introduction
Engineering has a promising and diverse future. Off late, more people from diverse cultural backgrounds have chosen the profession, and for good reason. It’s a career with lots of opportunities, including high paying jobs, and the ability to make a difference.
The demand for engineering professionals, including mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers and engineering managers, is expected to grow through 2025. This is good news for engineering professionals.
get the most of your salary as an engineer
There are a lot of things engineers should know when looking for a job. Salary is one of the top considerations. You’ll want to know how to maximize your earning potential. Not everyone likes to take a hardline approach to salary negotiation. But there are tips you can follow no matter how you feel about negotiating for higher pay.
location is a key consideration for engineer salaries
Knowing where to seek employment (if you can relocate) can help you get a higher-paying job. In the U.S., many top-paying engineering roles are found out west. States like Texas and California are known for offering some of the best salaries, particularly in the oil, gas, and tech industries. Engineers in these fields can easily make over $100,000 a year.
But you don’t have to limit yourself to Texas or California. High-paying engineering jobs can also be found in states like New York, Illinois, and Washington. These areas have a strong demand for software, civil, and electrical engineering. Picking your specialty with an eye toward fields that pay the most will increase your chance of eventually moving into high-paying senior roles.
engineering jobs that pay more than $100k
Many of these roles require experience and are classified as senior-level positions. However, it's possible to work your way up to this level. Meanwhile, let’s explore these high paying engineering jobs that offer an average salary of over $100,000 per year.
engineering manager
Engineering manager roles continues to rank among the top high paying engineering jobs in the U.S. for 2025. If you have expertise in engineering and a knack for leading a team, managing projects, and solving complex problems on a large scale, an engineering manager role could be perfect for you.
These professionals guide engineering teams through projects, balancing budgets, deadlines, and quality standards. Most companies seek a bachelor’s degree in engineering and several years of hands-on experience.
Some prefer managers with an MBA or a master’s degree in engineering management, but the real must-haves are strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate clearly.
This job can pay well, often between $125,000 and $170,000, and in certain industries like tech or pharmaceuticals, top salaries go even higher. The best opportunities are often in major cities in California and Texas, where engineering hubs thrive.
electrical engineer
Leadership and management roles aren't the only paths to earning a higher salary as an engineer. Specialization can make a big difference too. For example, electrical engineers typically earn between $82,000 and $125,000 annually, making it one of the high-paying engineering jobs in the U.S.
The highest-paying opportunities are often found in the energy sector, particularly in cities like Houston and Dallas, and in the manufacturing sector in places like Michigan and Ohio. California also offers competitive salaries for electrical engineers, particularly in the tech and infrastructure industries.
supply chain manager
Supply chain managers in manufacturing sectors often seek engineers with specialized skills for handling specific materials and processes. Candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and work experience in supply chain management.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, and project management or lean manufacturing certifications can enhance job prospects and earning potential.
These jobs typically pay an average of $91,000 to $125,000 annually, and those with five to ten years of experience can earn up to $140,000 or more. Many of the highest-paying positions are in states like Texas and California, which have robust construction and manufacturing industries.
petroleum engineer
Becoming a petroleum engineer might be a great fit for those who want to impact energy production directly. This role involves developing and refining methods to extract oil and gas from the ground safely and efficiently.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in petroleum, chemical, or mechanical engineering is needed. You’ll use data, technology, and a solid understanding of geosciences to design and manage drilling operations.
The job pays well—starting salaries often range from $105,000 to $153,000, with experienced professionals making upwards of $164,000. The highest-paying roles are based in Texas, especially in areas close to major oil fields.
controls engineer
If automation and innovation are your thing, a role as a controls engineer might be just what you’re looking for. Controls engineers develop systems that keep manufacturing, HVAC, and other automated processes running smoothly.
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a similar field is usually required, along with skills in programming, PLCs, and SCADA systems. The work is hands-on and constantly changing, which keeps things interesting.
Salaries tend to be in the $80,000 to $110,000 range, and in high-tech sectors like automotive or aerospace, they can go up to $117,000. You’ll find plenty of these high-paying engineering jobs in manufacturing hubs like Michigan and Ohio.
manufacturing engineer
Manufacturing engineers focus on improving production processes and process quality by designing testing methods that make better and faster products. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical engineering, plus familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, CAD software, and quality control.
This job can open doors in industries ranging from electronics to automotive, and as one of the high paying engineering jobs available today, salaries generally range from $80,000 to $102,000.
If you’re experienced, that can stretch to around $110,000 in high-demand areas. With their strong manufacturing sectors, states like Michigan and North Carolina are often the best places to find these roles.
electronics engineer
As an Electronics Engineer, you’ll design and test electronic components used in everything from phones to medical devices.
A degree in electrical or electronics engineering gets you in the door, and you’ll work with things like circuit design, microcontrollers, and signal processing. This is a field where problem-solving skills are key, and a creative approach can set you apart.
Starting salaries are solid, generally between $85,000 and $112,000, and with experience, you can make $130,000 or more. California and Texas, especially near tech hotspots, offer some of the best opportunities in this field.
industry needs for a diverse future
the engineering industry needs people from all backgrounds to engineer a diverse future
Engineering jobs, and all STEM jobs for that matter, play a key role in helping to shape the future. Today, there are more opportunities than ever for individuals from all backgrounds—women, Indigenous people, and people of color—to pursue careers in STEM. Recognize your own potential and strive to follow your dream career path.
To learn more about high-paying jobs in engineering in the U.S., keep in touch with Randstad USA. Subscribe to our social media by following Instagram and LinkedIn.
Speaking of social media, did you know you can accelerate your engineering career with social media? A strong professional profile, LinkedIn presence, and becoming an active voice on your blog and engineering communities online can go a long way to help you get noticed by recruiters.
Ready to research more? Check out these three articles to help you increase your earnings, no matter your profession.
benchmark your salary
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