Which Engineering Branch has Highest Salary in the World?
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There are many Engineering branches, hence, it is difficult to say that one particular branch of Engineering is the highest paid. Based on interest, applicants can choose to study some of the best engineering branches and get well-paying jobs after graduation. Check out the article for an in-depth understanding of which engineering has highest salary in the world.
Students who aim to study Engineering abroad, have a lot of university options in hand. But before they proceed to apply, they only look out for three questions:
- What are the top Paying Engineer Salary Abroad?
- Which Engineering has the highest salary - country-wise?
- Which Engineering branch is best for the future - branch-wise?
This article will discuss in detail all these aspects, which will help students choose their Engineering specialisation based on interest. And help them choose that engineering which has highest salary.
Top Paying Engineering Jobs Abroad 2024
There are various job roles for those graduating with an Engineering degree from abroad. Most of them are well-paid, but there may be a few who are not very highly paid. Based on a leading job portal, the following are the 8 top paid engineers in the world:
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| Best Engineering Jobs Abroad |
Annual Average Compensation |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer |
USD 108,896 |
| Systems Engineer |
USD 104,733 |
| Network Engineer |
USD 95,178 |
| Mechanical Engineer |
USD 89,424 |
| Civil Engineer |
USD 88,264 |
| Design Engineer |
USD 84,648 |
| Project Engineer |
USD 82,843 |
| Manufacturing Engineer |
USD 84,454 |
(Source: Indeed)
Which Engineering has Highest Salary in World? - Country Wise
While engineering study is popular globally, engineers' salaries vary based on the country. Following is a list of the top 5 countries abroad which can help students understand which engineering has highest salary abroad.
Top Paying Engineering Jobs in USA
Studying in USA for an Engineering degree is a prestigious opportunity. Admissions to US universities can be tough for engineering courses, but the return on investment can be high because the US offers some top paying Engineering roles. Some of the top paying engineering jobs in USA are based on ‘Best Engineering Jobs’ - US News & World Report 2024 rankings:
| Top 8 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in USA |
Median Salary (Best Engineering Jobs - US News 2024) |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineer |
USD 131,800 |
| Biomedical Engineer |
USD 99,550 |
| Environmental Engineer |
USD 96,530 |
| Mechanical Engineer |
USD 96,310 |
| Civil Engineer |
USD 89,940 |
| Architect |
USD 82,840 |
| Cartographer |
USD 71,890 |
| Environmental Engineering Technician |
USD 50,890 |
So which engineering has the highest salary in USA? Only 8 engineering job roles have made it to the list of rankings. Thus, students interested, can apply for appropriate US universities for Engineering courses and take up jobs thereafter. Since engineering courses are STEM courses in USA, graduates will get good opportunities to work there and get STEM OPT extension as well.
Check out: Average Salary of Engineers in USA
Top Paying Engineering Jobs in UK
UK is also home to some of the top ranked Engineering colleges and international students find good opportunities after graduation. Which engineering has highest salary in UK? The details are as follows:
| Top 8 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in UK |
Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural Engineering |
£85,200 |
| Electrical & Electronic Engineering |
£56,609 |
| Medical Engineering |
£47,612 |
| Integrated Engineering |
£46,944 |
| Mechanical Engineering |
£46,185 |
| Electrical Engineering |
£45,727 |
| Civil & Environmental Engineering |
£45,000 |
| Civil Engineering |
£38,331 |
Studying in UK across its popular universities for Engineering courses is also another popular option. There are various UK universities for Engineering which are popular and they are:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- The University of Manchester
- Imperial College, London
- The University of Edinburgh
Students after graduating with an Engineering degree from the UK can apply for a post study work visa in UK and extend it for two years too.
Top Paying Engineering Jobs in Canada
Studying in Canada for an Engineering degree is also an option if students wish to study abroad. There are over 70+ Engineering colleges in Canada that international students can consider for admission. The reason why students can pursue Engineering in Canada is because of the higher end salaries. Check out which engineering has highest salary in Canada:
| Top Paid Engineering Job Roles in Canada |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Manager |
CAD 160,000 |
| Civil Engineers |
CAD 156,300 |
| Pipeline Engineer |
CAD 150,000 |
| Cloud Architect |
CAD 147,474 |
| Software Engineer |
CAD 143,044 |
| Data Scientist |
CAD 134,960 |
| Mechanical Engineer |
CAD 120,000 |
| Electrical Engineer |
CAD 115,000 |
While the salaries of engineers in Canada may vary based on region, ideally, around this slab, salaries are offered. Thus, the scope for these jobs along with a good salary package is on the cards for those who get a job.
