Malaysia offers great opportunities for engineers with different backgrounds and experiences, thanks to advancements in infrastructure and technology.
If you’re a recent graduate in Malaysia, finding a job may require some effort, but with the right knowledge, it can be easier than you think! Whether you’re a mechanical engineer or an IT enthusiast, Malaysia has numerous job openings in the field of engineering.
List of 10 Highest paying Engineering Jobs in Malaysia
1. Electrical Engineers
As a world powered by electricity and other forms of energy, electrical engineers are always in demand. Electrical engineers are important in Malaysia’s power generating and distribution industry. With the government’s emphasis on renewable energy and the growth of the electrical grid, the demand for electrical engineers has increased dramatically.
Electrical engineering jobs involve developing, testing, and inspecting electrical equipment in various industries. Electrical engineers can specialise in power engineering or instrumentation engineering.
Average Salary: The annual salary for electrical engineers in Malaysia ranges between MYR 36,000 and MYR 120,000, depending on their experience and certifications. Fresh graduates often begin at the lower end of this range, although experienced engineers with specialised talents might command higher incomes.
Maximum Salary: Experienced electrical engineers in Malaysia can make more than MYR 200,000 annually. This is possible if they have advanced degrees, vast experience, and a track record of superior achievement.
2. Mechanical Engineers
Malaysia is well-known for its robust manufacturing industry, which includes electronics and aircraft. Mechanical engineers are at the heart of the industry, designing, optimising, and maintaining machinery and manufacturing processes. Malaysia’s ongoing manufacturing expansion creates a continuing demand for competent mechanical engineers. Having a degree in mechanical engineering can widen your career options. They can gain expertise in thermodynamics, mechanics, structural analysis, etc.
Average Salary: Mechanical engineers in Malaysia earn varying wages depending on their expertise, region, and industry. In 2023, mechanical engineers in Malaysia earned an average annual income of MYR 40,000 to MYR 80,000 or more. Engineers with numerous years of experience or those working in high-demand areas may receive a higher salary.
Maximum Salary: Mechanical engineers in Malaysia can earn various wages, with experienced and specialised engineers earning more. Professional mechanical engineers in Malaysia can earn up to MYR 150,000 or more in 2023. This applies to those with advanced degrees or high-level jobs in respectable organisations.
3. Civil Engineers
Malaysia’s fast urbanisation and infrastructure development necessitate an ongoing intake of civil engineers. Civil engineers play an essential role in the nation’s growth, from building highways and bridges to managing water resources and developing cities. Projects such as the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail and the Pan Borneo Highway produce several jobs.
Average Salary: Junior civil engineers earn between RM 2,500 and RM 4,500 monthly in Malaysia. Conversely, experienced civil engineers can earn between RM 5,000 and RM 8,000 monthly.
Maximum Salary: The remuneration for civil engineers in Malaysia varies according to experience and project. Highly experienced engineers in leadership roles can earn RM 10,000 to RM 20,000 monthly.
4. Software/IT Engineers
Malaysia’s IT economy is prospering, with a growing startup ecosystem and greater investment in information technology. Software engineers, particularly those specialising in software development and data science, are in high demand. Companies offering software engineering jobs to techies are on the rise. With cutting-edge technologies like AI, data science, and machine learning, recruiters hardly turn their backs on software engineers with new skills.
Here’s how you can get a job in the IT sector in Malaysia.
Average Pay: Software engineers in Malaysia make between MYR 3,500 and MYR 8,000 monthly when starting their professions. Their monthly income rises from MYR 7,000 to MYR 12,000 as they gain expertise.
Maximum Salary: Experienced software engineers in Malaysia can earn high salaries, particularly in fintech and artificial intelligence.
5. Environmental Engineers
As the globe becomes more ecologically concerned, the importance of environmental engineers in Malaysia grows. These professionals work to reduce industries’ ecological effects, guarantee regulatory compliance, and promote sustainable practices. Malaysia’s dedication to environmental sustainability has increased the demand for environmental engineers in both the public and commercial sectors.
Average Salary: Environmental engineers in Malaysia can earn various wages depending on their experience, region, and sector. Environmental Engineers in Malaysia can expect to earn between MYR 40,000 and MYR 70,000 per year. Engineers with more experience and specialised abilities may receive better pay.
