The manufacturing and engineering factors are experiencing significant transformations in 2025. These transformations are due to technological advancements, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability initiatives. 2025 is set to be an interesting year for the manufacturing and engineering industry, and this year is being defined by challenges and opportunities for growth.
It is important to note that the salaries that they receive are dependent on various factors like location, experience level, organization type, and so much more.
Highest-paying jobs in manufacturing and engineering in 2025.
Some of the highest-paying jobs in the manufacturing and engineering industry in 2025 include
- Petroleum engineer.
Petroleum engineers are engineers who are responsible for designing and developing methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. Their role is important in optimizing extraction processes to maximize efficiency and reduce the adverse impact on the environment.
To work as a petroleum engineer, expertise is required in geology, drilling techniques, and sustainable practices.
The average salary of a petroleum engineer ranges from $90,000 to $155,000.
- Automation engineer.
With industries and companies increasingly relying on automation with the new rise of technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs and waste, the need for automation engineers is on a steady increase.
An automation engineer is expected to be proficient in programming such as Python and Java, the use of automation software, robotics process automation (RPA), machine learning, and adaptability. problem-solving, and many others. An ideal candidate should have experience developing robotic systems and automating manufacturing processes.
The average salary range for automation engineers is $90,000 to $150,000.
- Manufacturing engineer.
It is only expected that as the manufacturers experience an activity uptick, the need for manufacturing engineers will be at an all-time high, as they are key to ensuring smooth operations. The manufacturing engineer has to leverage big data, artificial intelligence, and IoT to optimize processes.
They are known to design and implement successful manufacturing processes and provide solutions to improve efficiency. They also stay up to date on trends, new methods, and technologies.
A manufacturing engineer should be proficient in project management, CAD/CAM software, manufacturing tools like Six Sigma, Kaizen, and so on.
A manufacturing engineer earns an average salary that ranges from $70,000 to $125,000.
- Product engineer.
Product engineers are known to bring their technical and creative abilities to the table. They are responsible for designing products and collaborating with manufacturers to meet safety standards and regulations. Product engineers will have direct experience working in the product development cycle and are expected to be proficient in math, project design, project management, prototype testing, problem solving, creativity, and so on.
They earn an average salary that ranges between $80,000 to $120,000.
- Quality engineer.
They are armed with the task of developing and enforcing quality standards, and conducting regular inspections to ensure that there is a high rate of compliance. Their expertise is needed at every stage of production. An efficient quality engineer should have experience working with various departments and areas that need improvement and should be up to date with quality management tools and trends.
Quality engineers should be proficient in quality management tools, ISO standards, project management, PPAP knowledge, conducting inspections, reviewing blueprints, risk and data analysis, attention to detail, and others.
Amongst all the various roles in manufacturing and engineering, the most in-demand position in 2025 is an automation engineer. This is because industries are increasingly relying on automation to get work done and increase efficiency.
