Can an engineer make over $200k? $300k?

Answer 1

Brett,
There are 3 ways of making more than 200k.

1. Make it past about the 3rd level of true management (as opposed to technical lead level). It takes major advancement - maybe VP level to make 300k, but it's probably possible. I don't know this to be true, I'm speculating based on lower salaries. By the way - this applies to really big companies with super deep pockets. It does not apply of course to somewhere like Dan and Bill's Architecture and Engineering of Terlingua, Texas.

2. Be a 'job shopper' in a high demand field such as stress engineering, and then get onto a program with virtually unlimited overtime. Work your kiester off at about 70 hours a week. You'll make about 60-70 an hour straight time, and time and a half for overtime. At 26 hours of overtime, paid at 1.5 straight time, you double your salary. Job shoppers are temps that are laid off first when the need is no longer there. They receive virtually no benefits, but their benefit is their pay.
You are NOT going to hit 300k doing it this way, but you may surpass 200. The problem is - nobody, no matter who they are, can sustain 70 hrs a week of work indefinitely. I know people that have done it for 2 or 3 years, but you'll need rest, and a life.

3. Go into a mechanical or civil field where it makes sense to get a PE license, then, form your own business. From there, the sky is the limit based on how well you manage it, and the area that you are in.

good luck
Kevin

Answer 2

It depends on what sort of engineer you are talking about. Electrical, structural, aerospace, audio, software, microwave, train engineers (just kidding :P ) etc... The list is endless, and If a company needs something that only you or a select few know how to do, then yeah, an engineer can make $200k+

Here is a link to the U.S. Dept of labor and statistics that will give you all the information regarding all facets of engineering that you ever wanted. Keep in mind that these numbers vary from the east coast to the west coast.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm

Answer 3

That relies upon on once you'd be making $200K-$300K. in case you earn that as we talk, you likely can purchase a astounding position in Brooklyn, Queens or perhaps ny. yet when it truly is 10 years from now, who knows? the fee of living would double or triple by using then and, if it quite is the case, the answer for your question is likely "no".

Answer 4

Yes - some design authority (Chief design engineers) make that money.

But the most likely path is to compliment engineering with management/ project management type skills and move into engineering management or even general management.

Of course consulting or self employment also works.

Answer 5

Sure, if you want to drive a locomotive.
Plumbers make $200-$300k too.