Did you know that engineers are among the highest paid professionals in the world? According to PayScale, a Senior Software Engineer in India is projected to earn upwards of 20 lacs per annum, based on the industry and years of experience. And with emerging technologies, the future of engineering is constantly evolving, with at least 12 million vacancies predicted for engineering jobs in the next 5 years.
Interesting right?
Join us as we explore the exciting world of engineering! Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to elevate your career or a student trying to figure out the best path for yourself in this field, this episode is your roadmap to success.
Hello and welcome to WiZR Voices, an insightful podcast for learners and career makers! I’m your host, Malavika Issar and this week we'll be deep diving into the different skills under engineering, job roles across industries, salary potential and skilling certifications required to become a successful engineer in India.
Is engineering the right career path for you? What is the career progression for an engineer in India? In this episode, we’ll be answering these burning questions and more! So, stay tuned!
To start things off, let’s understand what engineering is all about.
Engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and maintain structures, systems, machines, and processes. It plays a vital role in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and transportation.
Being an engineer, you can earn anywhere from ₹1.3 lakhs per annum to ₹90 lakhs per annum depending on the specialization and years of experience.
Under the umbrella of engineering there are several skills that one can specialize in such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Computer Science, Automobile, Aerospace, Agricultural, Biomedical, Marine and so on.
While it may seem like a lot, let’s do a thorough breakdown to figure out which specialization is best suited to you. We’ll also examine the job roles and salary potential of each of these skills.
First up is Civil Engineering. Civil engineers play a pivotal role in designing and constructing infrastructural projects. They contribute to the development and maintenance of buildings, bridges, roads, and dams, shaping the foundation of modern societies.
Entry-level Civil Engineering jobs roles can place you as a Structural Engineer, Construction Specialist, General Civil Engineer or a Water Resources Engineer. In these roles you may earn anywhere between ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum.
Mid-level or intermediate roles include, Urban Planner, Water Resources Manager, Lead-Transportation Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer and so on. The salaries for these roles range from ₹13 lakhs to ₹22 lakhs per annum.
When you advance to senior roles, you may take up the mantle as the Lead-Urban Planner, Head of Civil Engineering or Head of City Planning, earning upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum.
Next on the list is Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems and machinery. They are involved in industries ranging from manufacturing and energy to automotive and aerospace. Entry-level positions for Mechanical Engineers include roles such as Designing Engineer, Energy Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, or QA Associate, with salaries typically ranging from ₹5 lakhs to ₹9 lakhs per annum.
Transitioning to mid-level roles, engineers may find themselves working as Intermediate Project Managers, Quality Assurance Supervisors or Lead Engineers. Salaries for these positions are in the range of ₹10 lakhs to ₹18 lakhs per annum. As individuals progress in their careers, senior roles like Head of Engineering or Head of Mechanical Administration become viable options, earning upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum.
Moving forward to Electrical Engineering, professionals in this field are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems. Entry-level positions include roles such as Electrical Design Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer and Power Systems Engineer, with salaries ranging from ₹4 lakhs to ₹9 lakhs per annum. Progressing to mid-level positions, engineers may take on responsibilities as Project Managers, Embedded Systems Engineers, or Semiconductor Engineers, earning salaries between ₹10 lakhs to ₹19 lakhs per annum. Senior roles in Electrical Engineering, such as Head of Engineering, offer pay packages in the upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum.
In the field of Chemical Engineering, individuals contribute to the design and optimization of chemical processes. Entry-level roles encompass positions like Process Engineer, Research Engineer, Process Safety Engineer or Quality Assurance Engineer, with salaries ranging from ₹4 lakhs to ₹9 lakhs per annum. Advancing to mid-level positions, engineers may transition into roles such as Chemical Process Lead, Environmental Engineer, or Chemical Production Manager, with salaries between ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per annum. Senior roles like Head of Chemical Engineering or Director of Chemical Manufacturing, earning upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum.
Moving on to Computer Science Engineering, professionals in this field are instrumental in developing software, designing algorithms, and working on cutting-edge technologies. Entry-level positions include roles such as Software Engineer, Front-end, Back-end or Full Stack Developer, with salaries ranging from ₹6 lakhs to ₹14 lakhs per annum. As engineers progress to mid-level roles, they may assume positions such as DevOps Engineer, Security Engineer or Senior Developer, with salaries between ₹15 lakhs to ₹26 lakhs per annum. Senior roles like Lead Software Developer, Full Stack Developer or Cloud Solutions Architect provide compensation in the upwards of ₹40 lakhs per annum.
Let’s now move to the world of Automobile Engineering. Professionals in this field contribute to the design and development of vehicles, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. Entry-level positions may include roles such as Design and Manufacturing Engineer, Vehicle Testing Engineer, or QC Associate, with salaries ranging from ₹4.5 lakhs to ₹11 lakhs per annum. Transitioning to mid-level positions, engineers may take on responsibilities as Intermediate QC Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, or Lead Automation Engineer, earning salaries between ₹12 lakhs to ₹29 lakhs per annum. Senior roles in Automobile Engineering, such as Head of Automobile Engineering or Head of Automobile Quality Control, offer compensation in the upwards of ₹50 lakhs per annum.
