Brazilian engineers command impressive salaries today. Some engineering positions in the oil and gas sector offer up to R$ 60,000 per month.
The highest paying engineering jobs in Brazil span several thriving industries. This piece explores the most profitable engineering careers from São Paulo’s tech hub to the expanding oil fields.
We analysed hundreds of job posts for each job category to come up with the salary range, required skills and educational qualifications.
10 Highest Paying Engineering Jobs in Brazil
Petroleum Engineer
Brazilian petroleum engineers are among the highest paid engineers. These specialists earn exceptional pay packages because they play a crucial role in Brazil’s growing energy sector. They design and develop ways to extract oil and gas from the earth’s crust.
Salary Range and Compensation
Petroleum engineering is among the best paid engineering jobs in Brazil. The average petroleum engineer earns BRL 259,412 per year, which works out to BRL 125 per hour. They also get an average bonus of BRL 12,037.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | 65,940 |
| Early Career (2-5 years) | 84,040 |
| Mid-Career (5-10 years) | 116,420 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 143,200 |
| Late Career (15-20 years) | 152,300 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 161,600 |
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or something similar.
Must-have skills include:
- Strong analytical abilities to understand petroleum systems
- Mathematical proficiency for project cost analysis
- Problem-solving skills for high-pressure environments
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Technical expertise in drilling operations and reservoir simulation
Computer Engineering
Computer engineers are becoming the backbone of Brazil’s digital transformation faster than ever. They are among the highest paid engineers and combine expertise in hardware and software to create breakthroughs in multiple sectors. Their unique skillset makes them some of the most sought-after professionals and highest paid engineers in Brazil’s evolving job market.
Salary Range and Compensation
Computer engineers earn exceptional salaries in Brazil. The average professional makes BRL 216,198 yearly or BRL 104 hourly. They also receive an average bonus of BRL 9,642. Salaries start at BRL 148,744 for newcomers and reach BRL 263,978 for experienced professionals.
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (BRL) | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (0-1 year) | 19,136 – 28,995 | 229,632 – 347,940 |
| Mid-level (2-5 years) | 28,995 – 47,841 | 347,940 – 574,092 |
| Senior (5+ years) | 47,841+ | 574,092+ |
The average salary should reach BRL 240,367 by 2030, an 11% increase over five years. São Paulo’s tech hub offers even higher earnings, with some specialists making up to BRL 1.4 million annually.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Brazilian employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. Students spend 10 semesters at top schools like UFRGS and USP. The detailed training covers:
- Electronic engineering fundamentals
- Software development and architecture
- Digital signal processing
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Database management
- Artificial intelligence applications
- Robotics and automation
- cloud computing
Brazilian computer engineers stand out because of their versatility. They excel in both hardware and software domains. Their analytical abilities and problem-solving skills make them valuable assets in the job market.
Mining Engineer
Mining engineering is one of the best paid engineering jobs in Brazil. Mining Engineers design and manage extraction operations throughout the country’s resource-abundant regions. Their expertise helps balance economic growth and environmental protection.
Salary Range and Compensation
Brazilian mining engineers earn attractive salaries that match their expertise. A mining engineer’s average annual salary reaches BRL 170,067 or BRL 82 per hour. Experience shapes earnings substantially:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | 47,120 |
| Early Career (2-5 years) | 60,600 |
| Mid-Career (5-10 years) | 93,120 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 112,460 |
| Late Career (15-20 years) | 119,900 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 128,900 |
Salary projections show an 11% rise to BRL 189,078 by 2030. Most engineers earn between BRL 117,006 and BRL 207,652.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Brazil’s mining engineering education traces back to 1875. The Escola de Minas in Ouro Preto launched the first program. Engineers need a bachelor’s degree that takes five years to complete.
Essential technical skills include:
- Mineral prospection and extraction methodologies
- Economic evaluation of mining enterprises
- Worker health and safety risk assessment
- Environmental impact analysis
- Project management
Brazilian mining programs don’t deal very well with occupational safety and environmental engineering. This creates a gap between industry needs and available skills.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers drive Brazil’s industrial growth by turning raw materials into valuable products through scientific and engineering principles. They are one of the top paying engineering jobs and their work spans petrochemicals to pharmaceuticals and plays a crucial role in Brazil’s manufacturing sector.
Salary Range and Compensation
Brazilian chemical engineers receive attractive compensation packages that match their technical expertise. They earn an average of BRL 192,185 yearly or BRL 92 per hour. Salaries range from BRL 132,223 to BRL 234,657, with expected growth to BRL 213,668 by 2030.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | 48,300 |
| Early Career (2-5 years) | 66,100 |
| Mid-Career (5-10 years) | 97,300 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 119,700 |
| Late Career (15-20 years) | 128,900 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 142,300 |
Education substantially affects earning potential. Bachelor’s degree holders earn BRL 57,360 yearly, while master’s degree holders make about BRL 110,340. Brazil’s chemical industry creates annual net sales of BRL 658.19 billion from domestic production.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is a basic requirement in Brazil.
