So, you want to be in the engineering field. Engineers are responsible for much of infrastructure that our modern society is made up of. They conceive, design, build, supervise, operate, construct and maintain many different aspects of engineering projects. They build tunnels, dams, roads, bridges, water supply – the list is nearly endless. Here’s a look at 10 of the top highest paying engineering related careers in Canada:
1. Civil Engineering Technologist
Average Salary: $43,380 – $102,194
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $72,203
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: Civil engineering technologists support civil engineers in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, and buildings. Their responsibilities include preparing detailed drawings and specifications, implementing project designs, overseeing construction activities, and conducting field tests on materials and structures. Civil engineering technologists also assist in project planning by estimating costs and scheduling, and they ensure that projects adhere to legal standards and safety regulations. Their role often bridges the theoretical designs of engineers with the practical application in construction, making them integral to the successful completion of engineering projects.
2. Civil Engineering Technician
Average Salary: $43,380 – $102,194
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $72,203
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: Civil engineering technicians assist civil engineers in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water supply systems. They typically handle tasks such as preparing and reviewing blueprints, conducting site inspections, and collecting data for engineering analysis. Civil engineering technicians also help manage project logistics, coordinate with contractors, and ensure compliance with government regulations. They may use computer-aided design (CAD) software to draft plans and simulate how structures will perform. Their role is crucial in translating engineering designs into practical, workable plans.
3. Transportation Engineers
The construction of roads, the layout of cities and the makeup of public transportation takes a lot of though and effort. Transportation Engineers are the ones who design, plan and oversee transportation. They help keep the public safe and move people and goods efficiently from city to city. Without them, our world would look much different.
Average Salary: $62,568 – $135,355
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $90,724
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: Transportation engineers specialize in the planning, design, operation, and management of transportation systems. Their work focuses on improving the efficiency and safety of transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, rail systems, and airports. Responsibilities include analyzing traffic patterns, developing transportation models, designing roadway and infrastructure projects, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. They also collaborate with government agencies and other stakeholders to implement transportation projects and policies that accommodate public needs and promote sustainable mobility.
4. Structural Engineers
Structural Engineers plan, design and oversee the construction of structures like tunnels, bridges and buildings and often specialize in particular types of structures. If you are interested in buildings, bridges, pipelines or tunnels this may be the career path you’re looking for.
Average Salary: $62,568 – $135,355
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $90,724
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: Structural engineers are responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the construction of buildings and structures to ensure safety and durability. They analyze and calculate the strength, stability, and rigidity of both built and proposed structures, accounting for stresses and pressures from environmental conditions and human use. Their tasks include creating detailed drawings, specifying materials and construction methods, and providing technical advice during construction. Structural engineers work closely with architects and construction teams to ensure that every structure meets legal and safety standards and performs as intended throughout its use.
5. Project Management
When it comes to completing a civil engineering project, there’s a lot that goes into each phase. A project manager typically organizes, secures, and manages the resources needed to turn that project into a reality.
Average Salary: $62,568 – $137,128
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $93,247
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: Engineering project managers are responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of engineering projects from conception through completion. They oversee the planning, design, and construction processes to ensure projects meet quality, time, and budget specifications. Key responsibilities include defining project scope, setting timelines, managing resources, and coordinating efforts between various teams such as engineering, construction, and procurement. They also handle risk management, compliance with industry standards, and stakeholder communication. Engineering project managers play a crucial role in successfully delivering projects while addressing technical challenges and ensuring safety and functionality.
6. Engineering Inspectors and Regulatory Officers
When something needs to meet certain standards, someone needs to do the inspecting. That’s where Engineering Inspectors come in. They inspect vehicles, weighing meters, industrial instruments, processes and equipment to make sure they comply with government and industry regulations.
Average Salary: $58,396 – $160,424
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $87,595
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers play a critical role in ensuring that engineering projects comply with all applicable codes, standards, and regulations. They inspect various phases of public and private construction projects, including civil, electrical, and mechanical works, to ensure they are built to specification and adhere to safety, environmental, and zoning standards. Their responsibilities also include reviewing plans, issuing permits, and documenting inspections. These professionals often engage with contractors, engineers, and government agencies, providing guidance and enforcement to ensure public safety and project integrity.
7. Civil Engineer
If you want to hold a secure job that will serve you well for years to come, it can help to get a job with the government. There are many different types of engineers required for city works, roads, public transportation and other industries.
Average Salary: $57,228 – $183,532
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $110,224
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: A civil engineer plans, designs, develops and manages projects to construct or repair buildings, bridges, highways, and other structures.
8. Senior Civil Engineers
More than anything else, experience determines success. The more you’re doing something, the better you get at it. The better you get, the more people are willing to pay you. If you can a position as a senior civil engineer, you’ll have it made in the shade. Senior Civil Engineers typically work in the office, but can perform on-site inspections and other tasks when needed.
Average Salary: $87,595 – $184,493
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $125,136
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: Senior civil engineers lead the planning, design, and oversight of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, and water supply systems. They are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of a project—from initial feasibility and environmental impact studies to design and construction—are completed accurately, on time, and within budget. Their role involves managing teams of engineers and other professionals, coordinating with stakeholders, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Senior civil engineers also mentor junior engineers, provide expert advice, and make critical decisions that affect the overall success and sustainability of the projects they oversee.
9. Geotechnical Engineers
If you like puzzles and using data to get answers, Geotechnical Engineering is career you want. These engineers use investigative techniques and gather data to determine what’s going on in the ground below. It’s important to know what the soil and rock structures underneath a like when you dig a well, lay a foundation, examine ground water flow and other projects.
Average Salary: $58,417 – $189,143
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $103,925
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: Geotechnical engineers specialize in analyzing the behavior of earth materials and their interaction with man-made structures. They play a critical role in the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure projects by assessing soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to determine their suitability and stability. Their responsibilities include conducting site investigations, performing soil tests, designing foundations, and developing recommendations to mitigate risks like landslides or subsidence. Geotechnical engineers also contribute to environmental protection by advising on contamination issues and waste disposal. Their expertise ensures that structures are safe, durable, and built on solid ground.
10. Senior Architect
If you love designing buildings inside and out, be an Architect. These highly respected engineers are charged with the task of planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of buildings. Buildings today have hundreds of requirements for safety and structural integrity. As an architect, it’s your job to make these buildings safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Average Salary: $132,000 – $262,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $137,953
Education: A bachelor’s degree in architecture is required.
Job Description: Senior architects manage the design development, produce working drawings, and create construction documents for projects. They also set and monitor budgets and schedules, oversee the project delivery process, coordinate and lead teams, and convey the project’s scope and deliverables to clients.
No matter which career you choose, make sure it’s a career that makes you happy. You’re going to be in it for a long time, and the choices you make now will have an impact on the ‘you’ that you become in twenty years. Make the right choices for your future self and learn about our Building, Engineering and Technology programs to help you get on the path to your dream career. At Brighton, we specialize in drafting and engineering technician programs, and can help you take the first step towards your dream career. Contact us today at 604-430-5608 or fill out the form below for more info.
*Stats from WorkBC