Shifting our focus to Aerospace Engineering, individuals in this field are engaged in the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. Entry-level roles may involve positions like Aerospace Design Engineer, Systems Integration Engineer, or Flight Test Engineer, with salaries ranging from ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum. Progressing to mid-level positions, engineers may assume roles such as Project Manager, Lead Design and Systems Engineer, or Flight Test Supervisor, earning salaries between ₹13 lakhs to ₹24 lakhs per annum. Senior roles like Head of Engineering offer compensation in the upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum.
In the field of Agricultural Engineering, professionals contribute to the development of technologies and systems for sustainable agriculture. Entry-level positions may include roles such as Agricultural Engineer, Farm Equipment Specialist, or Irrigation Engineer, with salaries ranging from ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum. Moving to mid-level positions, engineers may assume responsibilities as Food Process Engineer, Lead Environmental Engineer, or Irrigation Planning Specialist, earning salaries between ₹13 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per annum. Senior roles like Head of Engineering or Head of Farm Engineering provide salaries in the upwards of ₹35 lakhs per annum.
Advancing to Biomedical Engineering, individuals in this field work at the intersection of engineering and healthcare, developing medical devices and technologies. Entry-level roles may encompass positions like Biomedical Design Engineer, Clinical Engineer, or Regulatory Affairs Specialist, with salaries ranging from ₹5 lakhs to ₹7.5 lakhs per annum. Progressing to mid-level positions, engineers may take on roles such as Biomed Research Lead, Biochemical Engineer, or Biomedical Consultant, earning salaries between ₹8 lakhs to ₹18 lakhs per annum. Senior roles like Head of Biomedical Engineering or Head of Research & Development offer compensation in the upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum.
Lastly, Marine Engineering. Professionals in this exciting field are involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of marine vessels and structures. Entry-level positions may include roles such as Naval Architect, Marine Design Engineer, Ship Surveyor, or Marine Mechanic, with salaries ranging from ₹7 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum. Transitioning to mid-level positions, engineers may take on responsibilities as Marine Superintendent, Marine Electrical Engineer, or Offshore Engineer, earning salaries between ₹13 lakhs to ₹24 lakhs per annum. Senior roles in Marine Engineering, such as Chief Marine, offer pay packages in the upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum.
Now that we have touched upon the job roles and salaries, let’s further look into the future of engineering in the job market today.
Did you know that engineering is the largest industrial sector contributing to at least 3.53% of India's GDP? And what’s also promising is that the sector is predicted to further expand nationwide with a growth rate of 7% by 2026.
Technological developments will also significantly shape the engineering landscape, driving increased profitability for companies through productivity and strategic utilization. The evolution of tools and techniques will bring substantial business transformation, aided by predictive capabilities.
Engineers' roles will evolve, with opportunities projected to shift from traditional jobs to data-driven, AI-powered roles.
While the future looks promising, want to know how to navigate the exciting world of engineering? Are you also looking for the right tools and skilling certifications to help you beat the competition? Then, here are a few educational routes to get things started!
Engineering offers several academic pathways, each with its own unique opportunities for growth. Let’s look at a few of them-
Having covered the different skills in engineering and the routes one can take to acquire them, let us now understand what the employability of an engineer in India looks like.
Narayan Murthy observes that engineering colleges in India are churning out only 25 % quality engineers and nearly 80-85 % of youngsters are not suitably trained for any job.
This is because of the prevalence of a major skill gap. Enhancing industry-academia collaboration through internships and practical training can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, engineers need to embrace continuous learning and upskill themselves to stay ahead of their peers. Beyond formal education, industry certifications and training programs play a crucial role in skill development and career advancement for engineers. Professional organizations and renowned industry bodies offer certification programs that validate expertise in specific technologies or methodologies. These certifications serve as valuable credentials, enhancing employability and credibility in the competitive world of engineering.
This is where WiZR can help you grow your career in engineering.
The flexible and accessible skilling options helps individuals enhance their skills, pursue specialized training, or even earn degrees, catering to diverse learning needs and preferences.
Aspiring engineers have a plethora of educational paths to choose from, each offering distinct advantages and opportunities for growth. Whether pursuing traditional degree programs, exploring diploma courses, or leveraging online learning platforms like WiZR, individuals can tailor their educational journey to align with their career aspirations and interests in the dynamic field of engineering.
The road ahead is full of possibilities for engineers. Continuous learning will ensure that you stay ahead of the curve. From emerging technologies to industry trends, engineers must remain vigilant to thrive in an ever-evolving field.
And with that, we’ve come to the end of another insightful episode of WiZR Voices!
This podcast is a production of WiZR. I’m your host, Malavika Issar. Shanika Jhunjhunwala is the executive producer. The content has been researched and written by Maurvee Sharma & Anuradha Kota. Audio has been managed by Manjula Gupta.
For more information on how you can grow your career with WiZR, visit wizr.in. Here, you can find, discover your ideal career or skill expertise level, compare and enroll in over 5000 skilling courses, get certified across 192 in-demand skills and avail no-cost EMI financing on course fee.
Thank you for listening, we’ll catch you in the next episode!