Top Paying Engineering Jobs in Australia
International students can also study in Australia and opt for Engineering courses there. Engineering courses in Australia are popular and all Engineering branches are available for admissions. Getting to the question - which engineering has highest salary in Australia? We have summarised some of the highest paid engineers in Australia which are as follows along with their annual compensation:
| Top 8 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in Australia |
Annual Salaries |
|---|---|
| Mining Engineer |
AUD 170,000 |
| Petroleum Engineer |
AUD 140,916 |
| Software Engineer |
AUD 178,212 |
| Structural Engineer |
AUD 170,800 |
| Electrical Engineer |
AUD 130,000 |
| Civil Engineer |
AUD 115,000 |
| Environmental Engineer |
AUD 152,800 |
| Materials Engineer |
AUD 148,204 |
| Aerospace Engineer |
AUD 139,400 |
Though the cost of studying in Australia is high, yet, there are a plethora of scholarships to study in Australia. International students can go for 48-hour part-time jobs in Australia to gain expertise. Also, they can go for a post study work visa in Australia which is extendable. Thus, since the workforce in Australia has come to a halt, international students can study Engineering in Australian colleges and get good salaries as well.
Top Paying Engineering Jobs in Germany
Germany is the hub of automobiles and technology, thus studying Engineering in Germany can be a very rewarding experience. Students who plan on studying and working in Germany after graduating with an Engineering degree can look at which engineering has highest salary:
| Top 8 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in Germany |
Annual Salaries |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer |
€60,000 |
| Industrial Engineer |
€60,000 |
| Marine Engineer |
€60,000 |
| Aerospace Engineer |
€58,915 |
| Software Engineer |
€57,795 |
| Electrical Engineer |
€54,303 |
| Mechanical Engineer |
€51,345 |
| Chemical Engineer |
€49,511 |
Germany is home to some of the leading MNCs which offer Engineers jobs, good salaries and positive growth opportunities. Some of the leading companies for Engineers in Germany include - Siemens, Bosch, BMW, Airbus, Bayer AG, ThyssenKrupp AG (Essen) and others. Thus, those who are interested in studying in Germany and for an Engineering course can find good opportunities post-graduation.
Check: Top 10 Engineering Courses Abroad for Indian Students
Which Engineering Branch has Highest Salary Abroad?
While choosing Engineering as the main subject, the students often get stuck between suitable engineering branches. But to cater to the question of which Engineering has highest salary in the world, we have summarised a list of popular engineering branches with their high salaries.
These engineering branches are popular because they open opportunities for top paid job roles for graduates. Following is a list of top 10 Engineering branches abroad, along with the average starting salary and highest paid job roles thereafter.
1. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineering is one of the popular branches of Engineering degree program. There is a lot of scope for Petroleum Engineering grads to get good jobs abroad if they graduate from top Petroleum Engineering colleges abroad. The following are different engineer salary and job details after graduating with a Petroleum Engineering degree.
Average Starting Salary: USD 78,900
Top Paid Job Roles after Petroleum Engineering:
- Production Engineer: USD 56,000 - USD 78,000
- Reservoir Engineer: USD 56,000 - USD 78,000
- Subsea Engineer: USD 75,000 - USD 110,000
- Petroleum Economist: USD 85,000 - USD 130,000
- Drilling Engineer: USD 90,000 - USD 153,000
2. Nuclear Engineering
While admissions are tough and only a few universities abroad offer Nuclear Engineering, having a degree in this branch is the highest paid. Students who pursue Nuclear Engineering can get an opportunity to work in and around Nuclear designs for space and aircraft. This is a top Engineering branch with positive prospects in terms of jobs and very well-paid salaries plus a high return on investment. Check out the top engineer salary for this field below:
Average Starting Salary: USD 70,000
Top Paid Job Roles after Nuclear Engineering:
- Reactor Operator: USD 70,000 - USD 100,000
- Radiation Safety Officer: USD 70,000 - USD 110,000
- Nuclear Policy Analyst: USD 75,000 - USD 120,000
- Nuclear Materials Engineer: USD 80,000 - USD 135,000
- Nuclear Research Engineer: USD 85,000 - USD 140,000
3. Aerospace Engineering
Categorised as one of the best engineering courses for the future, Aerospace Engineering has gained a lot of popularity lately. Since Aerospace Engineering colleges abroad charge a high fee for the course, the ROI is still on the higher side. Students can recover 30-40% of their fee once they get a high-paying job within a year of joining, thus good returns on investment. The scope of Aerospace Engineering for Indian students is vast at the global level.
