Engineers in Iraq can earn exceptional salaries, with top positions paying up to IQD 278,375,527 per year. This is much higher than the average Iraqi salary of IQD 22,402,348 yearly.
The Iraqi professional world revolves around engineering jobs due to the country’s development needs and infrastructure projects. Software engineers at companies like Facebook earn way more than the typical software engineer salary of IQD 15,789,720. Project Managers make around IQD 6,510,748, while Site Engineers earn about IQD 2,422,762.
Let’s take a closer look at the ten Highest paying Engineering jobs in Iraq. This 2025 salary guide covers current pay ranges, qualification requirements, and future job opportunities. It helps professionals make smart career moves in Iraq’s growing engineering sector.
Highest paying Engineering jobs in Iraq
Petroleum Engineer
Iraqi petroleum engineers are the top paid engineers among all engineers thanks to the country’s huge oil reserves and growing industry. These experts know how to design and develop methods that extract oil and gas from deposits below Earth’s surface. Their work plays a key role in Iraq’s economy.
Petroleum Engineer Salary Range
Iraqi petroleum engineers earn an impressive average annual salary of 27,479,000 IQD.
Experience has a big effect on earning potential:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years | 14,880,300 |
| 2-5 years | 20,518,900 |
| 5-10 years | 29,278,200 |
| 10-15 years | 35,758,400 |
| 15-20 years | 37,681,400 |
| 20+ years | 41,040,700 |
Petroleum Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
Getting a job as a petroleum engineer in Iraq requires:
- A university degree in Petroleum Engineering
- At least two years of professional experience for standard positions
- Fluency in both English and Arabic
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in multicultural environments
Civil Engineer
Civil engineering is one of the best paid engineering jobs in Iraq. Civil engineers are pioneering Iraq’s infrastructure renaissance and leading the country’s ambitious development agenda with their construction and design expertise. The public and private sectors just need more engineers to address the housing deficit of approximately 3 to 3.5 million units.
Civil Engineer Salary Range
Iraqi civil engineers receive competitive compensation packages that match their vital role in national development. They earn an average annual salary of 34,277,208 IQD plus bonuses of 1,117,437 IQD.
Your experience shapes your earning potential:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (1-3 years) | 24,285,263 |
| Mid-Career (5-9 years) | 45,000 |
| Senior Level (8+ years) | 42,718,233 |
Civil Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
Your educational background lays the groundwork for a successful engineering career in Iraq:
- 57% of professionals have a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, which is the basic requirement
- A Master’s degree opens doors to better pay and career growth
- Professional Engineering certifications and Advanced Engineer credentials make you more marketable
Iraqi employers look for engineers who excel at:
- Project management (71% of jobs require this)
- Feasibility determination (71%)
- Report analysis (81%)
- Plans development (14%)
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers play a vital role in Iraq’s industrial world. As top paid engineers, they serve as the backbone of manufacturing, energy, and construction sectors. These professionals design, analyze, and maintain mechanical systems that keep the country’s developing infrastructure and industrial base running smoothly.
Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years | 13,798,900 |
| 2-5 years | 17,640,500 |
| 5-10 years | 24,359,000 |
| 10-15 years | 30,240,200 |
| 15-20 years | 32,398,700 |
| 20+ years | 34,561,900 |
Mechanical Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
You’ll need these qualifications to work as a mechanical engineer in Iraq:
- A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering – this is the basic requirement for most jobs
- At least 5 years of work experience for senior positions
- Sharp analytical skills to understand how mechanical systems work
- Good communication skills and ability to work in teams
The job usually involves:
- Testing mechanical devices and finding their uses
- Creating blueprints for new machines and tools
- Building and testing prototypes
- Managing manufacturing processes
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineering is one of the high paying engineering jobs in Iraq. Iraq’s faster-growing energy sector relies heavily on electrical engineers who drive power generation, transmission systems, and industrial automation forward. These top paid engineering specialists design, develop, and maintain electrical equipment that substantially contributes to the nation’s infrastructure modernization efforts.
Electrical Engineer Salary Range
Electrical engineers in Iraq receive competitive pay packages. The average professional earns 43,833,105 IQD annually with an additional bonus of 1,617,442 IQD. Notwithstanding that, salary data varies between sources, with some showing average compensation at 25,679,100 IQD per year.
