The highest-paying engineering jobs in the UK are in the petroleum, software, and data fields, which can result in six-figure salaries. Of course, this doesn’t happen immediately, as only the most skilled and experienced engineers can hope to earn as much. Still, with enough effort and professional development, it is achievable.
In this article, we will review the best-paying engineering jobs in the UK, provide an engineering salary comparison, and share tips on how to create a compelling CV to secure a career in this industry.
Key Takeaways
The highest-paying engineering jobs in the UK are found in various fields, including petroleum, nuclear, software, data, robotics, aerospace, mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, and chemical engineering.
Skills that can boost engineering salaries are AI and machine learning, cloud computing, sustainability, data analysis, leadership, and project management.
To make a successful engineering CV, you should highlight your achievements, include both soft and hard skills, choose a readable format, ensure that the text is scannable, and double-check your grammar.
11 Highest-Paying Engineering Jobs in the UK
The highest-paying engineering job in the UK is that of a petroleum engineer, whose average annual earnings are around £71,000, depending on seniority and experience. Other candidates include engineers in software, data, nuclear, robotics, aerospace, mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and biomedical fields.
All these jobs are in high demand and, according to the predictions, this trend will only continue over the next few years. Namely, the UK will face a shortfall of one million engineers by 2030, so those who do go into engineering are sure to be hired quickly and receive excellent salaries.
Now, let’s examine all these positions in more detail, discuss their responsibilities and requirements, and highlight the differences between entry-level and senior engineer salaries.
#1. Petroleum Engineer
Average salary: £41,000–£71,000
A petroleum engineer is a high-paying engineering job with numerous responsibilities involving the evaluation, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas. In this career, you are expected to analyse geological data, select suitable drilling equipment, and develop efficient extraction techniques using specialised mathematical models.
To become a petroleum engineer, you need the following skills and qualifications:
BA or MA in Petroleum Engineering (mechanical and chemical engineering are acceptable, too)
Teamwork
Leadership
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Data interpretation
CAD software proficiency
Expertise in drilling techniques
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and geology
#2. Software Engineer
Average salary: £38,000–£65,000
Software engineers have been in high demand globally over the past few years, so it’s hardly a surprise that their salaries are among the highest. As a software engineer, your primary job is to develop new and improve existing software and applications, diagnose system faults, and correct software defects.
Considering that the IT field is constantly evolving, you’ll need to be comfortable with ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with trends. Otherwise, you likely won’t be able to keep up.
That said, here are the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in this high-paying engineering job:
BA or MA in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Programming languages (Java, Python, C++, JavaScript)
Flexibility
Teamwork
Troubleshooting
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Technical proficiency
Understanding databases (SQL and NoSQL)
#3. Data Engineer
Average salary: £38,000–£61,000
Data engineering is among the engineering jobs with the highest demand, as most organisations and businesses nowadays rely on data to make informed operational decisions. All that data needs to be stored, cleaned, and analysed, and data engineers are the ones who make the required infrastructure.
They typically require the following skills and qualifications:
BA or MA in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Information Technology
Data pipelines
Cloud platforms
Data warehousing
Big data technologies
Programming languages (Python, Java)
Understanding databases (SQL and NoSQL)
#4. Nuclear Engineer
Average salary: £32,000–£64,000
Nuclear engineers have highly responsible jobs; they design, build, maintain, and decommission nuclear power plants and related equipment, ensuring safety and stability.
Considering the hazardous nature of radioactive materials to people and the environment, these professionals must be cautious, detail-oriented, and willing to continually expand their knowledge.
Here are the typical skills and qualifications a nuclear engineer must possess:
BA or MA in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics
Physics
Mathematics
Analytical skills
Communication
Attention to detail
CAD software proficiency
#5. Robotics Engineer
Average salary: £32,000–£50,000
Robotics engineers design automated systems that can handle various repetitive or complex tasks that humans may not be able to perform as efficiently. Aside from developing these systems, they also maintain and enhance them, contributing to industries ranging from manufacturing to medicine.
