UNESCO data show that the Russian Federation has the most engineers worldwide, followed by the United States, Iran, Japan, and South Korea. These nations are in line with international trends that emphasize the importance of engineering expertise for economic expansion and the resolution of technological, infrastructure, and sustainability issues.
The industry continues to grow mostly because of a rise in the need for technical research and engineering planning in several industries. Alongside a 3.9% increase in pay to $562.9 billion, the sector’s employment has expanded by 3.7% to 7 million workers. The industry’s optimistic forecast for 2029 is supported by projections of sustained economic development, especially in Asia and North America, which will give engineering firms plenty of possibilities and support the projected market increase over the following five years.
List of Countries that Produce Most Engineers
- Russia
- USA
- Iran
- Japan
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Ukraine
- Mexico
- France
- Vietnam
1. Russia
The Russian Federation is home to the top-ranked engineering, construction, and manufacturing graduates, according to the World Economic Forum. Higher productivity can be attributed to changes in infrastructure facilities and scientific and technological advancements. Another important component is the specialized engineering instruction that students receive in partnership with industry. As per the last updated data in 2024, the number of graduating engineers in Russia is 454,436.
To create a new generation of engineering graduates capable of meeting the demands of contemporary society, reformation in this area is required. With their international experiences, even these engineering graduates will contribute to the resolution of issues pertaining to educational quality.
2. USA
As other nations have now developed in the field of engineering, the Americans are competing to match the number of graduates, placing the United States in second place. Many engineering graduates are also able to pass out thanks to government investments in these sectors. The nation is focusing more on engineering degrees because it requires a tech-savvy workforce to achieve its industrialization aspirations.
It’s one of the main causes of the large influx of foreign students that come to the US to pursue engineering careers and then return. The majority of Indian students prefer the United States for engineering studies. According to the survey report, the United States spends 2.2 trillion dollars a year on engineers.
3. Iran
Iran takes third place because of its strong infrastructure and up-to-date technological proficiency. As the nation strives to realize its full potential, it generates 1.4% of the nation’s total output of engineering graduates, with a 70% female engineering graduate share.
This is one of the reasons it has grown to be a significant worldwide center for students seeking engineering degrees in the nation. Probably the only nation that offers a 9% increment rate every 18 months is this one. Every 19 months, employees receive a raise of 8% of the profession’s national average yearly increment. Iran is therefore one of the top engineering nations in the world.
4. Japan
The world is well aware of Japan’s technological advancements. Japanese automakers, such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Isuzu, employ the most engineers worldwide. When it comes to electrical and automotive engineering, Japan has had a 6% increase in engineers per capita over the past 20 years when compared to other countries.
The nation’s elderly population has fueled advancements in eldercare and healthcare robots. Furthermore, the endurance of Japan’s infrastructure, especially in terms of earthquake-resistant buildings, demonstrates its engineering prowess in disaster management. While collaborations between academics and industry cultivate a trained workforce, research and development investments guarantee continuous advancements. Accordingly, Japan’s engineering industry continues to be crucial to both its economic stability and its technological might on a global scale.
5. South Korea
South Korea has a wealth of engineering prospects because of its advantages in infrastructure, automotive, and technology. The nation’s tech and manufacturing sectors draw experts with expertise in electronics, chips, and automotive design, and it is well-known for its multinational behemoths, including Samsung, LG, and Hyundai.
Additionally, South Korea makes significant investments in smart city initiatives and renewable energy, which increases demand for engineers in the civil and environmental sciences. With an emphasis on innovation, the government funds research and development in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and green technologies, creating a stimulating environment for talented engineers. Engineers can choose from a variety of career options that are focused on the future thanks to South Korea’s strong economy and worldwide relationships.
South Korea is one of the most well-known countries for international students to study engineering. This is due to the nation’s reputation for having world-class colleges and reasonably priced tuition, which is only around 6,500 USD annually.
The economic spending number for civil engineering in the nation from 2000 to 2005 illustrates engineering opportunities and employment prospects. After finishing their engineering degree, it serves as an additional incentive for foreign students to remain in the nation.
6. Indonesia
Indonesia produces the most local engineers in the world, with about 30,000 engineering graduates annually. The annual number of engineering graduates in this country is close to 140,169 (approximately). This is another reason why foreign students who have earned their engineering degrees choose to live here permanently. Indonesia is one of the top nations in the world for keeping the greatest number of engineers worldwide, with an average monthly pay of about 8,378 US dollars.
Engineering students in Indonesia are involved in a fast-developing field that is in line with the nation’s developing technology and infrastructure industries. Indonesia generates thousands of engineering graduates annually to satisfy the demands of its ambitious development projects, thanks to government initiatives to increase STEM education.
The demand for sustainable energy sources, transportation networks, and urban infrastructure has led to the popularity of engineering specialties like environmental, mechanical, and civil engineering. In order to provide students with practical experience, universities in Indonesia are increasingly collaborating with businesses to offer internships and hands-on training. There are still issues, though, such as the need to upgrade educational facilities and resources, particularly in rural areas. However, Indonesia’s engineering graduates are growing more competitive on a global scale, which is helping the country prosper and improve its standing in Southeast Asia.
