Toughest Engineering Degrees for a High-Paying Career

Choosing the right engineering degree isn’t just about what sounds impressive; it’s about aligning your passion with future-proof skills and strong earning potential. With rapid advancements in technology, sustainability, and AI, certain engineering fields are now offering graduates high-impact roles and six-figure salaries straight out of university.

But with so many specialisations, ranging from software and machine learning to aerospace and energy, how do you know which one leads to the best paid engineering careers?

In this guide, we’ll explore the hardest engineering degrees that open doors to high-paying jobs, global opportunities, and long-term growth. If you're considering studying abroad to access top universities and global job markets, don’t hesitate to speak with trusted study abroad consultants. They can help you shortlist the best programs, prepare for applications, and secure scholarships.

Let’s dive into the most in-demand engineering branches, the skills they require, and the industries actively hiring top talent worldwide.

Remember: Branch difficulty often correlates with salary, but choosing based on passion and aptitude leads to long-term success.

Hardest Engineering Fields with Excellent Salary Potential

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineering

AI is everywhere, from powering self-driving cars to diagnosing diseases. It’s one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying engineering fields today.

Skills You'll Need: Python, TensorFlow, deep learning, data science

Top Employers and UK Salaries:

• DeepMind – ~£120,000
• Google UK – ~£115,000
• Meta AI – ~£110,000

Why It Matters: AI engineers build tech that transforms industries. If you're into smart systems and future tech, this is the field to watch.

2. Computer Engineering / Software Engineering

Still one of the hottest and most versatile fields out there, software engineering is behind everything from the apps on your phone to massive cloud systems and cybersecurity networks.

Whether you’re into building full-stack web apps, securing data, or diving into next-gen tech like quantum computing, this branch has something for everyone.

Skills You'll Need: Coding, system architecture, DevOps, cybersecurity

Top Employers and UK Salaries:

• Amazon – ~£105,000
• Palantir – ~£98,000
• Revolut – ~£95,000

Why It Matters: Software engineers keep the digital world running. It’s high-impact, high-paying, and packed with global opportunities.

3. Electrical and Electronics Engineering (E&E)

Electric vehicles, renewable energy, and smart devices are taking over, and that means Electrical and Electronics Engineering is booming like never before. If you love working with circuits, power systems, and tech that drives the future, this is your playground.

Skills You'll Need: Circuit design, electromagnetics, power & control systems

Top Employers and UK Salaries:

• Tesla UK – ~£80,000
• Siemens UK – ~£75,000
• National Grid – ~£70,000

Why It Matters: E&E engineers are building the backbone of sustainable energy and smart cities. If you want the best-paying engineer jobs that also truly power the future, this field’s got you covered.

4. Biomedical Engineering

Imagine combining the best of medicine and engineering to create devices that save lives, like advanced prosthetics, cutting-edge imaging systems, and revolutionary biotech tools. That’s what biomedical engineering is all about.

Skills You'll Need: Biomechanics, tissue engineering, bioinstrumentation

Top Employers and UK Salaries:

• NHS R&D – ~£60,000
• Medtronic – ~£70,000
• GE Healthcare – ~£72,000

Why It Matters: Biomedical engineers are on the frontline of healthcare innovation, designing tech that improves and saves lives every day. If you want the best salary engineering jobs with real-world impact and a human touch, this could be your perfect fit.

5. Petroleum and Energy Engineering

Even with the world going green, petroleum engineers are still cash kings in the energy sector. They’re the experts behind exploring and extracting oil and gas, skills that keep global energy flowing.

Skills You'll Need: Thermodynamics, drilling tech, fluid mechanics

Top Employers and UK Salaries:

• BP – ~£95,000
• Shell – ~£90,000
• Schlumberger – ~£88,000

Why It Matters: Petroleum engineers play a vital role in today’s energy supply, and with the industry shifting toward carbon-neutral solutions, they’re also part of the green energy transition.

6. Aerospace Engineering

Dreaming of rockets, jets, and exploring beyond our planet? Aerospace engineering is where that excitement meets cutting-edge science. With growing space missions and defence budgets, this field is as prestigious as it is challenging.

Skills You'll Need: Aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science

Top Employers and UK Salaries:

• Airbus UK – ~£82,000
• BAE Systems – ~£78,000
• Rolls-Royce Aerospace – ~£80,000

Why It Matters: Aerospace engineers are pushing the limits of air and space travel, defence tech, and satellite systems, literally expanding humanity’s horizons.

Honourable Mentions

• Civil Engineering – Easier conceptually, but still offers solid careers in infrastructure and green construction (~£55,000–£65,000 UK salary).
• Mechanical Engineering – Broadest branch with applications in automotive, robotics, HVAC, and manufacturing (~£65,000–£75,000).
• Environmental Engineering – Gaining importance due to climate challenges (~£60,000 average UK salary).