If you want to become a robotics engineer, you need the following skills and qualifications:
BA or MA in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Robotics
Teamwork
Data science
Communication
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Maths knowledge
Project management
CAD software proficiency
Knowledge of electronic circuits
Understanding of robotics algorithms
Programming languages (Python, C++, MATLAB)
#6. Aerospace Engineer
Average salary: £30,000–£47,000
Aerospace engineering is a high-salary engineering field, involving research, design, development, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. That doesn’t include only commercial and military aeroplanes; many engineers design missiles, satellites, and weapons systems.
Aside from safety and functionality, which are of the utmost importance to aerospace engineers, they must also consider the environmental impact of their craft. Nowadays, designs that help minimise pollution and fuel consumption are particularly valued.
Here are some of the skills and qualifications you may need for this high-paying engineering job:
BA or MA in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
Creativity
Teamwork
Communication
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Analytical thinking
CAD software proficiency
Environmental awareness
Knowledge of maths, physics, and chemistry
#7. Mechanical Engineer
Average salary: £30,000–£44,000
Mechanical engineering is perhaps the most versatile branch of engineering; most industries use mechanical systems and, therefore, need these engineers. As a result, they can easily find employment, and their salaries are usually quite impressive.
As for their responsibilities, mechanical engineers typically oversee a product’s development through all the stages: research, design, manufacture, installation, and commissioning. They also come up with efficient and cost-effective solutions to enhance new and existing equipment.
These are the skills and qualifications every mechanical engineer should possess:
BA or MA in Mechanical Engineering
Teamwork
Communication
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Analytical thinking
CAD software proficiency
CAM software proficiency
Knowledge of maths and physics
#8. Electrical Engineer
Average salary: £30,000–£43,000
Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems and equipment, be they small devices or large power grids. They also work on maintenance and enhancement, and are involved in testing to ensure that all parts meet the requirements.
To become an electrical engineer, you need the following skills and qualifications:
BA or MA in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Applied Physics, or Mechatronics
Teamwork
System testing
Critical thinking
Communication
Attention to detail
Project management
Expertise in circuit design
Knowledge of physics and maths
Electrical CAD software proficiency
#9. Civil Engineer
Average salary: £30,000–£42,000
Civil engineering is one of the top-paying engineering careers in the UK, making it particularly attractive to young job seekers.
However, it is also highly responsible; as a civil engineer, you are in charge of constructing buildings, highways, and other types of infrastructure. It’s your job to work on design projects, assess potential risks, resolve issues, conduct site investigations, and ensure that a project runs smoothly.
Keeping that in mind, you need these skills and qualifications:
MA or BA in Civil Engineering
Teamwork
Leadership
Communication
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Maths knowledge
Project management
Building and construction
CAD software proficiency
#10. Chemical Engineer
Average salary: £27,000–£47,000
Chemical engineering is one of the highest-paying engineering jobs that involves the design and development of various products. That may sound vague, but it’s only because chemical engineers can work in practically any field that requires turning raw materials into something else (e.g., oil into plastic).
Recently, chemical engineers have also begun pioneering valuable new materials, such as nanotechnology and fuel cells. In other words, this position requires an innovative mind that’s willing to push boundaries.
That said, the following are the skills required to become a chemical engineer:
BA or MA in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering
Teamwork
Innovation
Data analysis
Quality control
Process safety
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
CAD software proficiency
Knowledge of maths and chemistry
Process simulation software (Aspen Plus, MATLAB)
#11. Biomedical Engineer
Average salary: £25,000–£37,000
Biomedical engineers apply their engineering skills to the medical field, developing and modifying equipment used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For instance, they may be working on robotic surgical instruments or creating joint replacements for patients.