Average Starting Salary: USD 85,000
Top Paid Job Roles after Aerospace Engineering:
- Spacecraft Systems Engineer: USD 84,500 - USD 174,500
- Propulsions Systems Engineer: USD 99,500 - USD 158,000
- Flight Test Engineer: USD 105,500 - USD 160,000
- Thermodynamics Engineer: USD 117,000 - USD 225,500
- Aircraft Design Engineer: USD 138,500 - USD 166,500
For more details,check out:
4. Chemical Engineering
One of the toughest fields but the best branch in Engineering is Chemical Engineering. This branch in Engineering is offered across all major universities abroad. Students after graduating from top Chemical Engineering colleges can bag good job roles across manufacturing units of big companies. The jobs after Chemical Engineering salary are very high abroad. Though the degree courses in Chemical Engineering abroad are expensive, but the returns are good and positive.
Average Starting Salary: USD 90,000
Top Paid Job Roles after Chemical Engineering:
- Polymer Engineer: USD 95,000 - USD 145,000
- Pharmaceutical Engineer: USD 98,000 - USD 148,000
- Process Development Engineer: USD 102,000 - USD 155,000
- Chemical Engineering Consultant: USD 105,000 - USD 160,000
- Refining Engineer: USD 110,000 - USD 170,000
5. Electrical Engineering
One of the leading and popular engineering branches is Electrical Engineering. Students who wish to study abroad for Electrical Engineering can opt for leading universities in all major countries. Some of the highest engineer salary for this field are as follows:
Average Starting Salary: USD 91,000
Top Paid Job Roles after Electrical Engineering:
- Hardware Design Engineer: USD 102,000 - USD 155,000
- Power Engineer: USD 98,000 - USD 148,000
- Controls Engineer: USD 95,000 - USD 145,000
- Embedded Systems Engineer: USD 92,000 - USD 140,000
- ASIC Design Engineer: USD 110,000 - USD 165,000
Check:
| 10 Best Colleges to Study Electrical Engineering Abroad | Top Colleges for Electrical Engineering Abroad |
| 5 Top Engineering Courses Abroad | List of Top Courses After Engineering Abroad |
6. Computer Hardware Engineering
Those who struggle with answers to the question - of which Engineering branch is best for future, should know that Computer Hardware Engineering is one of them. This branch of Engineering is the highest paid in USA and other leading countries. Students who have an interest in hardware can go for this branch in Engineering. Check out the job opportunities after degree completion along with high engineering salary below.
Average Starting Salary: USD 100,500
Top Paid Job Roles after Computer Hardware Engineering:
- FPGA Engineer: USD 102,000 - USD 150,000
- Logic Design Engineer: USD 105,000 - USD 155,000
- Embedded Systems Engineer: USD 110,000 - USD 160,000
- Computer Hardware Architect: USD 118,000 - USD 170,000
- ASIC Design Engineer: USD 125,000 - USD 180,000
7. Robotics Engineering
For students who are looking for a high paying job, a career in Robotics will be a perfect fit. This is one of the engineering branches which has a good scope in future. Considered as the best branch in Engineering for future, a career in Robotics can be a rewarding one. Check out the possible job options after Robotics Engineering abroad along with their salaries.
Average Starting Salary: USD 90,000
Top Paid Job Roles after Robotics Engineering:
- Robotics Design Engineer: USD 90,000 - USD 135,000
- Robotics Field Service Engineer: USD 95,000 - USD 140,000
- Robotics System Engineer: USD 100,000 - USD 150,000
- Robotics Software Engineer: USD 105,000 - USD 155,000
- Robotics Research Engineer: USD 110,000 - USD 160,000
8. Biomedical Engineering
Interested in medical field related Engineering, can go for this branch in Engineering. Biomedical Engineering abroad has a good scope in the medical field and job roles are very well paid. The following are the highly paying job roles after Biomedical Engineering.
Average Starting Salary: USD 85,500
Top Paid Job Roles after Biomedical Engineering:
- Regulatory Affairs Engineer: USD 85,000 - USD 125,000
- Biomedical Research Engineer: USD 88,000 - USD 130,000
- Clinical Engineer: USD 91,000 - USD 135,000
- Biomaterials Engineer: USD 95,000 - USD 145,000
- Biomedical Device Engineer: USD 98,000 - USD 150,000
9. Environmental Engineering
With growing concerns about the environment, thus, a need for Environmental Engineering is in high demand. The job roles after Environmental Engineering are limited, but the salaries offered are also high. Thus, those interested can look at the following job roles and salary slabs after Environmental Engineering from abroad.
