Which is the Best Paying Engineering Job to Advance My Career?
The median annual wage for people working in computer and information technology occupations was $97,430 in May 2021, a figure at least two times higher than that for other roles in the US. This, combined with a projected 15 per cent increase in overall employment from 2021 to 2031, makes computer science and related occupations the most lucrative career options in the US and a majority of other countries. Wondering what is the highest-paying engineering job for you and how to get into it? Here’s a list to help you get started.
What are the Highest Paying Engineering Jobs?
1. Software Engineer
Software engineers research, design, and develop software that solves problems more efficiently.
The average base salary of a software engineer in the US is $93,954 per year.
2. Computer Engineer
They design, develop, assemble, and repair electronic circuits to maintain computerized systems. Computer engineers also work on installing software and analyzing plus upgrading IT systems. Though not the highest-paying engineering job, the average base salary of a computer engineer in the US is still higher than most other occupations at $78,960 per year.
3. Data Engineer
A data engineer builds, maintains, and operates databases and large-scale processing systems. They also work on creating data processes. While a data scientist works more on the strategic aspects of a data analytics project, a data engineer helps in the execution, storage, and processing of data. The average base salary of a data engineer in the US is $115,420 per year.
RELATED: What Does a Data Engineer Do and How Can You Become One?
4. Artificial Intelligence Engineer
An artificial intelligence (AI) engineer programs machines to think like humans. As a result, AI helps organizations increase efficiency, cut costs, increase profits, and arrive at more data-driven business decisions. The average base salary of an AI engineer in the US is $120,334 per year.
RELATED: How to Become an AI Engineer
5. Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning (ML) engineers work in the AI domain to create algorithms that allow machines to function without direct human assistance. These machines become capable of learning and making predictions. Therefore, ML engineers must have sufficient knowledge of data science, statistics, and software engineering. The average base salary of an ML Engineer in the US is $110,339 per year.
RELATED: How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer
6. DevOps Engineer
DevOps is a combination of software development and operations. These engineers make the software development cycle more efficient while maintaining the quality of the software delivered.
The average base salary of a DevOps Engineer in the US is $115,498 per year.
Related: How to Become a DevOps Engineer
7. Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer is responsible for designing, managing, and maintaining cloud infrastructure. Cloud engineers need to be well-versed in software development, coding languages, and designing web services in the cloud. The increasing reliance on cloud technology makes cloud engineering one of the highest-paying engineering jobs, with an average base salary of $122,075 per year in the US.
Any of these seven roles can be the answer to what is the highest-paying engineering job role. Choose wisely.
ALSO READ: Meeting the Demand for Government IT and Engineering Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Become a Software Engineer?
It is advisable to get a degree or verifiable credentials in software engineering. A basic qualification will help you look for entry-level positions or internships.
2. How Can I Become a DevOps Engineer?
Build a solid foundation in both software development and operations. You should also know at least one scripting language very well. Knowledge of configuration management tools and cloud infrastructure will benefit you in becoming a successful DevOps engineer. Earn educational credentials from reputed universities to improve your prospects.
3. How Can I Become an AI Engineer?
Get a Master’s degree or take up online AI courses from a reputed university. After you have acquired sufficient knowledge of the subject, you can apply for entry-level positions to gain experience.
4. How Can I Become a Machine Learning Engineer?
With a background in software engineering, start working in data science to gain experience working with machine learning or artificial intelligence. Then, pursue a master’s degree specializing in machine learning or take on online courses from reputed universities specializing in ML.
We hope we were able to answer the question of what is the highest paying engineering job for you. If you see yourself working in one of these highest-paying engineering jobs in the future, explore Emeritus courses provided by reputed universities to get started.
By Priya S
Write to us at content@emeritus.org
