Because of its importance in everyday life, engineering is a well-known profession in every industry. You may have selected this career because you know it can be rewarding and offer you personal growth. This field also provides opportunities for advancement that are not readily available in other industries. The best companies for engineers are known to offer competitive salaries and benefits.
If you’re still a student taking up civil engineering, systems engineering, infrastructure engineering, or mechanical engineering, you might already be wondering about the highest-paying engineering companies. This guide will detail these companies and what they pay their engineers to make good use of your degree in engineering.
What Is an Engineer?
An engineer is a professional who assesses, designs, builds, tests, inspects, and maintains a wide variety of systems and products. They also give helpful recommendations when it comes to processes and materials. Engineers are also usually the ones who are in charge of construction and manufacturing. They provide consulting services, conduct failure analyses, and even teach in universities and colleges.
If you become a successful engineer, there are certain areas you can specialize in. You can be an electrical engineer, automotive engineer, nuclear engineer, or aerospace engineer, or you can even work in the tech industry. When you work at GM and other employers, they will often require you to get a state certification as a professional engineer. If you are a certified professional, there are numerous engineering sectors you can choose from.
How to Get an Engineer Job
Getting an engineering job might be difficult for some, especially if it’s their first time joining the job market. There are various steps you can follow to help you increase your chances of getting hired by one of the most prestigious firms in North America. Some of these steps are listed below.
- Finish a degree. Most engineering jobs require you to finish a degree in engineering. So, before you begin your exciting journey into engineering, you have to first choose a school that offers an engineering course you want to focus on. There are many jobs for professionals with engineering degrees, so it is worthwhile dedicating time to acquire one.
- Get a certification or license. Getting a professional license can give you an advantage in this profession. Some employers prefer engineers who have a professional engineering license. This will not only increase your credibility but will also give you an edge during the hiring process and set you up for career progression.
- Prepare your resume. Knowing what to include in your resume can be tough for some, but this is an important factor when pursuing an engineering job. Your resume must reflect your strengths, successful projects, skills, and what you can offer a company. Pay attention to the job description and use a resume template if you want to ensure it looks professional.
- Write your cover letter. Cover letters are often overlooked. However, they can act as a great vehicle to showcase your skills and desire to be part of a company. A cover letter can also help you create a good impression on your employer.
- Widen your job reach. You can use different job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor to apply at well-known companies. You can only land a job if you are actively looking for one. So, make sure that your profile on these sites includes all the necessary information and your contact details are updated so employers can easily reach out to you.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Engineers Companies
| Company | Salary for Engineers |
|---|---|
| Apple | $134,699 |
| Cisco Systems Inc. | $115,088 |
| Goldman Sachs | $106,910 |
| BMW Group | $105,767 |
| National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) | $105,581 |
| Boeing | $102,332 |
| Lockheed Martin | $93,366 |
| Johnson & Johnson | $91,903 |
| Arup | $85,156 |
| Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. | $83,235 |
Apple
Apple is a multinational corporation that’s known for manufacturing consumer electronics, software, and personal computers. Part of its impressive annual revenue comes from popular products like the iPhone, Macbook, iPad, and Apple TV. Apple is one of the best-known technology companies in the business.
According to Statista, Apple currently has 154,000 employees, making it one of the most attractive employers. It hires web developers, data scientists, and core system architects, as well as experienced software engineers.
What Does Apple Pay Its Engineers?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of its engineers is $134,699 per year. This is higher than the average annual salary of engineers in the United States, which is $82,500.
Apple Reviews
Employee reviews on Glassdoor mention that it is a great experience working for Apple because you get to collaborate with amazing professionals and you’re able to create innovative products. Some employees also referred to the excellent pay and a host of benefits that were definitely a big plus. On the other hand, it was indicated that there is no work-life balance and the culture can be competitive.
Cisco Systems Inc.
