This detailed salary guide gets into the 10 highest paying engineering jobs in France. It breaks down salary ranges by experience level and outlines the qualifications needed for each role. The guide helps both seasoned professionals and industry newcomers make smart career moves in France’s job market.
The engineering sector shows strong growth in France. Job projections indicate over 500,000 tech openings by 2024.
We analyzed hundreds of job posts for each job category to come up with the salary range, required skills and educational qualifications.
Highest Paying Engineering Jobs in France
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace is one of the high paying jobs in France and serves as the lifeblood of its economy, with substantial effects and international recognition. French aerospace engineers receive both prestige and competitive compensation since their industry ranks among the few that have achieved global leadership status.
Salary Range by Experience Level
Aerospace engineers in France receive varying compensation based on their experience and qualifications:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 33,357 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 38,774 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 71,600 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 85,700 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | 92,900 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 99,700 |
Aerospace engineers earn an average base salary of €40,247. Their compensation ranges from €31,000 to €77,000 based on expertise and position. Master’s degree holders earn almost twice as much as their counterparts with bachelor’s degrees.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Engineers need specific qualifications to excel in France’s competitive aerospace sector:
Educational Background:
- Engineering degree from prestigious institutions like ISAE-SUPAERO, IPSA, ESTACA, or EPF
- Bachelor’s degree at minimum, with a master’s degree preferred for advancement
- CTI-recognized engineering qualification
Essential Skills:
- Strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and aerospace engineering
- Systems engineering expertise for well-laid-out multi-disciplinary approaches
- Technical knowledge in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and avionics
- Project management capabilities for cross-functional leadership
Nuclear Engineer
France operates 58 nuclear reactors across 19 sites, making it the world’s largest nuclear infrastructure relative to its population. This resilient industry needs nuclear engineers who are crucial for reactor design, operation, and safety. Nuclear engineering is one of the best paying jobs in technology.
Salary Range by Experience Level
Nuclear engineers earn some of the highest salaries, even among high paying jobs in France. Experience plays a big role in compensation:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 57,800 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 78,100 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 111,700 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 134,700 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | 140,200 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 153,700 |
French nuclear engineers earn around 105,200 EUR yearly on average. Experienced professionals can make up to 163,500 EUR. Education level shapes earning potential – PhD holders can earn 146,900 EUR, while bachelor’s degree holders typically make 73,100 EUR.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
A successful career as a nuclear engineer in France requires:
Educational Background:
- Master’s degree or higher in nuclear engineering (adds 38,600 EUR to average salary compared to bachelor’s holders)
- CTI-accredited engineering qualification or equivalent foreign degree
- Specialized training from INSTN or Paris-Saclay university programs
Essential Skills:
- Nuclear reactor physics and PWR operation knowledge
- Radiation protection and nuclear safety protocol expertise
- Thermal-hydraulics and neutronics mastery
- Project management and cross-business skills
The nuclear sector stands as France’s third-largest industrial sector, employing 220,000 people across 2,500 companies. The industry needs 100,000 new professionals by 2033, making it one of the top engineering jobs in France.
Data Engineer
Data engineers are among the top engineering jobs in France. Companies in any discipline now recognize the value that effective data management brings to their operations.
Salary Range by Experience Level
Data engineering talent commands competitive compensation packages due to high market demand:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 50,000 – 60,000 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 60,000 – 75,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | 75,000+ |
French data engineers earn a base salary averaging €45,249. Senior professionals can earn up to €105,695. The industry projects an 8% salary increase by 2030.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Data engineering careers typically require specific qualifications and expertise:
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a data-related field
- Advanced knowledge of mathematics and statistics
- Most employers look for a Bac+5 qualification
Essential Technical Skills:
- Programming proficiency in Python, JavaScript, C++, and Scala
- Strong command of database systems (SQL, NoSQL)
- Hands-on experience with ETL tools and data storage solutions
- Expertise in big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka)
- Practical knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineering is one of the best payin jobs in France, leading technological advancement by combining mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence to create intelligent systems across industries.