Core skills include:
- Process development and optimization
- Equipment design and construction
- Production oversight with safety and environmental considerations
- Quality management systems implementation
- New product development
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers shape Brazil’s manufacturing sector by turning abstract concepts into real products. Highest paying engineering jobs in Brazil combine state-of-the-art solutions with practical problem-solving skills that advance industrial development.
Salary Range and Compensation
Brazilian mechanical engineers receive attractive compensation packages. The average annual salary reaches BRL 701,470 in 2025. Experience plays a major role in determining earnings:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 280,868 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 619,257 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 873,000 |
| Senior (10+ years) | 1,594,730 |
Compensation packages come with bonuses between BRL 23,200 and BRL 289,950. Engineers can also earn profit-sharing benefits up to BRL 57,990.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Engineers need a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Core technical competencies include:
- Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics expertise
- Solid mechanics and material integrity knowledge
- Manufacturing processes understanding
- Robotics and automation proficiency
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers are the foundation of Brazil’s power infrastructure. These highest paid engineers design and maintain systems that deliver electricity to millions of homes and businesses. These specialists solve complex challenges where power generation, transmission, and emerging clean technologies intersect.
Salary Range and Compensation
Brazilian electrical engineers earn an average of BRL 517,526 yearly in 2025. Their pay varies a lot based on experience:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Compensation (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 512,846 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 353,982 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 650,000 – 800,000 |
| Senior (10+ years) | Up to 997,430 |
Annual bonuses can reach BRL 57,990. Total compensation ranges widely from BRL 11,600 to over BRL 1,072,820.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is a basic requirement.
Core skills include:
- Power systems design and management
- Circuit analysis and electronic controls
- Signal processing expertise
- Telecommunications infrastructure knowledge
- Automation and control systems
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers build Brazil’s future by designing water systems and transportation networks that shape cities and rural areas alike. Civil Engineering is one of the highest paying engineering jobs in Brazil, and its projects improve the lives of millions of Brazilians through better mobility, sanitation, and public spaces.
Salary Range and Compensation
Brazilian civil engineers earn about BRL 466,662 per year in 2025. The salary changes based on how long you’ve worked in the field:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 318,945 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 382,734 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 110,380 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 134,600 |
| Late Career (15-20 years) | 146,200 |
Your education level makes a big difference in what you can earn. Engineers with master’s degrees can make up to BRL 134,600 while those with bachelor’s degrees typically earn BRL 73,980.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering to start your career.
Key competencies include:
- Design and analysis of structures
- Urban planning and infrastructure integration
- Water and sewage treatment systems
- Transportation network development
- Soil mechanics and geological assessment
UFOP’s Urban Engineering program, the first of its kind in Brazil, teaches students how to connect different urban systems into working networks.
Aerospace Engineer
Brazilian aerospace engineers are among the highest paid engineers in Brazil, they lead the country’s technical workforce. They design and develop aircraft systems and challenge technological boundaries in a country that has become a major global aviation player over the last several years.
Salary Range and Compensation
The specialized expertise of Brazilian aerospace engineers earns them substantial salaries. São Paulo-based engineers earn between BRL 887,247 to BRL 1,101,810 annually. Rio de Janeiro follows a different pay scale:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | 80,340 |
| Early Career (2-5 years) | 107,820 |
| Mid-Career (5-10 years) | 159,100 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 191,600 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | 209,700 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 228,500 |
A master’s degree significantly boosts earning potential. Master’s degree holders average BRL 180,500 while bachelor’s degree holders earn BRL 92,500.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Students receive detailed training through a diverse curriculum with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. Essential competencies include:
- System development for aerospace vehicles, including propulsion and navigation
- Special materials evaluation for aircraft components
- Aerodynamics expertise and temperature control knowledge
- Design and testing capabilities for orbital platforms
Brazil’s premier aerospace institution, Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), offers 5-year undergraduate engineering courses along with masters and doctoral programs.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers in Brazil combine engineering principles with medical sciences to create solutions that boost healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes nationwide. Their mix of skills makes them valuable assets in Brazil’s growing healthcare sector.
Salary Range and Compensation
Biomedical engineers command competitive salaries, with professionals in São Paulo earning BRL 97,760 annually. Experience plays a crucial role in determining earnings:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 56,640 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 75,100 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 99,340 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 119,900 |
| Late career (15-20 years) | 130,400 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 138,200 |
Education level is a big deal as it means that professionals with master’s degrees earn BRL 113,780 on average compared to bachelor’s degree holders at BRL 80,060. Unfortunately, a gender gap persists where male biomedical engineers earn about 16% more than their female colleagues doing similar work.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
A bachelor’s degree remains the standard requirement, with programs lasting five years.
Key competencies include:
- Signal and image processing expertise
- Movement analysis and exercise physiology knowledge
- Biomedical instrumentation proficiency
- Ultrasound applications understanding
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers protect Brazil’s precious natural resources. They create solutions that balance economic growth with ecological preservation in a country that hosts the world’s greatest biodiversity. Their work includes environmentally responsible solutions while ensuring compliance with Brazil’s complex environmental regulations.
