Engineers' salaries vary widely depending on factors such as country, education level, experience, engineering discipline, industry sector, and location.
United States
- The median annual wage for engineers was about $91,420 as of May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Entry-level engineers typically earn around $69,000, while senior engineers can make over $130,000 annually
- Salaries differ by engineering discipline, with some of the highest-paying fields including:
- Petroleum Engineering: median around $135,690
- Computer Hardware Engineering: median about $138,080
- Nuclear Engineering: median about $125,460
- Chemical Engineering: median about $112,100
- Electrical Engineering: median about $109,010
- Mechanical Engineering: average near $99,500
- Engineering managers earn significantly more, with salaries around $165,370 annually
- The engineering field projects faster-than-average employment growth with many new openings yearly
Germany
- Entry-level engineering salaries range roughly from €36,300 to €53,750 annually depending on the degree type (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma) and institution
- Median salaries increase with experience, from about €53,000 for 1-2 years experience to over €85,000 for 16-20 years experience
- Salaries vary by sector, with chemical and pharmaceutical engineers earning around €73,225 and project managers up to €84,150 annually, while construction engineers earn less (~€52,340)
- Regional differences exist, with engineers in Stuttgart and Frankfurt earning the highest average salaries (~€70,000 to €75,000)
Summary
Engineering salaries are generally well above average compared to other professions, reflecting the technical skills and demand for engineers worldwide. Entry-level salaries start around $69,000 in the U.S. and €36,000-€53,000 in Germany, rising substantially with experience and specialization. Top fields and managerial roles command six-figure incomes in the U.S.
. This data provides a broad overview, but actual salaries depend on specific job roles, industries, and geographic locations.