Your experience level shapes your earning potential significantly:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (1-3 years) | 30,786,697 |
| Early Career (0-2 years) | 16,079,800 |
| Mid-Career (2-5 years) | 20,281,100 |
| Experienced (5-10 years) | 26,759,500 |
| Advanced (10+ years) | 31,440,200 |
| Senior Level (8+ years) | 54,716,969 |
| Veteran (15-20 years) | 34,799,800 |
| Expert (20+ years) | 37,078,800 |
The financial future looks bright for this profession. Projections show salary growth of 15% over the next five years, potentially reaching 50,460,365 IQD by 2030.
Electrical Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
Success as an electrical engineer in Iraq requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Master’s (MSEE). 59% of professionals hold bachelor’s degrees
- 5 years’ experience minimum for senior roles
- Strong knowledge of power systems and controls engineering including PLCs and HMIs
- Microsoft Office expertise
Specialized roles need additional expertise:
- Switchgear power automation experience for gear <38kV
- Skills in protective relay programming and commissioning
- Knowledge of electrical distribution design
- Understanding of engineering documents, codes, and standards
Professional certifications boost career growth opportunities. Engineering Certification and various clearances help secure government-related work.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are the backbone of Iraq’s growing tech sector. They create vital solutions for businesses, government agencies, and international organizations throughout the country. The rapid growth of technology in Iraq has made this field one of the highest paying engineering jobs in Iraq.
Software Engineer Salary Range
Iraqi software engineers earn about 23,638,700 IQD per year, but pay depends on experience and qualifications. New engineers start at 11,809,800 IQD, while experienced professionals can make up to 36,601,600 IQD yearly.
Your experience level determines how much you can earn:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years | 14,158,800 |
| 2-5 years | 18,720,200 |
| 5-10 years | 25,079,200 |
| 10-15 years | 29,881,100 |
| 15-20 years | 32,280,500 |
| 20+ years | 34,561,900 |
Software Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
Getting a job as a software engineer in Iraq usually requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or similar field
- At least 3+ years of hands-on experience for regular positions
- Strong coding skills in:
- C#
- JavaScript
- SQL
Specialized jobs need expertise in Microsoft technologies like PowerApps, Power Automate, SharePoint, and Dynamics 365. Knowledge of Agile methods and tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps helps too.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineering is one of the best paid engineering jobs. Chemical engineers in Iraq earn the nickname “universal engineers” due to their exceptionally wide work scope that surpasses other engineering disciplines. These professionals blend their knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering principles to create innovative solutions for various industries.
Chemical Engineer Salary Range
Iraqi chemical engineers earn attractive salaries, with yearly compensation reaching 45,832,211 IQD and additional bonuses of 1,709,541 IQD. Experience levels affect compensation:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (1-3 years) | 32,237,650 |
| Experienced (5-10 years) | 24,359,000 |
| Senior Level (8+ years) | 57,212,458 |
| 10-15 years | 30,240,200 |
| 15-20 years | 32,398,700 |
| 20+ years | 34,561,900 |
The median salary reaches 24,119,700 IQD, and projections show a 15% increase over the next 5 years.
Chemical Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
Iraqi chemical engineering candidates need:
- A bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution serves as the basic requirement for entry-level roles
- Advanced positions usually demand postgraduate degrees (MS, M.Tech, Ph.D.), with admission based on standardized tests, essay evaluations, and interviews
Success in this field requires:
- Strong analytical skills to grasp complex chemical production processes
- Business sense to review project costs and benefits
- Critical thinking to spot potential design or material failures
- Team collaboration and communication abilities
- Technical writing expertise for documentation
Project Engineer
Project engineers connect technical teams with management in Iraq’s growing industrial world. They oversee complex initiatives from start to finish in sectors of all types. The role of these top paid engineers involves coordinating multidisciplinary projects while maintaining quality standards, timelines and budgets.
Project Engineer Salary Range
Project engineers in Baghdad earn an average annual salary of 26,759,500 IQD.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary in Baghdad (IQD) | Average Annual Salary in Irbil (IQD) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | 13,919,600 | 13,441,600 |
| 2-5 years | 18,598,500 | 17,519,700 |
| 5-10 years | 27,601,100 | 24,478,500 |
| 10-15 years | 33,599,200 | 29,399,100 |
| 15-20 years | 36,601,600 | 31,919,300 |
| 20+ years | 39,600,100 | 34,561,900 |
Project Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
A successful career as a project engineer in Iraq requires:
- Educational qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement
- University of Baghdad offers Master’s and PhD programs
- Essential skills:
- Strong project management knowledge
- Resource planning and scheduling expertise
- Budget and cost management skills
- Leadership ability to manage up to 10 engineers and designers
Instrumentation Engineer
One of the high paying engineering jobs in Iraq is instrumentation engineering. Instrumentation engineers play a vital role in Iraq’s industrial sector. They design, develop, and maintain measurement and control systems in oil, gas, and manufacturing industries. Their expertise ensures critical processes remain accurate, reliable, and efficient through sophisticated monitoring equipment.