Maximum Salary: The maximum wage for environmental engineers in Malaysia varies depending on their competence, employment, and region. Experienced engineers with a good track record can earn more than MYR 100,000 annually, especially if they work for global firms or in management roles.
6. Aerospace/Aircraft Engineers
You can specialise in avionics, aerodynamics, and missile engineering as an aerospace engineer. Design and analytical skills are highly desired for an aerospace engineering job.
Average Salary: RM 50K to RM 100K
Maximum Salary: The maximum wage for aerospace engineers in Malaysia varies depending on their competence, employment, and region.
7. Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineering is involved in every aspect of our daily lives, from food to fuel. As the pharmaceutical industry is booming, chemical engineers are in high demand. Malaysia’s petrochemical sector makes a considerable contribution to the country’s economy. Chemical engineers are critical in this business, managing petrochemical production while assuring safety and environmental compliance.
Average Salary: Entry-level Chemical Engineers in Malaysia earn between MYR 3,000 and MYR 4,500 per month. Engineer salaries can range from MYR 5,000 to MYR 15,000 or higher, based on experience and level.
Maximum Salary: The maximum income for Chemical Engineers in Malaysia varies greatly depending on the industry, employer, and personal qualifications. Some experienced and highly specialised Chemical Engineers in leadership positions can earn more than MYR 20,000 per month.
8. Biomedical Engineers
Another desired engineering job in the pharmaceutical industry is biomedical engineering to advance medical research. Nowadays, a biomedical engineering job comes with a handsome paycheck.
Average Salary: The average salary for biomedical engineers in Malaysia varies depending on their experience, education, location, and job. Biomedical engineers in Malaysia typically earn between MYR 40,000 and MYR 70,000 per year. Entry-level positions pay less, whereas seasoned experts with greater work experience make more.
Maximum Salary: The maximum income for biomedical engineers in Malaysia varies greatly depending on the abovementioned parameters. Experienced workers with specialised talents and advanced degrees have the opportunity to earn better compensation. Individuals with substantial knowledge and expertise in the sector may earn a salary of MYR 100,000 or more yearly.
9. Industrial Engineers
Industrial Engineers are the backbone of any manufacturing unit. They are responsible for conceiving efficient ways to function with workers, materials, and machines in seamless unison. From a shampoo sachet to an automotive part, industrial engineers oversee different processes in a production unit.
Average Salary: RM 60K to RM 100K
10. Petroleum Engineers
Oil and gas are the primary fuels on which the world runs. Petroleum engineers devise ways to extract petroleum and natural gas sustainably. This is one of the highest-paying engineering jobs in the world, and the same holds for Malaysia.
Average Salary: Upwards of RM100k a year.
Engineers make the world run smoothly. Since they play an integral part in our day-to-day lives, the demand for engineers in every industry is perpetual.
In a fast-growing economy, engineering job opportunities in Malaysia are aplenty. The pay differs according to your experience level and how well you perform in your interviews.
Good luck with your job search!
FAQ on Highest paying Engineering Jobs in Malaysia
Q:1 What are some of the highest paying engineering jobs in Malaysia?
A: Petroleum engineers, chemical engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and civil engineers are among the highest-paid engineering jobs in Malaysia.
Q:2 What factors contribute to the high salaries in engineering jobs in Malaysia?
A: Several factors contribute to high salaries in engineering jobs in Malaysia, such as the level of expertise and experience required, the demand for specific engineering skills in the market, the complexity of projects, the industry’s financial strength, and the location of the job.
Q:3 Are there any specific industries in Malaysia that offer the highest paying engineering jobs?
A: Industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, construction and infrastructure development, electrical and electronics, and manufacturing often provide lucrative career opportunities for engineers.
Q:4 What qualifications are required for the highest-paying engineering jobs in Malaysia?
A: Employers often value a combination of a relevant engineering degree or diploma, professional certifications, practical experience, and strong technical skills in design, analysis, project management, and problem-solving.
Q:5 How can I increase my chances of securing a high-paying engineering job in Malaysia?
A: To increase your chances, focus on building a strong educational background in engineering, gaining practical experience through internships or industry projects, continuously upgrading your skills, and networking with professionals in the engineering field. Additionally, staying updated on industry trends and technologies can give you a competitive edge during job applications and interviews.
