introduction
Engineering has a promising and diverse future. Of late, more people from diverse backgrounds have chosen the profession, and for good reason. It’s a career with lots of opportunities, including high paying jobs, and the ability to make a difference.
The demand for engineering professionals, including mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers as well as engineering managers, is projected to grow through 2025. This promising trend offers exciting opportunities for those in the engineering field.
get the most of your salary as an engineer
There are a lot of things engineers should know when looking for a job. Salary is one of the top considerations. You’ll want to know how to maximize your earning potential. Not everyone likes to take a hardline approach to salary negotiation. But there are tips you can follow no matter how you feel about negotiating for higher pay.
location is a key factor for engineers’ salary
Knowing where to seek employment (if you can relocate) can help you get a higher-paying job. In Canada, many top-paying engineering roles are found out west. Alberta, especially in cities like Calgary and Edmonton, is known for offering some of the best salaries, particularly in the oil, gas, and mining industries. Engineers in these fields can easily make over $100,000 a year.
But you don’t have to limit yourself to Alberta. High paying engineering jobs can also be found in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. These provinces have a strong demand for software, civil, and electrical engineering. Picking your specialty with an eye toward fields that pay the most will increase your chance of eventually moving into high-paying senior roles.
engineering jobs that pay more than $100k
Many of these roles require experience and are classified as senior-level positions. However, it's possible to work your way up to this level. While conducting research, here’s everything you need to know to find your first engineering job. Meanwhile, let’s explore these high paying engineering jobs that offer an average salary of over $100,000 per year.
mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineering continues to rank among the top high paying engineering jobs in Canada for 2025. A growing demand for mechanical engineers in sustainable energy projects presents new opportunities for high earners. Starting salaries for mechanical engineers typically range from $80,000 to $112,000 annually. With five to ten years of experience, salaries can increase to between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, particularly in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. As in previous years, the highest-paying positions are often found in the oil and gas sector, especially in Alberta.
electrical engineer
Leadership and management roles aren't the only paths to earning a higher salary as an engineer. Specialization can play a major role. For instance, electrical engineers typically average between $80,000 and $113,000 annually. The highest-paying roles are in the energy sector, especially in Calgary, and the manufacturing sector across Ontario. British Columbia offers competitive salaries for electrical engineers, especially in the technology and infrastructure sectors.
construction project manager
Construction project managers oversee the planning and development of residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. These professionals earn an average annual salary of $86,000 to $122,000, making it one of the high-paying engineering jobs. Construction project managers oversee budgets and schedules while addressing issues on construction sites. Usually, a college diploma in project management and experience supervising a construction site are required. Aspiring managers can pursue apprentice training or degrees in project management or related fields to get their foot in the door with this industry. Canada's thriving construction industry makes it a wise choice to explore this engineering field.
estimators
As a construction estimator, you can earn between $87,000 and $118,000 on average. An estimator evaluates the comprehensive plans for a construction project before it begins. They estimate the total cost based on market conditions, material costs, features, size, and environmental needs. Most estimators have a bachelor's degree in structural or civil engineering.
The Job Bank of Canada reports excellent prospects for construction estimators in Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. Working as a construction estimator in Canada allows you to earn a six-figure salary without an advanced degree.
project engineer
Project engineers are the project managers of the engineering world. They need to possess strong engineering skills to perform their work effectively. Additionally, they must bring organizational, leadership, and analytical skills to manage project processes and teams successfully.
To be hired as a project manager, relevant education and experience as an engineer in the sector related to the employer or job at hand is required. For example, chemical project engineers tend to be chemical engineers. This specialization background is valuable, as project engineers average between $90,000 to $123,000 per year. Those with five to 10 years of experience managing engineering projects can make an average of $120,000 to $160,000 annually.
civil engineer
Civil engineers are professionals who specialize in planning, building, and testing public works such as bridges, water and utility systems, roads, buildings, dams, tunnels, and more. As one of the high paying engineering jobs available today, their average annual salary ranges from $77,000 to $110,000.
To pursue a career in civil engineering, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in the field. Typically, a master's degree is required to advance into supervisory positions. There are many job opportunities available in Quebec as well as in Prince Edward Island, Yukon Territory, and Saskatchewan.
The Job Bank of Canada says that the outlook for the civil engineering profession is positive over the next few years. This makes it an excellent time to take action if you're considering entering this rewarding field.
plant manager
Plant managers oversee the people, equipment, and processes in manufacturing and industrial facilities. Many of these jobs require engineering experience, and people often work their way up to these roles by working as plant or manufacturing engineers.
In most Canadian markets, the average salary for qualified and experienced candidates can be between $124,00 and $171,000.
contracts manager
Engineering projects come with very specific contracts. They often require the contracts manager to understand the significance of all the numbers and engineering terminology. These positions are common throughout the industry and are typically filled by individuals with relevant engineering experience in a specific niche related to the employer.
Contract managers participate in the bidding, including overseas bidding, to secure contracts for their employers. They also typically oversee the process of executing that contract.
The highest pay for these positions is generally in the energy, oil and gas, or construction sectors. The average starting pay is around $117,000 annually, while individuals with five to ten years of experience can earn $150,000 or more annually.
supply chain manager
High paying engineering jobs in the manufacturing sector often require supply chain managers to seek engineers with specialized skills for handling specific materials and processes. Typically, candidates need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, along with work experience in supply chain management. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, and project management or lean manufacturing certifications can enhance job prospects and earning potential.
This high paying engineering job typically offers salaries ranging from $100,000 to $120,000 annually. Those with five to ten years of experience can earn up to $140,000 or more. Many of the highest-paying positions are located in Ontario, which boasts robust construction and manufacturing industries.
industry needs for a diverse future
the engineering industry needs people from all backgrounds to engineer a diverse future
Engineering jobs, and all STEM jobs for that matter, play a key role in helping to shape the future. Today, there are more opportunities than ever for individuals from all backgrounds—women, Indigenous people, and people of color—to pursue careers in STEM. Recognize your own potential and strive to follow your dream career path.
interested in what other positions have an earning potential over $100K?
Find out what these jobs are and the skills you need to land them.
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Speaking of social media, did you know you can accelerate your engineering career with social media? A strong professional profile, LinkedIn presence, and becoming an active voice on your blog and engineering communities online can go a long way to help you get noticed by recruiters.
Ready to research more? Check out these three articles to help you increase your earnings, no matter your profession.
benchmark your salary
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