Instrumentation Engineer Salary Range
Iraqi instrumentation engineers earn 23,638,700 IQD annually on average.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years | 12,361,500 |
| 2-5 years | 16,439,200 |
| 5-10 years | 24,359,000 |
| 10-15 years | 29,641,500 |
| 15-20 years | 32,398,700 |
| 20+ years | 35,039,300 |
Instrumentation Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
Iraqi employers look for these qualifications in instrumentation engineers:
- Educational background:
- Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering or related field
- Some positions accept technical diploma holders
- Technical expertise:
- Strong knowledge of instrumentation design software (AutoCAD, SmartPlant)
- Deep understanding of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and SCADA systems
- Hands-on experience with P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams)
- Work experience:
- Standard positions need 5 years minimum
- Senior coaching roles require up to 15 years
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers in Iraq work on key challenges in the growing sustainability sector. These top paid engineers focuse on waste management, pollution control, and checking environmental effects of industrial projects. The country faces mounting environmental issues, which creates more opportunities for professionals with specialized skills.
Environmental Engineer Salary Range
Environmental engineers in Iraq earn around 38,181,683 IQD per year plus bonuses of 1,252,359 IQD.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (1-3 years) | 27,051,568 | National Average |
| Senior Level (8+ years) | 47,584,216 | National Average |
| Less than 2 years | 13,199,100 | Al-Basrah |
| 2-5 years | 17,278,100 | Al-Basrah |
| 5-10 years | 24,239,000 | Al-Basrah |
| 10+ years | 29,041,200 | Al-Basrah |
| 15-20 years | 31,559,900 | Al-Basrah |
| 20+ years | 34,078,800 | Al-Basrah |
The future looks bright as environmental engineer salaries should grow by 15% in the next five years.
Environmental Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
Getting an environmental engineering job in Iraq usually needs:
- Educational qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or related field
- Master’s degree gives you an edge, and 49% of professionals have one
- Professional credentials often include:
- Professional Engineer certification
- General Engineering certification
- Government security clearances for some roles
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineering is one of the high paying engineering jobs in Iraq. Structural engineers play a vital role in Iraq’s construction industry. They design and analyze supporting frameworks that keep buildings and infrastructure safe and stable. Their expertise drives both public and private sector development projects nationwide.
Structural Engineer Salary Range
The average annual salary reaches 43,667,991 IQD (about 20,994 IQD per hour).
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (1-3 years) | 30,450,916 |
| 2-5 years | 17,640,500 |
| 5-10 years | 23,159,200 |
| 10-15 years | 28,439,500 |
| 15-20 years | 30,240,200 |
| 20+ years | 33,119,100 |
| Senior level (8+ years) | 53,762,834 |
Structural Engineer Skill and Education Requirements
A successful career in structural engineering requires:
- Educational qualifications:
- A degree in Civil/Structural Engineering (B.Sc./B.Eng./M.Sc.)
- 58% of professionals have earned Master’s degrees
- Professional experience requirements:
- At least 5 years relevant experience in oil and gas industry
- Experience with green and brownfield projects
- Technical competencies:
- Deep knowledge of international codes and standards
- Design software expertise in STAAD.Pro and AutoCAD
- Ability to review plans, analyze specifications, determine feasibility, analyze reports, and create engineering programs
Job Outlook for Engineers in Iraq (2025 and Beyond)
Iraq’s engineering sector shows excellent growth potential for 2025. The country needs engineers as it rebuilds infrastructure and expands its industrial foundation.
Engineering Job Growth Trends in Iraq
Technical engineering skills remain the most critical gap in Iraq’s job market. Project Management and Business Development are the second and third most needed skill sets. Companies look for engineers who can lead teams effectively.
Engineering skills rank among the most needed competencies (36.36%) in any industry. Companies don’t invest enough in employee training. This leads them to search for qualified engineers from international markets.
The Kurdistan Region leads this growth with new residential spaces, commercial developments, and infrastructure projects. Engineers of all disciplines find many opportunities in this expanding region.
