here are eight of the highest-paying career options you should look into:

1. Petroleum Engineer

This branch of engineering focuses on finding new and efficient ways to extract crude oil and natural gas. Petroleum engineers are responsible for the drilling sites, keeping track of how much drilling they do each day and entering it in their records. 

Petroleum engineering is not only the highest-paid engineering field but also one of the highest-paying professions in the world. According to research by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, petroleum engineers have an average annual salary of over $130,000. 

2. Civil Engineer

A civil engineer is responsible for correctly planning and constructing public infrastructures such as roads and buildings. A key demand from civil engineers is to ensure their work is of the utmost standards; the projects need to be as secure as possible for public safety. 

To start your career as a civil engineer, you can earn an Online Masters of Civil Engineering from within the comfort of your home. Having a master’s degree in civil engineering will help you get the experience and qualifications needed to land government-funded projects which have huge earning potential. 

Furthermore, the degree will increase your chances of being hired by big companies wanting to build their headquarters or factories. Large government projects and private contracts can lead to big payouts!

3. Computer Hardware Engineer

With the growing advancement in technology and the digitalization of the world, computers have become a significant part of our lives. The increased use of computers has led to an increase in demand for computer hardware engineers; employment is projected to rise by 5% by 2031. 

Computer hardware engineers design and develop computer components. The engineers work in research laboratories and find ways to improve the design and efficiency of previous computer models. 

Due to the technological revolution that the world is going through, finding a suitable job in this field of engineering has never been easier. Therefore, if you are enthusiastic about technology and eager to contribute to the ongoing revolution, then a computer hardware engineer is the right career choice. 

4. Aeronautical Engineer

Aeronautics is the field of engineering that deals with designing and manufacturing aircraft, radars, warheads, and satellites. Furthermore, aeronautical engineers conduct research and tests to increase the safety and efficiency of aircraft. 

Suppose you ever dreamt of working in space as a kid. In that case, you can become an aeronautical engineer and turn your dream into reality by working at NASA or any other space-exploration company. 

All you need is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program that the Accreditation Board has approved for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is required to become a certified aeronautical engineer. 

Furthermore, aeronautical engineering is one of the highest-paying jobs in engineering. An individual experienced in this field can make over $120,000 per year.

5. Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear engineers conduct research and tackle issues related to atomic energy. They are responsible for ensuring nuclear reactors are stable, and radioactive waste is disposed of safely. 

Nuclear engineering is a highly sensitive field, so even getting an entry-level job entails a master’s degree in any related field. However, the handsome pay indeed makes up for it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Median Salary of a Nuclear Engineer is around $120,000.  

6. Data Engineer

Data Engineers develop analytical and statistical platforms for businesses. Those that can manage extensive quantities of data for large corporations have the potential to earn big time. Data engineers are precisely those people. 

Business managers use these platforms to help decide on the most efficient way of storing data in their databases. Sorted and integrated data further help managers to make critical business decisions. 

This engineering field is the highest paying, with experienced data engineers earning around $115,000 annually. So if you think you can skim through large amounts of data and have what it takes to handle the pressure that comes with it, then data engineering is what you should look into.

7. Chemical Engineer

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Physics are the subjects that make up the fundamentals of chemical engineering. Chemical engineers use these fundamentals to address issues concerning the manufacture or usage of chemicals, medications, and energy. 

Additionally, they ensure that adequate amounts of fertilizer are created to produce high-quality food items and that the products are ecologically friendly.

Chemical engineering is a growing field. The expected growth rate is 14%, which is well above average. Once you earn a bachelor’s degree in any related field, you can easily find available jobs. The median yearly salary for chemical engineers is $105,000.

8. Engineering Manager

Engineering Managers are responsible for leading and coordinating engineering teams in companies. They are the ones that set the targets and develop strategies for achieving the set targets. Furthermore, engineering managers are also responsible for setting budgets and making sure that appropriate resources are available for work to be carried out.   

Being an engineering manager requires excellent interpersonal skills in addition to the required qualifications. You must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with the employees, and you must possess exceptional leadership skills. 

However, if you can meet the criteria of becoming an engineering manager, you can earn more than $100,000 per year

Conclusion

Average wages for engineers are often greater than those for many other occupations, and some of the engineering fields offer the highest-paying positions in the world. However, you need the appropriate expertise and qualifications to be hired for one of these best-paid engineering positions. 

Therefore, it would be best to start early and gain the required skills and credentials to start a successful career in Engineering.

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