This company was founded in 1984 and offers switching products, storage products, and fixed-configuration and modular switches. The company has enabled its clients to create Internet solutions that make networking possible while providing reachable information anytime, anywhere. The company offers jobs such as network systems engineer, business system analyst, and cloud security software developer.
What Does Cisco Systems Inc. Pay Its Engineers?
The annual salary of engineers in this company is $115,088, according to Glassdoor. This is greater than the average salary of engineers in the country, which is $82,500 per year.
Cisco Systems Inc. Reviews
According to Glassdoor employee reviews, this multinational company has a great working environment and a good work-life balance. However, some employees mentioned that there was no direction for a clear promotion and that the pay wasn’t great.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs provides investment management services, banking, security, and financial services to various corporations like financial institutions, tech companies, and the government. It had 40,500 employees as of 2020, according to Statista. Aside from engineers, the company also hires backend software developers, quantitative researchers, and content producers.
What Does Goldman Sachs Pay Its Engineers?
The company pays its engineers $106,910 as an annual salary, according to Glassdoor. This is greater than the annual average wage of engineers in the United States.
Goldman Sachs Reviews
Some employees on Glassdoor mentioned that you’d be learning a lot while working for the company. The firm also has a good working environment, and you’ll be surrounded by talented people. On the other hand, the downside of working for Goldman Sachs is that you might be asked to work long hours and use outdated tech.
BMW Group
BMW makes and sells luxury motorcycles and cars. It also manufactures convertible sports cars and sedans. The company currently has assembly facilities in 15 countries and is the leading manufacturer of premium motorcycles and automobiles. According to Statista, BMW has 120,700 employees, as of 2020.
Aside from engineers, the company is hiring senior analysts, corporate auditors, and receptionists. If you are passionate about the automotive industry or interested in a mechanical engineering career, this company might be a good option for you.
What Does BMW Group Pay Its Engineers?
BMW pays its engineers $105,767 per year. The annual average salary of engineers in the United States is $82,500, which means this company offers higher wages. Your level of education and experience will affect your starting wage.
BMW Group Reviews
There are mixed employee reviews about the BMW on Glassdoor. There are employees who said that the company offers an array of benefits, such as a healthy work-life balance and the opportunity for growth. On the other hand, some employees said that the company doesn’t provide enough resources when doing simple tasks. There are also staff and managers that are not supportive.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA is a government agency responsible for the advancement and discoveries in science and technology. The company was created in 1958 and has strived to improve people’s lives. According to its website, NASA currently has 17,000 employees. Besides engineering, there are job opportunities for cyber security specialists and administrative managers.
What Does the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Pay Its Engineers?
Nasa pays its engineers around $105,581 a year, according to Glassdoor. However, there are a wide range of engineering jobs available, and the average salary may vary. This is still considered high compared to the average salary of engineers in the United States.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Reviews
The advantage of working for NASA is that it has excellent benefits and employee resource groups, according to Glassdoor. However, employees state there’s no work-life balance and career growth opportunities.
Boeing
Boeing is a multinational corporation that makes and sells rotorcraft, fixed-wing aircraft, rockets, and satellites. The company is considered to be one of the leading global aircraft manufacturers. Its headquarters are in Chicago, and it had 142,000 employees in 2021, according to Statista. Other positions this company offers are business intelligence analyst, developer, and method process analyst.
What Does Boeing Pay Its Engineers?
The company pays its engineers $102,332 yearly. When compared to the annual average wage of engineers in the United States, this is a significant amount. Glassdoor also reports that employees receive an average cash bonus of $3,734.
Boeing Reviews
There are a lot of positive reviews on Glassdoor regarding this company. Some employees mentioned an array of benefits, such as flexible hours, dental, and health insurance. On the other hand, job security can be an issue as Boeing seems to hire many people, only to let them go.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global security company engaged in the manufacturing, integration, sustainment, and design of advanced technology products and systems. The company has four business segments and is well-known in the technology sector. These include electronic systems, information systems, global services, and space systems.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
What Does Lockheed Martin Pay Its Engineers?
