Are You Graduating From An Engineering Program? Here’s What You Can Earn!

In recent years, the engineering job market in the Philippines has shown consistent growth. Much of this is driven by the current government’s infrastructure development and industrial expansion initiatives under the Build, Better, More program. The industry is without doubt competitive, providing numerous opportunities for construction professionals, newbies or tenured, to start a promising career path. 

Understanding salary expectations is crucial for making informed career decisions. No matter how profitable your dream career might be, there is still a benefit in joining the workforce equipped with the knowledge of how much you could be earning. In this article, we will provide an overview of potential career paths for engineering diploma holders, and their corresponding salary brackets based on DPWH engineering job openings. 

Engineering Salary Bracket Based on Available DPWH Job Openings (July-Aug 2024)

The demand for engineers across various fields, such as civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, has been steadily increasing. These disciplines are particularly in high demand due to the government’s focus on infrastructure projects and the private sector’s drive for technological advancements.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is a major employer of engineers in the Philippines. It offers a wide range of positions, from entry-level to senior roles, providing opportunities for career growth. While specific salary ranges may vary depending on factors such as experience and position level, the DPWH generally offers competitive compensation packages. 

Check out more job openings on the DPWH website. Only the salary grade is indicated there. The salary range is derived from this information.

Career Pathways for Engineering Graduates

Engineering graduates have a lot of career options at their disposal. These options span various industries—not all of them are involved with construction industry:

1. Construction: Engineers in construction manage and oversee building projects, ensuring they meet all specifications and safety standards. Roles in this sector can range from project management to site supervision.
2. Manufacturing: In manufacturing, engineers work on optimizing production processes, improving product design, and maintaining equipment. This sector offers roles such as process engineers and quality control specialists.
3. Technology: The tech industry provides opportunities in software development, systems engineering, and IT consulting. Engineers in this field work on designing and implementing technological solutions.
4. Consulting: Engineering consultants provide expert advice to organizations, helping them solve complex technical problems and improve their operations. This role requires a combination of technical expertise and strong communication skills.

Expected Salary Based on DPWH Openings

The DPWH plays a significant role in shaping the careers of construction engineers in the Philippines. Here’s a look at salary expectations for various positions within the DPWH:

1. Entry-Level Positions: For new graduates starting with the DPWH, entry-level positions typically offer a salary range of PHP 17,000 to PHP 18,000 per month. These roles often involve assisting senior engineers with project planning and execution.
2. Mid-Level and Senior Positions: As engineers gain experience and advance within the DPWH, salaries can increase significantly. Mid-level positions may offer between PHP 50,000 and PHP 70,000 per month, while senior engineers and project managers can earn upwards of PHP 100,000 per month, depending on their expertise and responsibilities.

Salaries for engineering roles can vary based on several factors. General engineering roles have a wide salary range depending on their discipline, and their expertise. Salaries can also be industry-specific, meaning that engineers from the construction industry may have a different salary range from those who work in the tech industry. Of course, this will change with experience. Lastly, salaries will also vary depending on the location of the job. 

Building Your Dreams, One Application At A Time

Understanding salary expectations is an important part of planning a successful engineering career. By exploring various career pathways and leveraging available resources, fresh engineering graduates and diploma holders can make informed decisions about their professional lives. 

For further research on engineering salaries, consider using job boards and salary calculators to get a more detailed understanding of potential earnings in different roles and locations. Additionally, networking with professionals in your field and seeking internships can provide valuable insights and real-world experience, helping you make well-informed career decisions. Congratulations to all the engineering graduates of 2024! May you build a promising career one application at a time!

References

DPWH. (n.d.). Vacancies. Vacancies. https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/careers/vacancies?data_1=All&data_2=3&page=1

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11466 – AN ACT MODIFYING THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR CIVILIAN GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AND AUTHORIZING THE GRANT OF ADDITIONAL BENEFITS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (n.d.). Supreme Court E-Library. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/92279