Mechanical engineering is one of the most sought-after professions in the UK due to its wide applicability in various industries, from automotive to aerospace, and manufacturing to energy.
With technological advancements driving industry growth, mechanical engineers remain in high demand, often commanding competitive salaries.
If you are considering a career in this field or are already working as a mechanical engineer, understanding salary prospects across experience levels and roles is crucial.
In this blog, we will break down the salary for mechanical engineer, focusing on the UK market, and provide insight into the factors influencing earnings, the differences by role, and what the future holds for this profession.
What Is the Average Mechanical Engineer Salary in the UK?
Mechanical engineering salaries in the UK vary based on several factors, including experience, location, sector, and role.
On average, mechanical engineers earn £46,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the UK’s national average salary of £30,000. Salaries at the senior or specialist level, particularly in sectors like oil and gas or aerospace, can exceed £85,000.
The demand for skilled mechanical engineers continues to grow in high-tech sectors like renewable energy, AI-driven manufacturing, and automation, making the field highly lucrative, especially for those with the right expertise.
What Is the Starting Salary for Mechanical Engineers in the UK?
For graduates or individuals beginning their careers, the starting salary for mechanical engineers is around £23,000 to £26,000 per year.
Starting salaries often reflect the industry and geographic location, with London offering higher wages than smaller towns due to the cost of living.
New graduates often enter junior roles or apprenticeship schemes where they may gain practical experience and professional development. Working for large multinational companies, especially in sectors like aerospace or energy, often leads to higher starting salaries compared to smaller local firms.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Salary (per year) |
| Junior/Graduate | £23,000 – £30,000 |
| Mid-Career (4-9 years) | £40,000 – £50,000 |
| Senior (10-20 years) | £60,000 – £85,000 |
| Principal Engineer | £85,000 – £120,000+ |
Mechanical engineers with 4-9 years of experience move into mid-career roles, where they often earn between £40,000 and £50,000 per year.
These professionals take on more complex projects, gain managerial responsibilities, and often specialize in areas like design engineering, project management, or research and development.
For those with 10-20 years of experience, particularly those in senior roles or in high-demand sectors like offshore engineering, salaries can range from £60,000 to £85,000.
Principal Engineers or those holding chartered status can see their salaries exceeding £120,000 annually, especially if they are leading large teams or taking responsibility for multi-million-pound projects.
How Do Mid-Career Mechanical Engineers’ Salaries Grow?
Mechanical engineers with 4-9 years of experience see a significant increase in their salaries. Mid-career professionals can expect to earn between £40,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on their specialisation and the industry they work in.
At this level, engineers often take on more responsibilities, such as project management, team leadership, and involvement in more complex engineering projects. This increase in responsibilities often leads to more competitive compensation.
What Are the Highest Salaries for Senior and Principal Mechanical Engineers?
Senior mechanical engineers, especially those with 10-20 years of experience, can earn £74,000 or more annually.
Principal engineers and those in leadership roles, such as Chartered Engineers, often see salaries exceeding £85,000, and in some cases, reaching over £120,000 per year. These roles typically involve managing large teams, overseeing major projects, and offering expert consultation.
Senior engineers working in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, and defence tend to have higher earning potential due to the technical expertise required in these fields.
How Do Mechanical Engineer Salaries Differ by Sector and Location?
The sector and geographic location greatly influence mechanical engineer salaries. In aerospace, energy, and defense, engineers can expect higher pay due to the specialized nature of their work.
On the other hand, sectors like manufacturing or construction offer lower salaries but may provide more stable and long-term opportunities.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Sector
| Industry | Average Salary (per year) |
| Aerospace Engineering | £50,000 – £75,000 |
| Energy & Utilities | £60,000 – £85,000 |
| Manufacturing | £35,000 – £50,000 |
| Construction | £40,000 – £55,000 |
| Public Sector | £30,000 – £45,000 |
In London, the demand for engineering talent pushes wages higher, with the average salary for a mechanical engineer around £50,979. Outside London, salaries tend to drop, particularly in cities like Wigan and Bradford, where engineers earn less due to lower living costs and less competitive markets.