Average Starting Salary: USD 70,000
Top Paid Job Roles after Environmental Engineering:
- Environmental Engineer: USD 70,000 - USD 100,000
- Sustainable Design Engineer: USD 85,000 - USD 130,000
- Environmental Lawyer: USD 88,000 - USD 135,000
- Remediation Engineer: USD 90,000 - USD 140,000
- Environmental Engineering Consultant: USD 105,000 - USD 160,000
10. Civil Engineering
Those interested in construction, design and related fields can go for Civil Engineering abroad. Civil Engineers are highly paid across all major countries. The starting salaries may be lower, but with experience, salaries can increase gradually. Check out engineering salary after choosing the field of Civil below:
Average Starting Salary: USD 70,000
Top Paid Job Roles after Civil Engineering:
- Transportation Engineer: USD 72,000 - USD 108,000
- Water Resources Engineer: USD 75,000 - USD 110,000
- Construction Manager: USD 78,000 - USD 118,000
- Geotechnical Engineer: USD 80,000 - USD 120,000
- Structural Engineer: USD 85,000 - USD 130,000
Check:
Which Engineering Branch is Best for Future?
In terms of high paying salaries, all the 10 branches in Engineering mentioned in the previous section are the best branches in Engineering. Which engineering branch is best for future is also dependent on the fact that what interests the students in currently popular Engineering branches. Plus, which engineering branch has good growth prospects and what is the most lucrative job opportunity after graduating with a popular engineering degree.
In some cases, a couple of countries have reported that there will be a shortage of skilled engineers in the upcoming years and that too at an alarming rate. As per the BCG report published on December 13, 2023, the following countries will face Engineer shortages:
- United States of America: 400,000 by 2030
- Japan: 700,000 by 2030
- Germany (already facing shortage): 320,000 since 2023
Since the demand for engineers is very high, the supply is down. So, those who go for Engineering courses abroad can expect high pay along with a good return on investment. Ultimately specialising in your field is key to getting a high-paying engineering job abroad.
Q: Is BSBI degree valid in Germany?
BSBI does not hold degree-awarding powers in Germany and its programmes are validated by private Italian distance learning institution UniNettuno International Telematic University. BSBI has also partnered with Concordia University Chicago to deliver programmes at its Berlin campus.
Q: Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate
Q: Why study at IU International University of Applied Sciences Germany?
IU International University of Applied Sciences courses are state accredited and recognized internationally. The university is known as Germany’s largest private state-accredited university. Students can learn a mix of online self-study and classroom learning (2-3 days per week) alongside their peers. IU University Germany is the 1st German university to be a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Hence, it is one of the best study abroad universities for international students.
Q: Is Torrens University good for international students?
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.
Q: Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: What is the cost of a student visa in Germany?
International students going to pursue higher education in Germany are required to apply for a German study visa. The cost of study visa for Germany is EUR 75 per applicant. Below we have provided a check list for German student visa:
- Valid passport
- Application form
- Declaration for additional contact and legal representation information
- Copy of passport
- Proof of admittance to the study course
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Financial Means
Which Engineering has Highest Salary Abroad FAQs
Q. Which engineering has highest salary?
A. There is no one particular engineering branch which has the highest salary. Each branch in engineering has a set of job roles which are highly paid. Students can choose their engineering branch based on their interest of study.
Q. Which engineering has the highest salary in India?
A. The following branches of engineering have the highest salary in India:
| Job Title |
Average Annual Salary (PayScale) |
|---|---|
| INR 12,24,639 |
|
| INR 11,69,110 |
|
| INR 11,53,835 |
|
| Cloud Architect |
INR 11,24,433 |
| INR 10,57,366 |
Q. Which engineering branch is best for future?
A. With new branches of engineering kicking in, AI or Artificial Intelligence is advancing and hence, is the best branch for the future. Secondly, Environmental Engineering is quite in and can prove to be the best engineering branch for future. Other engineering branches that are best for future are Robotics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Electrical Engineering. These three also have a high scope for advancement in future.
Q. Which foreign country is best for engineering job?
A. USA, UK, Australia, Germany, New Zealand and Canada are the only foreign countries best engineering jobs. The reasons are - the high salaries, skill shortage and good growth scope. These countries are also home to some of the best engineering colleges, thus, it is only likely that students can opt to study engineering abroad and work abroad too.
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