How to get rich as an engineer?

[Pup]

Cubicles, usually.

[Callum]

I have changed my degree to Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy as i think that, that is where the money will be!

[xxChrisxx]

I have changed my degree to Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy as i think that, that is where the money will be!

I love idealistic dreams.

Not really that much money in renewables, because it such an expensive industry they are all cheapskates who just don't want to pay for anything (including engineers). For the big money you want to go to offshore oil and gas or nuclear.

In the end the kind of products you will be working with will be almost identical anyway, so you can flit between the two when renewables want to pay decent money.

Offshore stuff pays well, but it's so bloody boring.

[Pup]

Seriously, for just a moment, here's the Pup's advice for the day: if you want a guaranteed top notch income, ditch engineering and go to med school.

Every profession in the world has superstars that make big bucks, but the vast, vast majority of professionals just earn a basic middle class income. The exceptions are doctors, who, at least here in the US, have starting salaries that would make the average engineer cry. Want to be a race engineer? Fine, my orthopedic surgeon owns two cars in the Rolex series - maybe he'll hire you. On the other end of the doc scale, I've got a friend who is a gp - nice girl, but I wouldn't trust her to fix an ingrown toenail. Yet she still pulls in $150k even though she refuses to take call, works in a low-income area clinic, and only works three days a week.

Shoot, not even 10am and I've already convinced myself to change professions.

[Callum]

I have changed my degree to Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy as i think that, that is where the money will be!

I love idealistic dreams.

Not really that much money in renewables, because it such an expensive industry they are all cheapskates who just don't want to pay for anything (including engineers). For the big money you want to go to offshore oil and gas or nuclear.

In the end the kind of products you will be working with will be almost identical anyway, so you can flit between the two when renewables want to pay decent money.

Offshore stuff pays well, but it's so bloody boring.

Damnit Does this mean that I can't personally save the worlds energy crisis too?

[Richard]

Every profession in the world has superstars that make big bucks, but the vast, vast majority of professionals just earn a basic middle class income.

Spot on, that's even true in F1. Many drivers still pay for their seat and hope to get enough personal sponsorship to cover the costs.