Top 6 Highest Paying Engineering Disciplines in 2019

With the continuous advancement in technology the world is experiencing, now is an exciting time to pursue a career in engineering. Engineering remains to be one of the most in-demand and best-paid jobs today. If you’re looking for a job that’s increasingly lucrative, then this is the field for you.

Here’s a list of the highest-paid engineering disciplines in 2019 that you might be interested in pursuing in the future:

 

PETROLEUM ENGINEER 

Average salary: £97,580

Basic qualification: Degree in a relevant subject, like petroleum, mechanical or chemical engineering.

Engineers in the oil and gas sector ranked as the highest-paid engineers in 2019. Petroleum engineers require expertise on oil and gas, some of today’s most valuable and expensive resources. They assess, plan and manage the extraction of hydrocarbon deposits. Likewise, oil companies will turn to them when it comes to suitability of potential drilling sites. Typical employers of petroleum engineers can include both on and offshore oil companies.

 

AEROSPACE ENGINEER

Average salary: 83,440

Basic qualification: Degree in a relevant subject, such as aerospace, aeronautical, mechanical or automotive engineering

This is literally rocket science. Aerospace engineering is concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. Due to its complexity, this area of study is usually broken down into sub-disciplines such as propulsion, avionics, and aerodynamics. Roles may include aircraft and component design, manufacturing, simulating and maintenance. Typical employers of aerospace engineers can include aerospace and aero-engine companies, airline operators, the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence.

 

SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Average salary: £76,160

Basic qualification: Degree in computer science or computer engineering

Software engineers write, debug and test software that a computer needs to execute certain tasks like performing calculations and saving information. They create information systems by developing and designing software. A software engineer must have an excellent command of programming languages like Java, C++ and Python.

Typical employers of software engineers can include software development companies, financial services firms, telecommunications companies and banks.

 

CHEMICAL ENGINEER

Average salary£74,830

Basic qualification: Degree in a relevant subject such as chemical or biochemical engineering

Chemical engineers usually work for commercial businesses in the manufacturing, electronics, and oil and gas sectors. They are tasked with transforming raw chemicals to useable products like plastic-based synthetics. The commercial nature of this job requires not only knowledge in science and mathematics, but also knowledge in economics. Typical employers of chemical engineers can include chemical production and process companies, water treatment facilities, food manufacturers and oil refining and petrochemical companies.

 

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Average salary: £73,250

Basic qualification: Degree in a relevant subject such as electrical engineering

Electrical engineers apply the principles of electricity, electromagnetism and electronics to create electrical products. They also ensure products comply with safety standards and engineering codes by performing risk assessments. Typical employers of electrical engineers can include telecommunications, computing and utility companies.

Electrical engineers were included in the Migration Advisory Committee’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL) of 2019. This means that now is the perfect opportunity for electrical engineers to apply. If you are from Glasgow, visit our engineering recruitment page now to get yourself hired immediately.

 

CIVIL ENGINEER

Average salary: £63,570

Basic qualification: Degree in a relevant subject such as civil engineering

This is the oldest and one of the most popular disciplines in engineering. Civil engineers plan, design and oversee construction of buildings and infrastructure like railways, roads, harbours, bridges, power plants and water sewerage systems. Civil engineering is typically subdivided into various disciplines, including structural, construction, environmental, transportation and coastal engineering. Typical employers of civil engineers can include construction companies, government departments, rail companies and utility companies.

Just like electrical engineers, civil engineers were also included in the 2019 Shortage Occupation List. If you are one, there are many opportunities waiting for you.


If you’ve decided to pursue a career in engineering, then you are in luck. Engineering remains to be one of the highest-paid jobs in the world. And in an industrially and technologically advanced world, there will be an industry that will suit your interests.

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