Salary

Bachelor of engineering salary: This is what the general salary level looks like

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Are you interested in knowing what you can expect to earn as a bachelor of engineering? In this article, we examine the salary levels for undergraduate engineers and compare them with other engineering degrees. Get advice on salary negotiations and insights into further education options after your bachelor of engineering degree.

Table of contents

  • How we calculate your salary as a bachelor of engineering
  • This is how much a undergraduate earn
  • Salary statistics: What other engineers earn
  • How to handle a salary negotiation as a bachelor of engineering
  • Considering further studies as a bachelor of engineering?

How we calculate your salary as a bachelor of engineering

IDA's salary calculator is a valuable tool that helps you get an overview of the salary level in relation to your geographical location, education, and industry. By using the salary calculator, you can calculate which salary matches your qualifications and the labor market standards in the coming years.

All salary rates in this article are based on an average for employees in all professions. They should be considered as guidance and an insight into what an average, admission-eligible STEM student can expect in salary after completing their studies.
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This is how much a undergraduate earn

If you have a undergraduate degree, you can expect an average starting salary of 45,500 DKK nationwide in 2025. This figure is based on all educational directions and industries. The number varies depending on the educational direction and industry you enter. Remember, besides salary, there are other important factors to consider, such as workplace benefits, the general work life in companies within your industry, pension, etc.

As a bachelor of engineering, you have a practical and application-oriented education that makes you attractive to many employers. IDA's salary statistics collect data from both private employees, self-employed, and public employees to prepare the salary tables, which are projected with a 2.0% annual increase.

Below is the salary development in the average salary from 2024-2026 for a bachelor of engineering in the food, chemical, plastic, and wood industry.

Salary statistics: What other engineers earn

Comparing your future salary as a bachelor of engineering with other engineering degrees for other professions in the labor market, our salary statistics indicate that salary development for different degrees results in varying salaries. Below is a selection of other engineering degrees. These figures are calculated by our salary calculator and are all based on nationwide data in 2025.

Overall, as a civil engineer across all industries, you will generally have a starting salary of 48,000 DKK.

Building engineer:
If you study an engineering degree in construction, a graduate degree in this field can provide a starting salary of 47,000 DKK. On the other hand, if you are a civil engineer in the field, you can expect a slightly higher starting salary of 49,000 DKK.
Electrical engineer:
If you study a graduate degree in electronics, you can expect an average starting salary of 44,000 DKK. A slightly higher starting salary can be expected as a civil engineer in this field: 46,000 DKK.

Software engineer:
If you are soon to be a new graduate in software, according to IDA's salary calculator, you will get a starting salary of 45,500 DKK. A civil engineer in this field is calculated to earn 48,000 DKK.

IT engineer:
If you take an engineering degree in IT, you can expect a starting salary of 47,500 DKK as a undergraduate engineer and 49,500 DKK as a civil engineer.

As you can see, there is a slight difference in the expected starting salary depending on the field and title. But remember again, that all the figures are guidance and an average.

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How to handle a salary negotiation as a bachelor of engineering

When negotiating salary as a newly graduated engineer, it is important to be well-prepared. Start by using IDA's salary calculator to get a realistic picture of what you can expect in terms of salary. Research salary statistics and compare with other engineering degrees to strengthen your argument.

Be ready to highlight your skills, experiences, and the unique abilities you have gained through your education.

Emphasize the early work experiences you gain in a bachelor of engineering program. The more practice-oriented course of the education is particularly notable. In general, good preparation and a confident demeanor can make a big difference in your salary negotiation, and IDA can help you with all the good advice.
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Considering further studies as a bachelor of engineering?

Are you currently a student in a bachelor of engineering program and considering further studies? Then it is possible to pursue a master's degree afterwards. It can be advantageous to consider this while you are in your bachelor of engineering program, as you can plan your diploma studies to gain access to specific master's programs.

Alternatively, after completing your studies, you can supplement with courses and education that provide access to a master's degree at universities. With a master's degree on top of your bachelor of engineering degree, you become a civil engineer. Normally, it takes five years to become a civil engineer with a bachelor's and master's degree, but with a undergraduate degree and a master's degree afterwards, it will take at least half a year more.

Typically, by pursuing further studies, such as a master's degree, you get the opportunity to specialize in a chosen subject. The salary also generally increases when you choose to pursue a master's degree.

If you want specialization in a subject and the prospect of a generally higher starting salary, it might be a good idea to consider further studies.

We hope this article helped you and made you wiser about what you can expect in terms of salary as a undergraduate engineer.

Our counselling can help you

Our professional career counseling is always ready to assist you with questions regarding your upcoming time as a new graduate.

If you are fortunate enough to have found a job, it can be a good idea to have your contract reviewed. This is what we, as your union, help you with.