Highest Paying Cities for Mechanical Engineers near the UK
| City | Average Salary | Number of Salaries Reported |
| London | £50,979 per year | 930 salaries reported |
| Cambridge | £46,074 per year | 118 salaries reported |
| Glasgow | £41,363 per year | 105 salaries reported |
| Barton-upon-Humber | £40,714 per year | 5 salaries reported |
| Stoke-on-Trent | £40,593 per year | 25 salaries reported |
| Southampton | £39,221 per year | 43 salaries reported |
| Sheffield | £38,923 per year | 71 salaries reported |
| Bradford | £35,517 per year | 191 salaries reported |
| Wigan | £35,115 per year | 13 salaries reported |
While London continues to offer the highest salaries, Cambridge and Glasgow also present competitive pay, reflecting their role as hubs for high-tech industries and research facilities.
Smaller cities like Bradford and Wigan offer lower salaries but may appeal to engineers looking for a lower cost of living and a less competitive job market.
Do Mechanical Engineers Receive Bonuses and Benefits?
Yes, many mechanical engineers receive additional compensation in the form of annual bonuses, typically ranging between £1,000 and £5,000.
Bonuses depend on the company’s size, performance, and the engineer’s seniority level. Engineers in senior roles or working in industries like oil and gas may receive substantial bonuses, sometimes exceeding £10,000 per year.
Additional benefits can include health insurance, pension schemes, flexible working arrangements, and paid professional development opportunities, such as obtaining Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
How Do Mechanical Engineer Salaries Compare to Other Engineering Fields?
Mechanical engineering salaries are competitive with other engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers often earn similar or slightly higher salaries than civil engineers, especially when working in more specialised sectors like aerospace or offshore engineering.
Comparative Salaries for Engineering Disciplines in the UK
| Engineering Field | Average Salary (per year) |
| Mechanical Engineering | £46,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | £40,000 – £55,000 |
| Civil Engineering | £30,000 – £50,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | £45,000 – £65,000 |
Compared to electrical engineering, which typically sees salaries ranging from £40,000 to £55,000, and civil engineering, with average salaries of £30,000 to £50,000, mechanical engineers in high-demand industries have the potential to earn more, particularly as they move into leadership roles.
What Is the Pay Scale for Different Mechanical Engineer Roles?
Mechanical engineering offers a clear path for salary progression. Starting with a base salary of £23,000 to £30,000 for junior roles, engineers can steadily increase their earnings by gaining experience, specialising in high-demand sectors, or taking on leadership roles.
Chartered Engineers or those with principal responsibilities can earn upwards of £120,000, particularly in industries like offshore energy and defence.
How Will Future Trends Impact Mechanical Engineer Salaries?
The mechanical engineering profession is undergoing significant shifts as new technologies and sustainability initiatives gain prominence.
The push for renewable energy, automation, and net-zero carbon targets has led to increased demand for mechanical engineers skilled in areas like AI, machine learning, and green technologies.
This is likely to lead to salary growth, particularly in roles focusing on sustainable energy systems, smart manufacturing, and automated production processes.
Mechanical engineers with expertise in these emerging areas will likely see a premium on their salaries as they become pivotal in helping industries adapt to new regulations and technological advancements.
Additionally, as the UK government invests in large-scale infrastructure and green projects, mechanical engineers will play a vital role, further driving demand and increasing salaries in these areas.
FAQs
What is the average starting salary for a mechanical engineer in the UK?
The average starting salary for a mechanical engineer is between £23,000 and £26,000 annually. This can vary based on the employer’s size, industry, and location.
How much can a senior mechanical engineer earn in the UK?
Senior mechanical engineers can earn between £60,000 and £85,000, with potential for salaries to exceed £120,000 in high-demand sectors such as oil and gas or offshore engineering.
Do mechanical engineers receive bonuses?
Yes, many companies offer annual bonuses to mechanical engineers. These bonuses typically range from £1,000 to £5,000, but senior engineers in certain industries, like aerospace, may receive higher bonuses.
How does location impact a mechanical engineer’s salary in the UK?
Location is a significant factor, with engineers in London and South East England generally earning more than those in northern cities like Bradford or Wigan. In London, salaries can reach £50,979 per year, while smaller towns may offer lower wages.
What factors influence the salary of a mechanical engineer?
Several factors influence salary, including experience, location, industry, and education level. For example, engineers with Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or those working in specialised industries like aerospace tend to earn more.
How does industry type affect mechanical engineer salaries?
Industry plays a major role, with engineers in sectors like oil and gas, energy, and aerospace earning significantly more than those in manufacturing or the public sector.
What is the salary difference between chartered and non-chartered engineers?
Chartered Engineers (CEng) typically earn between £10,000 and £15,000 more annually than non-chartered engineers. This premium is due to the higher level of responsibility and expertise required for chartered status.
