Top 10 highest paid engineering careers of 2016

Engineering graduates have once again taken the lead when it comes to earning the top pay this year. According to the 46^th edition of Salaries Report by Michigan State University’s Employment Research Institute, data was collected from 4,700 employers from late August through September 2016. Year after year, we’ve seen engineering jobs claim the title of the best-paying careers, and, unsurprisingly, 2016 was no different. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include bonuses, commissions, or other incentives. So without further ado, here are the top 10 best engineering jobs when it comes to bringing home the bacon. 

1. Electrical engineering comes out on top with the highest starting salary of $62,428.
2. Computer engineering comes in second, averaging around $61,466 in annual salary.
3. Chemical engineering graduates earn an average salary of $61,125 per year.
4. Computer engineering takes the slot for fourth place with an annual salary of $61,092.
5. Mechanical engineering graduates earn an average annual salary of $59,610.
6. Computer programmers earn a $59,163 salary per year on average.
7. Information security systems engineers can rake in nearly $58,798 per year.
8. Computer science graduates bring home about $57,762 per year.
9. Civil engineering graduates earn $54,333 annually.
10. Construction engineers are the last of the lot, earning $49,577 per year.

Of course, this is encouraging information for engineering students, fresh graduates, and students aspiring to get into the engineering field. And, despite the market fluctuations due to the recent presidential elections, companies are on the look-out for fresh grads for the quickly approaching new year.

According to the Michigan State University’s Employment Research Institute survey, 48% of employers are looking to increase starting salaries. Although salary shouldn’t be the only method of selecting a career, it indeed is a factor that can affect the rest of your life.

With this information at hand, 2017 looks promising for engineers.