Highest-Paying Engineer Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of engineers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of engineers:

• System Design Engineer is the highest-paid type of engineer with an average salary of $107,704 and an average hourly rate of $51.78.

• The second highest-paying type of engineer is staff engineer, with an average salary of $107,530.

• The average engineer salary is $92,077 per year, and the average hourly pay is $44.27.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as an engineer, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of engineers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of engineers:

1. System Design Engineer

   Average Salary: $107,704

   A system design engineer is a professional who participates in system design engineering and resolves manufacturing and service problems. System design engineers are required to collaborate with the system design team to research emerging technologies and develop new capabilities. They create design layouts by utilizing the use of CAD software such as AutoCad as well as supervise a group of CAD technicians. System design engineers must also provide customer service in the field and deliver individualized problem solving and system design support

2. Staff Engineer

   Average Salary: $107,530

   Staff engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and inspecting various products, equipment, or structures. These professionals may perform varied duties depending on their specialization that includes overseeing the design and construction of buildings, bridges, sewer systems, and other infrastructure, estimating the financial costs of construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations. Other duties include designing and developing machinery, tools, and engines, solving design problems, and building the manufacturing equipment needed to create their products.

3. Tool Engineer

   Average Salary: $101,135

   A tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.

4. Research And Development Engineer

   Average Salary: $100,169

   Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.

5. Equipment Engineer

   Average Salary: $97,539

   The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one’s organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers’ preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company’s policies and regulations.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various engineer that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Engineers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for engineers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Engineer Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid engineer job?

   The highest-paid engineer job is a system design engineer. System Design Engineers earn an average salary of $107,704, which is $ 51.78 hourly.

   A system design engineer is a professional who participates in system design engineering and resolves manufacturing and service problems. System design engineers are required to collaborate with the system design team to research emerging technologies and develop new capabilities. They create design layouts by utilizing the use of CAD software such as AutoCad as well as supervise a group of CAD technicians. System design engineers must also provide customer service in the field and deliver individualized problem solving and system design support

2. What is a good salary for an engineer?

   A good salary for an engineer is $92,077 or more. The average engineer salary is $92,077, so those making at least $92,077 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average engineer salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as an engineer, the average entry level salary is $70,813, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $92,077 average, as this includes all engineers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Engineer jobs pay well?

   Yes, engineer jobs pay well. As in any industry, some engineer jobs pay better than others, but the average engineer salary of $92,077 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many engineer jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of engineers earning $136,450 a year on average.

   Engineers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as an engineer. Do your research on the going rate for an engineer in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do engineers get paid the most?

   Engineers get paid the most in New Hampshire. In New Hampshire, engineers earn an average annual salary of $97,046 and an average hourly wage of $46.66.

   Following NH, the states with the highest-paid engineers are Oregon, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, with average annual salaries of $94,286, $94,651, and $93,864 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid engineer salaries are:

   1. Huntsville, AL – $77,034

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.