The engineering industry is a field that has high demand  jobs but also high salaries. College graduates trained in in-demand engineering fields can earn some of the highest salaries. While a bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum requirement, some positions require more experience and/or training.

From entry level to senior status, here are some of the highest paying engineering careers.

Aerospace Engineer, Level V

Median Salary: $119,431

Aerospace Engineers really need to know rocket science. They design, develop and test spaceships, missiles, and other aircrafts. A senior level aerospace engineer usually has years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or another engineering area. They also usually supervise others and spear-head major projects.

 

Engineering Manager

Median Salary: $115,176

What better way to be an engineering manager than having experience being in the field. Many organizations have created this position for engineers to become managers, so they understand the capabilities of engineers. The managers usually oversee multiple projects, while managing people, budgets, and other areas of the projects. Engineering Managers usually have around eight years of experience with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. They also have talents in business management and a solid understanding of engineering practices.

 

Materials Engineer, Level III

Median Salary: $86,773

Material Engineers are all about making things smarter and easier. They use their knowledge to create materials that need to be invented or improve materials that are already used. Many material engineers specialize in a particular area like ceramics or steel, and create new ways the material can be used. They usually need at least four years experience with at least a bachelor’s in engineering. Biomedical materials is becoming the most lucrative subspecialty in this field.

 

Petroleum Drilling Engineer, Level I

Median Salary: $76,835

While drilling can be a controversial subject, companies are always looking for ways to extract oil and gas from the earth. That’s where drilling engineers come in. Drilling Engineers use an array of technology to maximize petroleum at the lowest cost. A bachelor’s in petroleum engineerin is most desired, but other areas of qualified engineers may be considered.

 

Chemical Engineer, Level II

Median Salary: $74,570

Chemical Engineers are responsible for building better molecular materials. They will collaborate with many professionals from a wide variety of technical areas and try to create a better product out of less raw materials in a less expensive way. These engineering positions usually require a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, or something similar, and at least three years experience.

 

Nuclear Engineer, Level I

Median Salary: $64,682

Nuclear engineering is a complex, controversial industry with tremendous potential. Nuclear power and the jobs surrounding the industry are in a constant teeter because of politics and government policies. Nuclear engineers require at least a bachelor’s degree and some require more training, licensing or experience.