Salary Range by Experience Level
French robotics engineers earn competitive salaries that grow with experience:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 58,406 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 40,700 – 60,000 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 54,100 – 80,000 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 63,500 – 85,000 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | 69,700 – 92,000 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 76,000 – 103,419[164] |
French robotics engineers earn around €80,475 yearly. Paris-based professionals make about 10% more at €88,412. These numbers should climb 8% by 2030, reaching €87,259 nationwide.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Educational Background:
- Every professional holds at least a bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree holders earn much more than those with bachelor’s degrees (€60,000 vs €44,500)
- Most graduates come from Electrical and Electronics Engineering programs
Essential Skills:
- Python expertise (“the language you can’t do without in robotics”)
- C, C++, and assembly language knowledge for hardware work
- Strong math, mechanics, and electronics foundation
- Ability to work in teams of 5-6 engineers
- Creative problem-solving skills to tackle complex systems
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable energy engineering is one of the ever-changing fields in France’s green economy. As one of the top engineering jobs in France, career opportunities keep expanding due to environmental commitments and innovation.
Salary Range by Experience Level
French renewable energy engineers receive competitive pay packages that grow with experience:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 40,659 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 32,900 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 46,200 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 55,300 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | 60,100 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 72,159 |
Renewable energy engineers earn around 58,125 EUR yearly. Their pay should rise by 8% by 2030 and reach 63,026 EUR.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Educational Background:
- You need at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical or environmental engineering
- Master’s degree holders earn much more (60,100 EUR vs 32,900 EUR for bachelor’s degree holders)
- You can opt for specialized programs like MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures
Essential Skills:
- Technical know-how in renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric)
- Understanding of energy storage solutions and grid integration
- Strong problem-solving skills to optimize energy efficiency
- Ability to manage renewable installation projects
- Good grasp of environmental policies and energy markets
Automotive Engineer
France’s automotive sector employs around 400,000 people. This makes automotive engineering one of the highest paying engineering jobs in France.
Salary Range by Experience Level
Automotive engineers in France earn competitive salaries that grow with professional advancement:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 51,438 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 60,000 – 70,000 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 70,000 – 80,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | 80,000 – 90,948 |
French automotive engineers in France earn about €74,548 per year with an hourly rate of €36. Education plays a crucial role in earning potential, and master’s degree holders make up 47% of the workforce. Salary projections show an 8% increase by 2030, reaching about €80,832.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Educational Background:
- Master’s degrees are preferred (47% of professionals have one)
- Bachelor’s degrees are the minimum requirement (35% of professionals)
- Special programs from ESTACA and ENSTA Bretagne
Technical Skills:
- Computer-aided design (CAD) expertise
- Systems integration and electrification knowledge
- Autonomous and connected vehicle technology understanding
- Materials science and manufacturing process knowledge
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers in France connect engineering with healthcare by creating breakthrough medical devices and technologies that boost patient care across France. When top engineering jobs in France are mentioned, Biomedical engineers can’t be kept aside.
Salary Range by Experience Level
Biomedical engineering provides excellent earning opportunities that grow steadily as professionals advance in their careers:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 23,600 – 25,400 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 32,200 – 33,200 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 43,500 – 43,800 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 50,100 – 55,700 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | 57,200 – 58,400 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 58,800 – 61,700 |
As one of the top engineering jobs in France, biomedical engineers earn about €64,774 per year or €31 per hour. Paris offers higher salaries at €69,893 yearly, ranging from €48,226 to €85,269. The compensation should grow by 8% in five years, reaching €75,785 by 2030.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Successful biomedical engineers in France usually have:
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s degree minimum (45% of professionals have this)
- Master’s degree boosts earning potential (€47,400-€49,700 vs. €32,900-€33,600 for bachelor’s degree holders)
- Doctorate qualification (7% of professionals have this)
Essential Technical Skills:
- Device development expertise
- MATLAB and Python programming skills
- Project management capabilities
- Simple coding skills (required for most positions)
- Knowledge of multiphysics and multiscale tissue modeling
Software Engineer
Software engineering plays a vital role in France’s growing tech ecosystem. Companies of all sizes need these professionals more than ever. The resilient job market rewards qualified candidates with excellent pay and varied opportunities. This puts software engineering among the high paying jobs in France.