Typically, biomedical engineers need the following skills and qualifications:
BA or MA in Biomedical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Teamwork
Data analysis
Communication
Problem-solving
Medical imaging
Attention to detail
Clinical terminology
CAD software proficiency
Understanding of biomaterials
Programming languages (MATLAB, Python, C++)
Knowledge of physics, biology, and human biochemistry
Skills That Boost Engineering Salaries
Skills that boost engineering salaries in the UK include the following:
AI and machine learning, which have become practically indispensable in the past few years. They can significantly improve efficiency by optimising design, making specific processes automatic, and predicting system or equipment failures before they happen.
Data analysis, which is a requirement in some engineering fields and a huge plus in others. Accurately analysing data can result in better decision-making and, therefore, more efficient systems and products.
Sustainability, which is becoming increasingly valuable in fields such as civil engineering, nuclear engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering. Most employers nowadays look for an individual with eco-friendly ideas, who will realise them while remaining efficient and cost-effective.
Cloud computing, which fosters collaboration and cost-effectiveness by using platforms that many engineers can access simultaneously. Additionally, it eliminates the need for expensive hardware and offers greater flexibility.
Leadership, which is an excellent asset for engineers who work in teams. Instead of constantly being supervised and waiting for instructions, these engineers can take charge and make sound decisions while motivating others.
Project management, which is necessary because engineering largely consists of projects with specific deadlines and budgets. Engineers who can organise their tasks, manage their time, and properly allocate resources are invaluable to their company.
How to Create an Engineering CV That Gets You Hired
To create an engineering CV that gets you hired, you should do the following:
Highlight your achievements. Make sure to list several achievements under each entry in the work experience section, emphasising your contributions and measurable results. Be as specific as possible, but keep it short; a single sentence will suffice. You should also mention your most impressive accomplishment in the personal statement.
Include both soft and hard skills. Your skills section should contain both, as they are equally important for landing a job. Industry-specific skills, such as programming or CAD software, should be prioritised, but don’t leave out teamwork, communication, or problem-solving skills, either.
Choose a clean, readable format. The first obstacle in the hiring process is passing the applicant tracking system (ATS) scan, which ensures that only CVs that adhere to the requirements reach a recruiter. If you opt for a simple but professional format, you’ll likely succeed, and this will also earn you a few points with hiring managers.
Use headings, bullet points, and white space. Your CV shouldn’t just be an unreadable block of text; break the content up into paragraphs and make it visually appealing. This will help you with the ATS scan, but it will also ensure that recruiters can easily find the information they need.
Pay attention to your grammar. Bad grammar and typos can make even the most impressive CV look unprofessional, so proofread your content before submitting. We suggest running it through a grammar checker, too, or asking someone else to review it for you.
Make a Professional CV Within Minutes
If you need extra help securing a high-paying engineering job, use our CV builder to help you create an eye-catching application. All you have to do is enter your information, follow our AI assistant’s instructions, and select a CV template. Then, our builder will generate a perfect, submission-ready document.
Alternatively, you can browse our collection of CV examples and see if anything inspires you to write your own document from scratch. We have an extensive collection with applications for most industries, so you’ll surely find what you need.
Final Thoughts
Generally speaking, engineers earn well, regardless of their specific field, so you won’t make a mistake no matter what you choose. Still, as you have seen, petroleum, software, and data engineers tend to have the highest salaries and often lead to particularly fulfilling and lucrative careers.
Highest-Paying Engineering Jobs FAQ
#1. Which engineering jobs are in demand in the UK?
Engineering jobs in demand in the UK are civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, likely due to their versatility and relation to infrastructure and manufacturing. Other jobs, such as data engineering or software engineering, are almost equally as sought-after.
#2. Do I need a master’s degree to get a high-paying engineering job?
You don’t need a master’s degree to get a high-paying engineering job, but it is a significant advantage that can open doors to many lucrative opportunities. However, if you are lucky and highly experienced, a bachelor’s degree should be sufficient for securing most positions with excellent salaries.
#3. Can engineers earn six figures in the UK?
Engineers can earn six figures in the UK, particularly in fields such as software and civil engineering. However, this salary usually comes with added management responsibilities and, therefore, comes with extra stress and accountability.