Salary Range and Compensation
Brazilian environmental engineers receive competitive salaries that reflect their specialized expertise. The average compensation reaches BRL 171,514 annually or BRL 82 hourly. Current salary ranges typically fall between BRL 118,859 and BRL 209,075.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (BRL) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 56,640 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 75,100 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 99,340 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 119,900 |
| Late career (15-20 years) | 130,400 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 138,200 |
Experts project the salary to reach BRL 190,687 by 2030, showing an 11% increase over five years.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Master’s degrees now represent the most common educational credential in Brazil. Research shows 49% of professionals hold master’s degrees, while 41% have bachelor’s degrees.
The core skills include:
- Construction and project management oversight
- Report analysis capabilities
- Proficiency with modeling software and MATLAB
- Understanding of agriculture, chemistry, and meteorology principles
Engineering Job Outlook in Brazil for 2025-2030
Brazil’s engineering sector shows promising growth potential toward 2030. The sector offers plenty of opportunities for qualified professionals who can adapt to the ever-changing market needs. Brazil’s top paying engineering jobs show promising growth at 4.6% CAGR. The engineering services market should reach USD 238.6 million by 2030. Infrastructure development will expand from USD 393.8 billion in 2025 to USD 570.09 billion by 2030. Engineers can expect an 11% salary boost across all fields. Technology integration leads the revenue share at 21.85%, making the top paying engineering jobs even more promising.
Engineering Jobs in Brazil – 2025 Comparison
|
Engineering Field |
Entry Level Salary (BRL/year) |
Senior Level Salary (BRL/year) |
Required Education |
Key Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
65,940 |
161,600 |
Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering |
Mineral extraction, safety assessment, and environmental analysis |
|
Computer Engineer |
229,632 |
574,092+ |
Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering |
Software development, AI, cloud computing, database management |
|
Mining Engineer |
47,120 |
128,900 |
Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering |
Process optimization, quality management, and production oversight |
|
Chemical Engineer |
48,300 |
142,300 |
Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering |
Thermodynamics, robotics, and manufacturing processes |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
280,868 |
1,594,730 |
Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering |
Medical instrumentation, signal processing, and biomechanics |
|
Electrical Engineer |
512,846 |
997,430 |
Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering |
Power systems, circuit analysis, automation |
|
Civil Engineer |
318,945 |
146,200 |
Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering |
Structural design, urban planning, transportation networks |
|
Aerospace Engineer |
80,340 |
228,500 |
Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering |
Aerodynamics, propulsion systems, navigation |
|
Biomedical Engineer |
56,640 |
138,200 |
Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering |
Environmental assessment, conservation, and regulatory compliance |
|
Environmental Engineer |
56,640 |
138,200 |
Master’s preferred |
Environmental assessment, conservation, regulatory compliance |
Conclusion
Brazil’s engineering sector looks set to grow by a lot through 2030, with great career paths in many disciplines. Petroleum engineers earn the highest starting pay at BRL 65,940, and mechanical engineers can reach BRL 1,594,730 at senior levels.
Technology brings in the biggest share of revenue at 21.85%, which creates plenty of jobs for computer engineers. Highest paid engineers do software development jobs are especially rewarding with pay ranging from BRL 614,989 to BRL 1,430,439. Infrastructure projects worth USD 393.8 billion also create jobs for civil and environmental engineers.
Brazil rewards engineers who know their stuff and can adapt quickly. You need to keep learning, specialize in high-demand areas, and adopt new technology. Highest paid engineers who combine solid technical skills with fresh ideas will land leadership roles in Brazil’s changing industrial landscape.
FAQs
Q1. What are the highest paying engineering fields in Brazil for 2025? According to projections, petroleum engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering are among the top paying enginering jobs. Petroleum engineers can earn up to BRL 161,600 annually at senior levels, while mechanical engineers have the potential to reach BRL 1,594,730 at the peak of their careers.
Q2. How much can entry-level engineers expect to earn in Brazil? Entry-level salaries vary by field for top paying engineering jobs. Computer engineers start around BRL 229,632 annually, while civil engineers begin at BRL 318,945. Petroleum engineers enter the workforce at about BRL 65,940 per year.
Q3. What educational requirements are typical for top paying engineering jobs in Brazil? A bachelor’s degree in the relevant engineering discipline is the standard requirement for most fields. However, some specializations like environmental engineering increasingly prefer candidates with master’s degrees for advanced positions.
Q4. Which regions offer the best paid engineering jobs in Brazil? The Southeast region, particularly São Paulo, offers top paying engineering jobs due to its concentration of industries and educational institutions. However, engineers willing to work in less developed regions may find accelerated career advancement prospects.
Q5. What is the job outlook for highest paid engineers in Brazil through 2030? The engineering job market in Brazil is projected to grow steadily, with a 4.6% CAGR expected for engineering services. The overall infrastructure market is forecast to reach USD 570.09 billion by 2030, creating numerous opportunities across various engineering disciplines.