Salary Range by Experience Level
Software engineers in France earn competitive pay that grows as they advance in their careers:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 39,598 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 42,180 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 55,200 |
| Expert | 80,200 |
Software engineers in France, specifically in the Greater Paris Area, earn an average of €61,019. This is a big deal as it means that top tech companies pay much more—Facebook guides the pack with total compensation reaching €191,101. This is why software engineering is among the high paying jobs in France.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Most software engineering roles need:
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s degree minimum in computer science or a related field
- A master’s degree (Bac+5) helps with career growth
- CTI-accredited engineering qualification
- Quick-start options include intensive 12-week bootcamps
Essential Skills:
- Strong command of programming languages (Java, Python, C++, JavaScript)
- Deep knowledge of data structures and algorithms
- Skills to tackle complex problems effectively
- Solid grasp of engineering principles and development methods
Telecommunications Engineer
Telecommunications networks serve as the foundation of France’s digital world. French companies need engineers who can design, implement, and maintain these essential systems.
Salary Range by Experience Level
Telecommunications engineers in France earn competitive salaries that grow with their career progression:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 22,400 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 35,300 |
| Mid career (5-10 years) | 43,100 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | 56,100 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | 58,400 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 63,200 |
Paris-based telecommunications engineers earn about €87,177 annually with an hourly rate of €42. Education substantially affects earning potential. Professionals with master’s degrees can earn €52,800 while bachelor’s degree holders typically earn €36,200.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Educational Background:
- 47% of professionals hold bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees lead to faster career growth and higher pay
- Top institutions like Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis offer specialized programs
- Programs include languages, general culture, and professional skills
Technical Skills:
- Deep knowledge of network infrastructure to set up and troubleshoot systems
- Programming skills in Python, C++, or Java
- Technical writing expertise for system specifications and network diagrams
- Cloud computing knowledge, including AWS, OpenStack, or Azure architecture
Structural Engineer
Structural engineers in France play a crucial role in France’s construction industry. They design buildings and infrastructure that can withstand environmental forces and meet strict regulatory requirements.
Salary Range by Experience Level
The structural engineering field rewards professionals with competitive salaries that grow with experience:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (1-4 years) | 38,302 |
| Mid-career (5-9 years) | 43,494 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | 45,316 – 55,000 |
| Senior/Expert | Up to 62,000 |
Structural engineers in France earn around €45,316 per year. Specialists can make up to €68,006. Even as one of the best paing jobs in France, the field looks promising with projected salary increases of 8% by 2030, reaching approximately €73,740.
Educational Requirements and Key Skills
Educational Background:
- Most professionals (58%) hold Master’s degrees
- A Bachelor’s degree serves as the minimum requirement (34% of professionals)
- Engineers must have CTI-accredited qualifications
- B1 level French and English skills are required
Essential Technical Skills:
- Strong foundation in advanced mathematics, including linear algebra, matrix calculus, and tensor calculus
- Deep understanding of solid mechanics and stress analysis
- Knowledge of finite element methods
- Skills to evaluate building safety through structural analysis
- Experience with modeling and drafting tools such as Tekla or Revit
Engineering Job Outlook in France (2025-2030)
Image Source: Global Opportunities
The French engineering sector shows promise of remarkable growth for high paying jobs in France. Projections indicate that 1 million new jobs will emerge between 2019 and 2030. Government investments and technological changes reshape the workforce landscape.
Growth Sectors for Engineering Professionals
French job market expects 115,000 new IT engineering positions by 2030, which means a 26% jump from 2019. The renewable energy sector follows this trend as job openings grew 22% from 2023 to 2024. This growth comes from:
- Green technology investments worth €23.66 billion by 2030 create opportunities in sustainable energy
- France 2030 initiative puts €54 billion into key sectors like energy, digital technology, health, and agriculture
The hydrogen industry alone will just need over 100,000 workers by 2030. Engineering and project management roles face the biggest shortages.