Lockheed Martin pays its engineers an annual wage of $93,366, according to Glassdoor. This is above the average annual salary of engineers in the country. Employees may also receive an occasional cash bonus.
Lockheed Martin Reviews
Some employees indicated through Glassdoor reviews that they had a good experience working for the company, as it has excellent pay and a good working environment. In addition, employees are given a host of benefits like paid time off and opportunities for career development. On the other hand, there is some bureaucracy, and the production process can be boring and slow.
Johnson & Johnson
This company is known for its products in the healthcare field. It also engages in research and development to provide its consumers with over-the-counter and nutritional pharmaceutical products. It also has a baby care and a skincare franchise.
Moreover, it distributes medical devices to hospitals, retailers, and wholesalers. Right now, it has 134,000 employees, according to Statista. The firm offers other positions like accountant, finance analyst, and human resources leader.
What Does Johnson & Johnson Pay Its Engineers?
Johnson & Jonhson pays its engineers an average salary of $91,903 per year, which is higher than the average annual wage of engineers in the United States.
Johnson & Johnson Reviews
This firm has received some positive employee reviews, according to Glassdoor. Some employees say that there is strong leadership in the company. Johnson & Johnson also has reasonable training and benefits. However, there is a lot of overtime and strict deadlines. Some employees also say that they didn’t get paid for their overtime.
Arup
This company is an independent firm of engineers, designers, and technical specialists who offer professional services like design, planning, and consulting. The company is active in industries like engineering design and planning, and business consulting. Arup was founded in 1946. Apart from engineering positions, there are also vacancies for energy modelers and geospatial analysts.
What Does Arup Pay Its Engineers?
Arup pays its engineers $85,156 each year, which is higher than the average annual salary of engineering roles in the United States. Some employees additionally reported occasional cash bonuses of $6,000.
Arup Reviews
According to Glassdoor, employees had different experiences working for Arup. Some said that it has good benefits and friendly and approachable people. In addition, employees felt that there was room for career development. On the other hand, others mentioned that the salary wasn’t competitive enough, and there was a challenging work-life balance.
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
This company is a provider of professional, construction, and technical services to many industrial, governmental, and commercial clients around the world. The firm markets scientific research and testing, construction management, engineering, architecture, and maintenance services.
What Does Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. Pay Its Engineers?
The company pays a salary of $83,235 per year to its engineers. Based on the annual average wage of engineers in the United States, this is less impressive than some other companies on this list.
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. Reviews
There are several positive employee comments about Jacobs Engineering on Glassdoor. Many workers expressed their satisfaction regarding the salary and the excellent work culture. Moreover, employees felt that their talent and skills were respected. There’s also diversity and a flexible work schedule. Some employees felt like the company was bureaucratic and the busy schedule was stressful.
Why You Should Become an Engineer in 2023
You should become an engineer in 2023 because this profession has a lot of room for career development, and your role can make a significant impact in many industries. By working in this field, you can have access to talented and passionate people from whom you can learn a lot. In addition, you get to be part of improving products and services that the consumers need.
There are many different types of engineering jobs, so no matter where your interests lie, you are likely to find one where you can succeed. Whether you work at Deloitte or Apple, the engineering experience is rewarding. The field is known to come with impressive annual salaries, especially once you have the necessary education and relevant experience.
Best Companies for Engineers FAQ
The type of engineering career that is best for you will depend on your interests and skills. You can specialize in software engineering, systems engineering, security engineering, chemical engineering, or communication technology engineering.
Many engineers want to work for Google because it is a well-known company that offers strong benefits. It is also known to offer its employees competitive pay.
There are several famous engineering firms like Kimley-Horn, WSP USA, Terracon Consultants, Tetra Tech High-Performance Buildings Group, and Langan.
NASA employs different types of engineers like computer hardware engineers, mechanical engineers, aerospace engineers, and electronics engineers. Some may work in the Kennedy Space Center, while others work from other locations like universities and research facilities.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
