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Top Earning Engineers, Career Alignment, and the Power of Introverts

Also: Book recommendation, hot jobs, and more

Which engineers make the most dough?

Yes, we all want to make some good money in our careers.

So we’ve got a list below just for you to see which engineers are really making bank.

However, we balance that with a number of questions to consider whether your career aligns with your life goals and priorities.

Making money isn’t the only thing we want to consider when choosing and growing a career.

Oh, and we share a book that’s a real feather in your cap if you’re an introvert.

A fun one today!

In today’s newsletter:

  • The top-paying engineering professions

  • How to align your career and life

  • Introverts are awesome

  • Hot jobs

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MUST-READ

Which Engineers Get Paid the Most?

Okay, let’s face it.

A lot of engineers get into the profession because it’s stable and pays well, right?

So… which engineers get paid the most?

I’ll share a list below.

But let’s just say… just because you get paid the most, doesn’t mean you are the best.

There is no best type of engineer - just the type that is right for you! We need all of them!

Okay, onto the list, in order of lower salaries to highest salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Agricultural Engineers: $88,750

  • Civil Engineers: $95,890

  • Industrial Engineers: $99,380

  • Mechanical Engineers: $99,510

  • Environmental Engineers: $100,090

  • Marine Engineers: $100,270

  • Mining and Geological Engineers: $100,640

  • Bioengineers/Biomedical Engineers: $100,730

  • Health and Safety Engineers: $103,690

  • Materials Engineers: $104,100

  • Electrical Engineers: $109,010

  • Chemical Engineers: $112,100

  • Nuclear Engineers: $125,460

  • Aerospace Engineers: $130,720

  • Petroleum Engineers: $135,690

  • Computer Hardware Engineers: $138,080

Now, I recognize that this list doesn’t cover every type of engineering job, and it doesn’t take location and other factors into account. 

But it gets you thinking - why is there such a big difference? Is there a way you can leverage this information in your career?

CAREER TIPS

13 Questions to Help You Align Your Career and Life

In our journey through our life and career, it's common to feel a sense of directionlessness, like we're drifting without a clear purpose. This lack of clarity can lead to reactive and opportunistic decisions, rather than intentional and proactive ones. However, there's a way to break free from this aimless state, and it starts with gaining clarity about what truly matters to us. 

We'll explore a series of questions that can help you uncover your deepest priorities, align your goals, and pave the path to becoming the person you aspire to be.

I get it - feeling rudderless can be frustrating, especially when it seems like our actions lack purpose or direction. In such moments, it's vital to remind ourselves that setbacks and challenges are an inevitable part of the human experience. 

But how can we transform this frustration into a positive force for change? The key lies in gratitude and recognizing the progress we've made instead of only focusing on what we haven’t accomplished yet.

When we constantly focus on what we lack, it's akin to living with a scarcity mentality. However, shifting our perspective towards gratitude can reveal the significant progress we've already achieved. To facilitate this transformation, let's delve into a series of questions that will help you gain the clarity you need to set meaningful goals and embark on your journey with intention.

  1. Family and Relationships: What kind of family do you want to have? What does family mean to you? Consider the role of a spouse, children, and your chosen community in this vision.

  2. Location and Environment: Where would you like to live? Describe your ideal living environment, whether it's in a bustling city or a tranquil rural area.

  3. Transportation: What kind of car do you want to drive (if any)? Is there a specific type of car you aspire to drive or an alternative mode of transportation that resonates with you?

  4. Skill Acquisition: What skills, languages, or abilities do you want to learn? Identify areas where you'd like to invest your time and effort for personal growth.

  5. Experiences: What types of experiences do you wish to have? This could encompass travel, networking, or any opportunities that broaden your horizons.

  6. Financial Aspirations: How much money do you want to make? Look beyond the number and consider what financial stability and resources mean to you.

  7. Service and Contribution: In what ways do you want to help others? Reflect on how you can make a positive impact on people's lives.

  8. Philanthropy: Are there specific causes or charities you want to contribute to? Define how you'd like to leave a mark on the world through charitable work.

  9. Spirituality: Describe your ideal spiritual life and your relationship with a higher power or greater purpose.

  10. Health and Wellness: What is your ideal level of health? Include specific health-related achievements or goals.

  11. Hobbies and Personal Enjoyment: Are there hobbies or leisure activities you want to make more time for? Consider how these pursuits contribute to your happiness.

  12. Community Involvement: How do you want to contribute to your community? Think about the role you'd like to play in civic and social issues.

  13. Legacy and Reputation: How do you want others to describe you as a person? Envision the qualities and values you wish to be known for.

By answering these questions and gaining clarity on your true priorities, you're not just setting goals; you're defining the person you want to become. Armed with this newfound understanding, you can chart a deliberate path forward, making choices and taking actions that align with your deepest values and aspirations. Your journey becomes more intentional, and your life and career gain greater meaning and satisfaction. 

So, embrace the power of clarity and embark on the transformative journey toward the life you truly desire.

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📚 BOOK RECOMMENDATION

If you’re an introvert, have you ever felt bad about it and perhaps wishing you were more extroverted?

In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture.

She also introduces us to successful introverts—from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions.

Passionately argued, impeccably researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how you see yourself.

This is a book for all introverts and all those who know them (which means all of us).

Written by

Jeff Perry

Leadership and Career Expert for Engineers

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