Mechanical engineer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Mechanical engineers develop and design the components and machinery used in manufacturing, construction and other industries.

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of physics
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
  • Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
  • Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
  • Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical
Read more about Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineers typically work around 35 to 40 hours per week.

As a Mechanical engineer you will typically work evenings / weekends.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical,
Read more about Mechanical engineer
* from ONETonline
Average salary
47,172 GBP *
per year
22,000 GBP
55,000 GBP
Starting
5+ Experience
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
Average salary for Mechanical engineer

  • 47,199 GBP
  • 46,880 GBP
Average salary for part-time Mechanical engineer
Average salary for full-time Mechanical engineer

Showing:
  • 28,042 GBP
  • 47,172 GBP
  • 46,880 GBP
  • 47,199 GBP
Salary over time for Mechanical engineer

Salary for this role has increased over time
  • 43,835 GBP
  • 45,944 GBP
  • 45,820 GBP
  • 46,974 GBP
  • 52,186 GBP
  • 49,018 GBP
  • 47,172 GBP
  • 45,528 GBP
  • 44,248 GBP
Ads

Future outlook for Mechanical engineers

pointer
Very good outlook
31 000+ jobs available
pointer
Balanced outlook
0% yearly wage growth (on average)
pointer
Very good outlook
29% chance of automation in the future

Mechanical engineer - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Mechanical engineer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

  • 92% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
  • 4% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
  • 1% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma

You could do a Level 4 and 5 Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at college before looking for work.


Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Mechanical engineer

Engineering

Things to highlight for your Mechanical engineer interview

Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Not sure if you are in the right job?

Take our career change quiz