Top 10 Paying Careers in Architecture and Engineering

1. Petroleum Engineer

Salary: $127,970

Job

--> Description: Apply the principles of engineering to the problems of the extraction and production of oil and gas. Develop new tools crucial to the extraction of oil and gas. Oversee the operations of drilling, offering technical support when necessary. Because of their critical role for company growth and expansion within one of the largest industries on the planet, Petroleum Engineers are very highly paid, and Petroleum Engineering is the highest paid career within the fields of engineering and architecture.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s in Engineering. Many engineers seek advanced degrees such as a Master’s in Engineering. 

2. Architectural and Engineering Manager

--> Salary: $125,900

Job

--> Description: The main role is project management in the fields of Architecture and Engineering. This role requires specialized knowledge allowing them to guide research and development as well.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s in Engineering or Architecture, though many positions require an MBA or Master’s of Engineering Management (MEM). 

3. Nuclear Engineer

Salary: $101,500

Job Description: Nuclear engineers apply the principles and theory of nuclear science to the problems inherent in the process of harnessing nuclear energy. These engineers also devise methods for the safe disposal of nuclear waste materials.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s in Engineering. Master’s in Engineering for more advanced positions, and Ph.D. to teach. 

4. Aerospace Engineer

Salary: $99,000

Job Description: Aerospace Engineers design, construct and test aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They also conduct research into the materials used in the construction and design of aircraft and ways to improve testing equipment.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s in Engineering. Master’s in Engineering to stay current or diversify knowledge. Ph.D. for teaching positions.

5. Chemical Engineer

Salary: $94,590

Job Description: Chemical Engineer develop processes for the manufacture of chemicals and associated products. They also research and design equipment to be used in the testing, manufacture, and handling of chemical products.

Education: A Bachelor’s in Engineering for entry level positions. A Minor or Focus in Chemistry is helpful. Master’s in Chemistry or Engineering for advanced positions. Ph.D. for teaching. 

6. Electronics Engineer

Salary: $92,730

Job Description: Electronics Engineers design and develop electronic components and systems used in commercial, industrial, scientific or military capacities. They also design the circuits used in electronics.

Education: A Bachelor’s in Engineering is the standard for positions in this field. 

7. Marine Engineer and Naval Architect

Salary: $87,770

Job Description: Marine Engineer and Naval Architects design ships and all the machinery that runs them including power supplies and propulsion systems.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s in engineering. Advancement in the field is determined more by performance and work experience than attaining an advanced degree. (Click to Search Degrees in Engineering.)

8. Biomedical Engineer

Salary: $84,780

Job Description: Biomedical Engineers create biological and health systems and products including artificial organs, prostheses and health care delivery systems.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s in Engineering. Potential biomedical engineers should specialize in mechanical or electronics engineering and will need specialized biomedical training.

9. Environmental Engineers

Salary: $83,160

Job Description: Environmental Engineers develop ways to lessen the impact of technology and industry on the environment.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s in Engineering. A Minor or Focus in Environmental Studies is helpful. 

10. Civil Engineer

Salary: $82,280

Job Description: The jack of all trades in engineering, Civil Engineers oversee the construction of infrastructure such as roads, railroads, airports and other vital infrastructure as well as the construction and maintenance of buildings.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s in Engineering. MBA or MEM for advanced positions. Teaching will require a Ph.D.