Engineers, what is the salary in France

In this article, we will attempt to analyse the salaries of engineers in France, based on the most recent data from 2024 and 2025. We will explore the general market trends, the major influencing factors, and highlight the results of the ESTIA engineering school's integration figures.

What does an engineer earn in France?

The average salary of an engineer in France is a subject of major interest to students, recent graduates and professionals looking for a career change. The figures vary considerably depending on experience, sector of activity and geographical location. According to the latest IESF (Ingénieurs et Scientifiques de France) survey in 2024, the remuneration of an engineer in France is very attractive. The median gross annual salary for all working engineers is €64,000. This figure testifies to the high demand and value of engineering profiles on the job market.

Entry-level engineer salary : The starting point for a promising career

Engineering school salaries are a key indicator of the performance of a course. For an entry-level or junior engineer, pay is already very competitive. The IESF 2024 survey reveals that the median gross annual salary for engineers under 30 is around €43,000 for men and €40,348 for women. These figures represent the gross salary of an engineer in France at the start of their career, excluding bonuses.

Net monthly engineering salary: How much are we really talking about?

Understanding the net monthly salary of an engineer is essential for assessing their purchasing power. In France, to go from gross salary to net salary, you generally have to apply a discount of around 23% to 25% for a private sector employee.

These estimates answer the question: How much does an engineer earn in France in terms of net salary? It is important to note that minimum salaries for engineers are often governed by collective agreements, but actual salaries far exceed these thresholds.

ESTIA: above-average integration and salary indicators

The École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées (ESTIA) stands out for the excellent professional integration of its graduates. The data from the CGE (Conférence des Grandes Écoles) 2024 survey, concerning the class of 2024, confirms the quality of the training and the attractiveness of its young engineers.

Remarkable professional integration figures

ESTIA's young engineering graduates are quickly integrated into high-quality jobs:

These figures show that there is strong demand for the technical skills and versatility of ESTIA graduates. The 92.1% rate of executive status on graduation is particularly high.

The salaries of our class of 2024 graduates

The salaries of the different professions practiced by ESTIA graduates are very competitive.

The average gross annual salary (excluding bonuses) for all ESTIA graduates working in France is €42,122. With bonuses, this figure rises to €44,684. These figures, taken from the CGE survey, place ESTIA in the upper range of first column salaries for young engineers.

The evolution of an engineer's salary in France: Exponential growth potential

One of the main attractions of the engineering profession is its potential for salary growth. The growth in an engineer's salary in France is directly correlated with the level of experience and the assumption of responsibilities (project manager, management, etc.).

Source : Calculations based on IESF 2024 median data 3

What does an engineer with 5 years' experience earn?

An engineer with 5 years' experience is generally in the 30-39 age bracket. The median gross annual salary for this category is around €56,050 (average of the male/female medians for the 30-39 age bracket). This represents a significant increase on the entry-level engineer salary, illustrating the rapid progression of an engineer's remuneration.

End-of-career engineer salary: the top of the pay scale

Engineering salaries at the end of an engineer's career can be very high. The most experienced engineers (aged 50-64) earn a median gross annual salary of over €81,998 (minimum for women), and up to €101,014 for men.

Who earns more than €100,000 a year among engineers?

Engineers who earn more than €100,000 a year are generally those who have reached positions of high responsibility (management, specialised expertise) and who have long experience (more than 20 years). IESF data shows that the median salary for men aged 50-64 already exceeds €100,000, and that engineers over 65 have a median salary of €117,047.

Which engineer is best paid in France?

The type of engineer who is best paid depends very much on the sector of activity and area of expertise. Some sectors, often linked to information technology and areas with a high project pipeline, offer higher salaries.

Which type of generalist engineer is most in demand?

IT engineers are one of the most sought-after profiles. With the rise of artificial intelligence, specialists in this field, as well as design engineers and IT project managers, enjoy very high salaries. An experienced IT engineer can easily exceed €70,000 gross per annum.

High added value sectors

• Industrial engineer: engineers in the aeronautical industry or in the energy sector (such as renewable energy engineers in France) are very well paid.
• Civil engineers: this field remains stable and offers good prospects, particularly for large construction groups
• Electronics engineer and automation engineer: these technical specialisations, particularly in cutting-edge sectors, guarantee high salaries.

It should be noted that salary is often increased by bonuses linked to targets.

Salary by specialism: focus on generalist and specialist engineers

The title of engineer covers a multitude of engineering professions and specialisations. A generalist engineer is often an excellent starting point, offering versatility that is highly valued by companies. However, specialising in a particular area can quickly boost an engineer's salary.

Civil and Mechanical Engineers

Civil and mechanical engineers in France are pillars of industry. Their salaries are solid, with progression linked to the complexity of the projects they manage. An experienced mechanical engineer in the aerospace or automotive industry can expect salaries well above the national median.

Quality and environmental engineers

Support and expertise functions are also highly valued. The salaries of quality and environmental engineers in France are rising sharply, driven by the challenges of regulatory compliance and the ecological transition. These positions, often linked to CSR, require technical skills and strategic vision, justifying competitive salaries.

Design and Methods Engineers

Design engineers and methods engineers play a crucial role in process optimisation and design. Their salaries vary according to the size of the company and the direct impact of their work on productivity.

The engineer's hourly rate

Although the majority of engineers are salaried, the engineer's hourly rate is a relevant figure for consulting or freelance engineers. This rate is generally very high, reflecting the expertise and scarcity of highly qualified engineers.

Factors influencing engineer salaries

The type of engineer who is best paid depends very much on the sector of activity and the areas of expertise. Some sectors, often linked to information technology and areas of project development, offer higher salaries.

IT engineer salaries in France and Artificial Intelligence

Computer engineers are one of the most sought-after profiles. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, specialists in this field, as well as design engineers and IT project managers, enjoy very high salaries. An experienced IT engineer can easily exceed €70,000 gross per annum.

In addition to experience, there are a number of other factors that influence an engineer's salary.

Geographical location and cost of living

Geographical location has a direct impact on salary. Salaries are generally higher in Île-de-France than in the provinces, due to the higher cost of living. However, ESTIA data shows that the majority of their graduates (92.3%) find a place of work in the provinces, which is an advantage in terms of quality of life.

Company size and sector of activity

Large groups and engineering companies often offer higher basic salaries than SMEs. Similarly, the sector of activity is a determining factor. Finance, oil/gas and advanced technology are traditionally the highest-paying sectors.

The role of women engineers

Although gaps remain, the situation of women engineers is improving. ESTIA data even shows that the median salary with bonuses for women (€38,800) is slightly higher than that for men (€38,650) at the start of their careers. The Engineering Association and the schools are working actively to reduce the disparities and encourage young women to take up these careers.

Conclusion: A dynamic and lucrative job market

The job market for engineers in France is characterised by almost full employment and attractive salaries, as confirmed by the IESF data and the CGE survey. Whether you are a design engineer, a mechanical engineer in France, a quality engineer in France, or an environmental engineer earning a salary in France, an engineering degree remains a passport to a stable and very well-paid career. ESTIA, with its excellent integration indicators and an average exit salary of €44,684 (with bonuses), is a perfect example of the added value of quality engineering training.

References

[1] IESF. Presentation of the results of the IESF 2024 survey.

[2] ESTIA / CGE. Enquête Insertion 2025 de la CGE - ESTIA - Promotion 2024 - Principaux indicateurs.