The 5 Highest-Paying Engineering Jobs in the Highways Sector

The highways sector is booming with opportunities for civil engineering professionals eager to shape the future of highway infrastructure. Beyond offering rewarding challenges, it’s also a field where salaries reflect the true value of expertise. Here are the five highest-paying jobs in the highways sector, along with why these roles are pivotal in today’s infrastructure landscape.

Learn more about the highways recruitment process here.

Senior Highway Engineer

Senior Highway Engineers form the backbone of the sector, leading the design, planning, and delivery of complex highway projects. They coordinate teams, ensure compliance with safety standards, and solve critical challenges on multi-million-pound developments. Salaries range from £40,000 to £70,000 per year, with contractors often earning £350 to £500 per day. For professionals in civil engineering who thrive on leadership and precision, this is a rewarding career path.

Principal Bridge Engineer

Bridges are lifelines for transport networks, and Principal Bridge Engineers ensure they remain safe and durable. From the structural integrity of iconic landmarks to maintaining everyday crossings, their expertise is highly impactful. Salaries typically range from £45,000 to £80,000 annually, with contractors earning £400 to £550 per day. This role is ideal for engineers looking to specialise in highway infrastructure and tackle long-term mobility challenges.

Highway Project Manager

Highway Project Managers oversee every stage of a project, from concept to completion. They manage budgets, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and ensure timely delivery. Salaries range from £40,000 to £75,000, with daily contract rates of £400 to £600. For those invested in the recruitment process and project leadership, this role combines responsibility with substantial career growth.

Transport Planner

Transport Planners design efficient, sustainable, and future-ready mobility networks. Their work eases congestion, integrates greener transport modes, and supports sustainable urban development. Salaries range from £35,000 to £60,000, with contract rates of £300 to £450 per day. This role suits analytical civil engineering minds keen on shaping smarter highway infrastructure.

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Senior Geotechnical Engineers provide the foundation for safe and resilient highways. By analysing soil and rock conditions, they design the structural bases that support highway infrastructure. Salaries fall between £40,000 and £70,000, with contractors earning £350 to £500 per day. Their expertise is essential for long-term project success and infrastructure reliability.

Expert Insight

"The demand for skilled professionals in the highways sector has never been higher. As infrastructure evolves and sustainable transportation grows, engineers with specialist expertise are essential. Roles like Senior Highway Engineer and Transport Planner are leading the way, reflecting the sector’s focus on innovation and efficiency.

As a recruitment agency, we’ve seen opportunities expand, with professionals shaping infrastructure that will endure for decades. For engineers eager to make a tangible impact, these careers represent both professional growth and the chance to define the future of mobility."

 – Sam White, Expert Highways Recruiter, Matchtech

Build Your Career in Highways

The highways sector offers more than competitive salaries — it’s about joining an industry where your work directly shapes how people move and connect. From managing large-scale projects to designing sustainable transport solutions, these roles highlight the best of what civil engineering can achieve.

With the right skills, knowledge of the recruitment process, and a focus on highway infrastructure, engineers can expect strong earning potential and the satisfaction of solving real-world challenges.

Ready to take the next step in your highways career? [Explore our latest highways jobs today.]