10 Highest Paying Countries for Mechanical Engineers

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Every year millions of engineering graduates are ready to start their professional careers, hoping to score the best salaries in the industry. Engineering is indeed one of the most popular streams and one of the best paying across industries. Among different disciplines engineering graduates pursue, mechanical engineering is definitely one with the brightest prospects, good pay scale and a good amount of stable demand. However, as we study pay scales in different countries for the same role in mechanical engineering, we notice that some countries clearly come across as the best countries for mechanical engineers to work with greater salaries and job satisfaction to offer as compared to others.

In the US alone, salaries can vary across different states. This has been well enunciated in our article on the 25 Best States for Mechanical Engineers. In the said article we see a good comparison of different states in the US, and how mechanical engineering salaries in the US, annual median wage of and job growth can vary even among those considered the best states for the mechanical engineers. While mechanical engineers find the employment in design, testing, manufacturing, and development of machines, at a later stage there are opportunities to work with the higher management and engage in business development, operations and quality control. The knowledge of latest software greatly increases the prospects in the industry.

Engineers are currently employed in a wide range of industries. Mechanical engineers are today employed in aeronautics, architecture and even computational technology. Top companies to work for include NASA, Google, and Apple. Check out the 10 Top Companies and Best Jobs for Industrial Engineers, for companies offering the best compensation in the related field.

To determine the top 10 countries for mechanical engineering jobs we have referred to Quora and blogs on engineering such as  Engineering&Leadership and caddownload.blogspot and compared salaries of each country on World Salaries, Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale. Countries with the highest demand for mechanical engineers include Germany and US, which are also one of the top paying countries in the world. While it is possible to earn an average salary of $84,190 with 5 years of experience in the industry in the US, salaries can go up to as high as $128,430 per annum. Trends also show a positive bent and mechanical engineering salaries in 2017 have increased by a whopping $25000 as compared to mechanical engineering salaries 2016 that stood at a $64,695 per annum. In Germany as well, compensation is quite high in comparison to other parts of the world at $56532 on an average per year but visibly lower than the top 3 highest paying countries on the list. Mechanical engineering salary in Dubai, Japan and other countries with high demand in the domain also do not compare with the highest salaries in the world, so clearly there are other factors like cost of living index, competition and salary levels in the said country that are at play in salary decisions. Graduates, therefore, need to weigh in all their options, relocation costs and opportunities while choosing a country to work in.

So, where do mechanical engineers make the most money? Here are the highest paying countries for mechanical engineers!

10. Spain

Average Median Salary – $41,188

Most engineers find employment in Spain’s booming electricity and energy sector. There’s a good scope for mechanical engineers in the field. Other great fields for mechanical engineers include aeronautics and automotive industry.

9. Belgium

Average Median Salary – $42,667

Mechanical engineers have broad opportunities in the Belgian job market. There are opportunities for employment in biotechnology, energy conservation, and aeronautics, in disciplines related to design, analysis, and manufacturing. Engineering jobs are also one of the most best-paid jobs in the country.

8. Netherlands

Average Median Salary – $45,121

We are continuing our list of highest paying countries for mechanical engineers with Netherlands, which is like Germany, known for its technology-driven economy and science. Hence, there is a great demand for engineers in general in the country (second highest in the world), and also for mechanical engineers specifically. The high focus on innovation and development of sustainable energy ensures the country attracts good talent with lucrative remunerations.

7. France

Average Median Salary – $47,511

Employment levels have seen a steady growth in France since 2010 and the current unemployment rate is at 10% which is below the EU average of 11%. Employment scenario is likely to see a further improvement in the coming years, creating better opportunities for mechanical engineers as well.

6. Canada

Average Median Salary – $50,435

Canada has acute demand for fresh engineers with most of its current workforce being around the average age of 55 and nearing retirement. To fill in the bottlenecks, the country employs huge amounts of international candidates who now account for almost 12% of licensed engineers in Canada. Hence, opportunities for mechanical engineers are burgeoning, That’s why this country is also one of the best countries to migrate for mechanical engineers. With numerous social benefits received by employees in the country, along with a high-range salary it is definitely one of the highest paying countries for mechanical engineers.

5. Sweden

Average Median Salary – $50,435

The 2008 Employment Crisis had been relatively milder in Sweden as opposed to other EU states, and the country has recovered well from it. The growth of employment is expected to take place in sectors related to construction and hence, it should have a positive effect on the employment of mechanical engineers in near future.

4. Germany

Average Median Salary – $56,532

Germany’s affinity towards high-technology engineering and science is no secret to the world. Currently, the country has the highest amount of employed engineering workers and a great demand for replacement in its existing workforce with around 21% employees being over 55. Hence, good salaries are a given. However, salaries can vary greatly according to locality and size of the company and in a small company, it is likely to go down to €38,000 from the average €44,000.

3. Australia

Average Median Salary – $81,068

As we move into our top 3 on the list of highest paying countries for mechanical engineers, we see a great jump in average salaries. Australian salaries for mechanical engineers hover around a lucrative $80,000 on an average with compensation scales being especially good in Sydney.

2. USA

Average Median Salary – $84,190

The median wage in the USA for mechanical engineers have experienced a recent jump and currently stand at $84,190. The job outlook seems positive and is expected to grow by a significant 9% in the coming decade.

1. Switzerland

Average Median Salary – $84,418

The high standard of living in Switzerland is met with high salaries in the country which ensures it is maybe the best country for mechanical engineers to work and live in. Salary levels in Zurich are at par with that of New York and in this case, it’s no wonder that is the number one on our list of 10 highest paying countries for mechanical engineers.