Future Demand for Engineering Specializations
Iraqi universities create new specialized programs to meet market needs. Sustainable Energy Engineering has become a key field that addresses the country’s renewable energy needs. Mechatronics Engineering combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering and grows faster to meet modern demands.
Infrastructure projects funded by foreign investments create more jobs for project managers and engineers. The Baghdad Metro project will employ thousands of local workers among international experts.
Comparison Table for high paying engineering jobs in Iraq
| Engineering Role | Average Annual Salary (IQD) | Entry Level Salary (IQD) | Senior Level Salary (IQD) | Minimum Education Requirement | Years of Experience Required | Key Skills Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineer | 27,479,000 | 14,880,300 | 41,040,700 | Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering | 2+ years | English & Arabic fluency, multicultural communication |
| Civil Engineer | 34,277,208 | 24,285,263 | 42,718,233 | Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering | 4+ years | Project management, AutoCAD, MS Project |
| Mechanical Engineer | 23,638,700 | 13,798,900 | 34,561,900 | Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering | 5+ years | System operations, prototype development |
| Electrical Engineer | 43,833,105 | 30,786,697 | 54,716,969 | Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering | 5+ years | Power systems, PLC programming |
| Software Engineer | 23,638,700 | 14,158,800 | 34,561,900 | Bachelor’s in Computer Science | 3+ years | C#, JavaScript, SQL |
| Chemical Engineer | 45,832,211 | 32,237,650 | 57,212,458 | Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering | Not mentioned | Process design, analytical skills |
| Project Engineer | 26,759,500 | 13,919,600 | 39,600,100 | Bachelor’s in Engineering | Not mentioned | Project management, resource planning |
| Instrumentation Engineer | 23,638,700 | 12,361,500 | 35,039,300 | Bachelor’s in Instrumentation Engineering | 5+ years | AutoCAD, DCS, PLC systems |
| Environmental Engineer | 38,181,683 | 27,051,568 | 47,584,216 | Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering | Not mentioned | MATLAB, project management |
| Structural Engineer | 43,667,991 | 30,450,916 | 53,762,834 | Bachelor’s in Civil/Structural Engineering | 5+ years | STAAD.Pro, AutoCAD |
Conclusion
Petroleum engineers lead the pack in Iraq’s engineering sector with annual salaries up to 43,438,200 IQD. Chemical and electrical engineers earn well too, with yearly averages of 45,832,211 IQD and 43,833,105 IQD. These numbers are way above Iraq’s national average of 22,402,348 IQD, which makes engineering an attractive career choice.
Engineers have excellent job prospects in Iraq through 2025 and beyond. The country needs qualified professionals for its infrastructure rebuilding, industrial growth, and tech modernization projects. There’s a serious shortage of technical engineering skills in Iraq’s job market, so engineers who want to work here will find plenty of opportunities.
Engineers looking for jobs in Iraq should focus on getting relevant certifications and becoming skilled at cross-cultural communication. They should also learn about international standards. While salaries vary by discipline, engineering remains one of Iraq’s best-paying careers. It offers competitive pay and great growth opportunities in an economy that’s developing faster.
FAQs
Q1. What are the highest paying engineering jobs in Iraq for 2025? According to salary projections, petroleum engineers are expected to earn the highest salaries, with top professionals potentially making over 40 million IQD annually. Chemical and electrical engineers also rank among the top earners, with average salaries exceeding 43 million IQD per year.
Q2. How does experience impact best paid engineering jobs salaries in Iraq? Experience significantly influences earning potential across all engineering disciplines in Iraq. Senior professionals with 15-20 years of experience typically earn 2-3 times more than entry-level engineers in the same field.
Q3. What educational qualifications are required for high paying engineering jobs in Iraq? Most high-paying engineering positions in Iraq require at least a bachelor’s degree in the relevant engineering discipline. However, professionals with master’s degrees often command salaries 40-60% higher than those with only bachelor’s degrees.
Q4. Which regions in Iraq offer the best paid engineering jobs? The Kurdistan Region is showing particularly strong growth potential for engineering professionals, with increasing demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. However, opportunities exist throughout the country due to ongoing rebuilding and modernization efforts.
Q5. What skills are most in-demand for best paid engineers in Iraq? Technical engineering skills remain critically lacking across Iraq’s job market. Additionally, project management and business development skills are highly sought after. Proficiency in relevant software tools, international standards, and cross-cultural communication are also valuable for engineers seeking high-paying positions in Iraq.