7. Ukraine
The names of Russia and Ukraine are similar in that both nations have become major centers of education worldwide. The second goal is to retain a sizable portion of the top engineers in the world, while the first goal is to support medical schools and institutes in their efforts to produce some of the best doctors of the future. This encouraged as many foreign students as possible to compete for engineering degrees at universities in Ukraine.
Ukraine is among the top 10 nations that produce the most engineers, with an annual production of 130,391 (approximately) after the IT sector expanded by 10-15%.
According to the 2020 QS Emerging Europe & Central Asia University Rankings, three of Ukraine’s 800 universities are among the top 100. More than 100,000 engineering graduates are produced there each year, more than in a number of other European nations.
8. Mexico
The proportion of Mexican students seeking engineering degrees has nearly reached 6 out of 1200 (approx.). With over 5,80,000 students (approximately) enrolled in engineering programs, the proportion of students taking engineering courses is currently increasing in Mexico as well. One of the developing nations currently working to raise the proportion of engineers in the nation is this one. One of the rare nations that offers its engineers a sizable bonus% is Mexico. The typical bonus rate for engineering professionals ranges from 3% to 6% (approximately) of their yearly income.
Mexico produces 113,944 engineering, industrial, and construction graduates annually. The nation has one of the highest percentages of STEM graduates among the seven OECD nations.
9. France
France is well-known throughout the world for its renaissance in art and architecture; few are aware that it is also one of the nations where the number of engineering students enrolled is gradually rising. Many Asian students are drawn to the nation by its decentralized educational system, excellent employment prospects, and integrated business training, language, and communication skills-based programs. Enough students decide to become professionals in engineering and settle down here.
About 10% of French university graduates in 2019 were STEM (science, math, and statistics) specialists. This puts France in the top tier of European nations for STEM graduates. UNESCO reports that France produces 104,746 engineering, industrial, and construction graduates annually.
10. Vietnam
Vietnam is ranked second in the world for engineering colleges and institutes, after the United States and Japan, with a percentage of more than 1,20,000 to 1,50,000 engineering graduates. It stands tenth in terms of engineering graduates, with a number approximately around 100,390.
Another factor influencing Asian students’ decision to study in this nation is the abundance of engineering jobs available, which offer a high compensation package for engineers. As a result, they are listed among the top nations in the world for retaining the greatest number of engineers. Vietnam is one of the nations where an engineer’s monthly income typically falls between 7,970,000 VND and 25,400,000 VND (approximately) when compared to other nations.
| Rank | Countries | Number of Engineers and Construction Graduates |
| 1 | Russia | 454,436 |
| 2 | USA | 237,826 |
| 3 | Iran | 233,695 |
| 4 | Japan | 168,214 |
| 5 | South Korea | 147,858 |
| 6 | Indonesia | 140,169 |
| 7 | Ukraine | 130,391 |
| 8 | Mexico | 113,944 |
| 9 | France | 104,746 |
| 10 | Vietnam | 100,390 |
Also Read: Best Universities in Germany
Engineering Employment Opportunities
For those students who finish with degrees in engineering, construction, or manufacturing, there are numerous job options. One such career path is that of a software engineer, which pays quite well. Due to their limited numbers, electrical engineers, particularly those working in the power and utilities sector, enjoy additional advantages.
Civil engineers plan and construct roads and other buildings. The improvement of an industry’s manufacturing processes is the responsibility of industrial engineers. Even if there are a lot of options, unemployment is a reality that varies depending on a person’s expertise in a certain field, how well they articulate their skills, how competitive their industry is, and many other things.
Conclusion
Russia has a sizable engineering workforce in 2024, thanks to a long history of achievement in science, technology, and mathematics. Russia’s high annual engineering graduation rate is a result of the country’s significant emphasis on STEM subjects in both education and administration. The fields of aerospace, nuclear technology, energy, and heavy manufacturing—all vital to the Russian economy and global influence—are among those in which Russian engineers are renowned for their proficiency.
As the need for digital transformation continues to rise, countries like the USA, Iran, Mexico, France, and Indonesia extended their technical expertise into cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital technology. The intense, technically focused training engineering schools offer gives students real-world abilities that drive advancements in both military and civilian applications.
FAQs
Which Country is Best for Engineering in 2024?
As per the data, the USA is best for engineering students because of its facilities and infrastructure in 2024.
Which Country Will Have the Most Engineers in 2024?
As per the last updated data in 2024, the number of graduating engineers in Russia is 454,436, which is the most by any country.
Who is the Top Engineer in the World?
Nikola Tesla was a creator, inventor, electrical engineer, and mechanical engineer whose future inventions were far ahead of their time.
How Many Engineers Does France Have?
As per the updated data in 2024, France is one of the leading countries in the field of engineering, with 104,746 engineers.
Which Nation Offers the Most Affordable Engineering Education?
Since the majority of German colleges are state-funded, the country offers international students the best and most affordable education opportunities. German language proficiency is not required because the majority of programs in Germany are taught entirely in English.
