In the United States, engineers tend to earn quite a good amount of money, especially when compared to other jobs. You can secure engineering jobs in the US after you’ve obtained just a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field. While, most engineers may continue their education to earn a master’s or even doctoral degree.
However, people do not realize which type of engineers earn the most salary. This article will explore some of the highest-paying engineering jobs in the US. Civil engineers help with the smooth running of infrastructures as they are responsible for fixing and upgrading older roads, tunnels, and bridges.
Furthermore, Architects are in charge of planning and designing office buildings and houses. On the one hand, biomedical engineers design computer software, devices, and equipment needed in the healthcare sector. Our list of engineering jobs in the US is diverse and also highest-paying.
In this article, you will understand the best engineering jobs in the US that you can apply for, especially the highest-paying ones. As well as some bonus tips for landing an entry-level engineering job. Let’s get started!
Best Engineering Jobs in the US
Below, we have compiled some of the best and highest-paying engineering jobs in the US. Read on!
1. Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineering is an aspect of engineering that researches and creates solutions to biological and medical problems. Meanwhile, biomedical engineers work with curiosity, research, and engineering concepts to create medical equipment for the use of others. These engineers focus on the advancement of technology and medicine.
However, through curiosity and research over the years, biomedical engineers have developed new devices and equipment. For instance, some devices can test new drug therapies to help improve human health. Biomedical engineers in the US can earn an average salary of $97,400 per year.
2. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers are responsible for designing equipment used for the extraction of oil from reservoirs which are deep pockets of rock that contain oil and gas deposits. To achieve this, petroleum engineers spend plenty of time meeting and examining data on how to extract the oil safely and in the most economical ways possible. Also, they evaluate and do a lot of refining of systems to make them better.
However, an adequate amount of oil extracted by petroleum engineers in the US is from Texas. Petroleum engineers may work in the office or at the drilling and well sites. Furthermore, they frequently travel to observe well sites or to gather with other engineers, oilfield workers, as well as customers. In the US, a petroleum engineer can earn an average salary of $131,800 per year.
3. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineering is another aspect of engineering jobs in the US. They work to prevent, manage, or rectify any danger to the environment with the use of their engineering expertise. However, their job roles may focus on waste disposal, erosion, water, and air pollution.
A lot of people don’t really know what environmental engineers do, they often think they are just environmentalists. Meanwhile, it’s not just about Earth Day and environmental consciousness, it can be part of what they do. But, they are really keen on following the regulations, the required measures to meet those regulations, and how to do it. As an environmental engineer in the US, you can earn an average salary of $96,850 per year.
4. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are the genius behind the construction of bridges, tunnels, roads, dams, and water supply systems. This simply means that they create, build, oversee, and maintain our everyday infrastructures. However, civil engineers are responsible for the protection and restoration of the natural environment.
Meanwhile, the aspect of civil engineering is so broad that it has quite a spectacular impact on our daily lives. Some of the job roles of civil engineers may include analyzing test results for soil or building materials and supervising survey operations. As well as review likely costs and perform risk analysis for projects during public meetings. A civil engineer in the US can earn an average salary of $89,100 per year.
5. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers research, design, manage, create, and test various devices. Oftentimes, they have a natural curiosity about how things and equipment work. However, one great thing about mechanical engineers is their enthusiastic nature for solving problems, which is an important trait.
The only way you can bring a theoretical device into practical reality is through creativity. Furthermore, computers have made the work of mechanical engineers easy and faster too. These computing tools now permit complex analyses to be done in just seconds, which usually require days or weeks of hand calculations.
But to manufacture a fully refined product, mechanical engineers make use of grittier items, such as electric generators, industrial production equipment, and material-handling systems. However, being a genius in areas like calculus and trigonometry is an advantage in the case of more complex and analytical parts of the job. This job is an exciting one, thanks to innovations like 3D printing and the development of new engineering materials like carbon fiber composites.
Additionally, architecture, alternative energies, reproducing, and nanotechnology are all subdivisions of mechanical engineering. And will have openings for candidates with the right qualifications and experience. You may earn an average salary of $96,250 per year, working as a mechanical engineer in the US.
6. Environmental Engineering Technician
Environmental engineering technicians are technicians who carry out the designed plans by environmental engineers to reduce environmental pollution. Oftentimes, they work in laboratories where for instance, they may test water samples and record their observations. Also, their job might demand that they keep the lab stocked with supplies.
However, as an environmental engineering technician, you can also work in the field to collect air or water samples for pollution testing. These professionals work with other teams of technicians and engineers. As well as develop plans or design devices to clean up pollution.
Additionally, they inspect various facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. They can earn an average salary of $49,350 per year.
Tips for Landing an Entry-Level Engineering Job
1. Put together a career portfolio
The key to securing one of the highest-paying jobs in engineering is to sell yourself well. Oftentimes, engineering candidates don’t do enough to be exceptional to prospective employers because they hold back information about themselves at the beginning of the job search. This explains why you need to put together a career portfolio ahead of time.
However, one of the ideal ways to present yourself is by giving potential employers a hint about yourself before the interview begins. Building a career portfolio will help you tell a story about yourself through your strengths, education, resume, and experience. A career portfolio puts these items all into one place, giving the interviewer a detailed overview of who you are.
2. Learn the business
It’s advisable to read about your potential employer and the company before going for a job interview. In fact, you’ll want to do as much research as possible about the business so you fully understand its value statements. As well as what they do, and how their goals and skill set align with yours.
During your job search, there will be various engineering companies that you’ll apply to. Some will be publicly traded, which means you can read annual reports about their sales channels, customers, and costs. On the other hand, private engineering companies will need you to do a little research into the company’s competitors, markets, and customers.
3. Invest in yourself
The engineering sector is constantly changing on a daily and if you want to keep up, you must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations. Personal side projects or freelance assignments are ideal ways you can learn more about the industry. And also acquire experience outside of work.
Additionally, you can consider joining a professional network to make connections and participate in conferences where you can learn more about your engineering niche.
4. Craft a great resume
If you can’t get an entry-level engineering job, you should put more effort into your resume. However, when interviewing for job roles, recruitment managers will most likely see your resume and cover letter first before anything else. That’s why your resume should look as impressive as possible.
Candidates straight out of college may not have a lot of experience listed on their resumes. As you apply for jobs, craft your resume with relevant, quality skills you’ve gained through coursework, seminars, or internships.