Comparison Table for the Highest Paying Engineering Jobs in France
|
Engineering Field |
Junior (0-4 years) |
Mid-Level (5-10 years) |
Senior (10-20 years) |
|
Aerospace Engineer |
€33,357 – €38,774 |
€71,600 – €85,700 |
€92,900 – €99,700 – |
|
Automotive Engineer |
€51,438 – €70,000 |
€70,000 – €80,000 |
€80,000 – €90,948 – |
|
Biomedical Engineer |
€23,600 – €33,200 |
€43,500 – €55,700 |
€57,200 – €61,700 – |
|
Data Engineer |
€40,000 – €50,000 |
€50,000 – €75,000 |
€75,000+ – |
|
Nuclear Engineer |
€57,800 – €78,100 |
€111,700 |
€134,700 – €140,200 |
|
Renewable Energy Engineer |
€32,900 – €40,659 |
€46,200 – €55,300 |
€60,100 – €72,159 – |
|
Robotics Engineer |
€40,700 – €60,000 |
€54,100 – €80,000 |
€63,500 – €92,000 |
|
Software Engineer |
€39,598 – €42,180 |
€55,200 |
– €80,200 |
|
Structural Engineer |
€38,302 – €43,494 |
€45,316 – €55,000 |
Up to €62,000 – |
|
Telecommunications Engineer |
€22,400 – €35,300 |
€43,100 – €56,100 |
€58,400 – €63,200 – |
Conclusion
France has become one of Europe’s top engineering hubs, which creates amazing career opportunities in engineering of all types. Amongst all the top paying engineering jobs in France, Nuclear engineering pays the most, and experienced professionals can earn up to 164,000 EUR every year. Data engineering and aerospace come next on the list with great salaries and room to grow.
Career growth opportunities exist well beyond Paris. Aerospace professionals flock to Toulouse, Lyon buzzes with automotive innovation, and Nantes has made its mark as a renewable energy center. These cities match the capital’s pay scales and give you a better lifestyle.
The French engineering sector will create 1 million new jobs from 2019 to 2030. Government programs and tech advances make this possible. The digital world reshapes skill requirements, and 77% of positions will need digital skills by 2025. France 2030’s €54 billion investment makes the future bright for engineering professionals.
FAQs
Q1. What are the highest paying engineering jobs in France for 2025? According to salary projections, nuclear engineers are expected to earn the highest salaries, with experienced professionals potentially making up to 164,000 EUR annually. Data engineers and aerospace engineers also rank among the top-paying engineering roles in France.
Q2. How important is a master’s degree for engineering salaries in France? A master’s degree can significantly impact earning potential across engineering disciplines in France. On average, engineers with master’s degrees earn 30-50% higher salaries compared to those with only bachelor’s degrees, making advanced education a valuable investment for career growth.
Q3. Are there good engineering job opportunities outside of Paris? Yes, there are expanding engineering opportunities beyond Paris where one can find High paying jobs in France. Cities like Toulouse (aerospace), Lyon (automotive), and Nantes (renewable energy) offer competitive salaries and potentially better quality of life compared to the capital. These regional centers are actively developing their engineering sectors.
Q4. What skills will be most in demand for top paying engineering jobs in France by 2025? By 2025, digital skills will be crucial for engineers across all disciplines, with 77% of jobs expected to require digital competencies. Expertise in areas like AI, data analysis, cybersecurity, and sustainability will be highly valued alongside traditional engineering knowledge.
Q5. How is the job market outlook for engineers in France between 2025-2030? High paying jobs in France look promising, with projections indicating the creation of approximately 1 million new jobs between 2019 and 2030. Government initiatives like France 2030, which allocates €54 billion to strategic sectors, are expected to drive significant growth in engineering opportunities across various fields.
