It pays to choose engineering as a career
STUDENTS were yesterday urged to opt for a career in engineering after it was revealed that salaries in the sector have risen significantly over the past three years.
The information comes as all areas of the construction industry report a downturn in the economy.
A study by Engineers Ireland found that salaries for Chartered Engineers in healthcare have grown by 27pc in three years -- from €67,250 in 2005 to €85,417 in 2008. Civil and structural engineering salaries increased by 28pc during that period, from €60,698 in 2005 to €77,500 in 2008.
Mechanical and manufacturing engineers, meanwhile, saw their salaries increase by 22pc, from €62,984 in 2005 to €77,083 in 2008.
In 2005, the average gross salary for someone working in engineering consultancy was €63,949; however, this has jumped to €75,165. The current wage rates are in contrast to the average industrial wage of €38,000. Starting salaries for engineering graduates were also found to be as high as €31,000.
- Patricia McDonagh
