Engineering is one of the most lucrative career paths in the United States. In just four years, you can have a bachelor’s degree in this field, and for even higher-paying jobs, you can get a master’s degree or even doctorate degree in engineering. The exact amount you can expect to earn depends on the type of engineer you become. Here are some of the most popular options, along with their expectant salaries (as of 2010, unless otherwise noted):

• Aerospace Engineer: $60,405 – $95,168
• Biochemical Engineer: $89,560 (median as of 2009)
• Biomedical Engineer: $47,346 – $73,193
• CAD Engineer: $40,599 – $64,147
• Chemical Engineer: $59,855 – $88,042
• Civil Engineer: $53,481 – $79,686
• Computer Systems Engineer: $49,746 – $78,499
• Electrical Engineer: $55,764 – $80,883
• Electronics Engineer: $51,342 – $79,642
• Environmental Engineer: $50,759 – $75,067
• Industrial Engineer: $50,800 – $72,234
• Manufacturing Engineer: $52,128 – $74,145
• Mechanical Engineer: $52,292 – $73,396
• Network Engineer: $49,556 – $75,625
• Nuclear Engineer: $63,224 – $103,233
• Project Engineer: $58,726 – $89,586
• Radio Frequency Engineer: $59,477 – $94,048
• Software Engineer: $57,384 – $83,511
• Structural Engineer: $53,547 – $76,130

As you can see, the earning potential is high no matter what type of engineer you become. Keep in mind that these figures include not just your salary, but also bonus, profit sharing, and commission, but even your base salary as an engineer is quite high compared to many other types of jobs. In addition, with most full-time engineering jobs, you can also expect nice benefits packages, which could include medical insurance, retirement funds, and more.

While the highest-paid positions in the engineering world are typically jobs held by those with master’s degrees of doctorate degrees, many employers are also eager to higher students right out of college, even with just a bachelor’s degree. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest starting salaries for engineers with just bachelor’s degrees were available to petroleum engineers at an average of $83,121. The same survey showed that chemical engineers, mining and mineral engineers, computer engineers, nuclear engineers, and electrical/electronics and communications engineers with just bachelor’s degrees all made an average starting salary of above $60,000.

A number of other factors could affect your earning potential as an engineer. One of the biggest factors is location. Employers across the country are hiring engineers in many different fields, but if you’re willing to work in a larger city, you’ll likely be offered more money. Cost of living in these areas is higher as well, however, so it may make more financial sense for you to take a job at a lower salary in a location where cost of living is lower as well.

Almost all engineering fields are growing at a faster than average rate, meaning that there are jobs available across the country. For the highest-paying jobs, look for government positions, as well as considering engineering in one of the following areas: biomedical, environmental, and petroleum, while working for a larger company. Remember, you can also find engineering jobs overseas or in the military, so explore all of your options when comparing engineering salaries.