10 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in UK (2025 Salary Guide)

Explore the Highest paid engineering jobs in UK, be a top paid engineer today

Are you aiming to secure one of the best paid engineering jobs in the UK? You’re not alone. While the average UK salary stands at £34,000, top engineers now command more than £100,000 annually.

The highest paid engineering jobs in UK are seeing remarkable growth. Some positions have experienced salary increases of up to 25% over the last several years. Your career decisions depend on knowing which engineering fields offer the best pay, whether you’re starting your career or looking to advance as an experienced professional.

This detailed salary guide explores the 10 highest paying engineering jobs in UK for 2025. The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of thausands of publicly available engineering jobs in UK. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analysed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis was updated in May 2025

Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Engineering as one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK
A Nuclear Engineer beside a blue gas tank

Nuclear engineering ranks among the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. A nuclear engineer’s role covers these vital responsibilities:

  • Design and develop nuclear energy systems meeting safety standards
  • Monitor and analyze reactor performance data
  • Implement emergency response protocols
  • Oversee facility maintenance and safety procedures
  • Manage nuclear waste disposal processes

Nuclear Engineering Salary Breakdown

Nuclear engineering offers substantial financial rewards. Entry-level nuclear engineers can expect to earn around £45,000 annually. Your earnings can grow substantially to £76,540 with experience and expertise. The compensation can be even higher in specialised sectors or senior positions.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Required Nuclear Engineering Skills in 2025, as one of the highest paid engineering jobs in 2025
Required Nuclear Engineering Skills in 2025

Success in this field requires a strong educational foundation and specific technical skills. You need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Your skill set should include:

Required Nuclear Engineering Education in 2025, as one of the highest paid engineering jobs in 2025
Required Nuclear Engineering Education in 2025

Technical Expertise:

  • Advanced mathematical and analytical abilities
  • Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Understanding of nuclear physics and radiation

Chartered Engineer status can improve your career prospects and earning potential. Regular participation in industry conferences and specialized training programs helps you stay current with new technologies.

Data Engineering

Data Engineering as one of the high paying engineering jobs in UK
A Data Engineer at work alongside a physical data server

Data engineering has become one of the most lucrative engineering careers in the UK today. Data engineers are the architects of data systems. Their core responsibilities include developing data architectures, creating efficient data pipelines, and ensuring data quality and reliability. They also collaborate with data scientists and business stakeholders to turn raw data into valuable insights.

Data Engineering Salary Breakdown

Data Engineering Salary by Years of Experience, as one of the highest paying engineering jobs in 2025 experience_years_min Average of annual_salary_usd 0 £47,687 1 £51,460 2 £65,542 3 £88,269 6 £111,420 7 £110,000
Data Engineering Salary by Years of Experience

A data engineer’s earning potential varies based on experience:

The field looks promising as 70% of employers plan to increase salary offers in 2024 for hard-to-fill roles. This makes it an excellent time to start your career in data engineering.

Required Skills and Qualifications

The skills required from Data Engineering managers. These skills were gotten from analyzing hundreds of job posts Data Engineering manager Skills Mentions percet Python 344 20.02% SQL 299 17.40% Data Pipeline 194 11.29% Machine Learning 167 9.72% ETL 150 8.73% AWS 135 7.86% Tableau 125 7.28% Spark 118 6.87% Data Warehouse 102 5.94% Big Data 84 4.89%
Required Data Engineering Skills in 2025

Success in this role requires both technical expertise and soft skills:

  • Proficiency in SQL and database management
  • Programming skills (particularly Python)
  • ETL processes and data pipeline orchestration
  • Big data tools and cloud platforms

You should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or information technology.

Petroleum Engineering

petroleum engineering as one of the best paid engineering jobs in UK
Petroleum machinery being prepared for operation

Petroleum engineering stands as one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK’s energy sector. Their core duties include analyzing geological data, interpreting well-logging results, and designing extraction methods through specialized computer applications and mathematical models. They play a vital role in every stage of oil and gas field evaluation, development, and production.

Petroleum Engineering Salary Breakdown

The earning potential for petroleum engineers remains highly competitive. Entry-level salaries range from £25,000 to £45,000. Notwithstanding that, experienced professionals earn between £55,000 to £100,000 annually. Without doubt, seasoned freelance engineers can get rates that exceed £1,000 per day when demand peaks.

Required Skills and Qualifications

The skills required from petroleum engineers ranked based on their occurrence in job posts Petroleum Engineering Skills Frequency Percent Reservoir Engineering 45 16.30% Drilling Engineering 38 13.77% Production Engineering 35 12.68% Well Completion 30 10.87% Petrophysics 28 10.14% Reservoir Simulation 25 9.06% Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) 22 7.97% Well Log Analysis 20 7.25% Hydraulic Fracturing 18 6.52% Petroleum Geology 15 5.43%
The Skills Required of Petroleum Engineers in 2025

Success in this field requires these technical competencies:

  • Reservoir engineering expertise
  • Drilling and completion engineering knowledge
  • Production engineering skills
  • Proficiency in industry-standard software
The type of education required to get a Petroleum Engineering job. This information was gotten after analyzing hundreds of jobs Petroleum Engineering Skills percentage percent Bachelor’s degree 90 64.29% Master's degree 40 28.57% PhD 10 7.14%
The education needed for a job in Petroleum Engineering in 2025

A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering provides the ideal foundation, though mechanical or chemical engineering degrees work well too. A master’s degree or PhD can boost career prospects and create opportunities in research and development roles.

Robotics Engineering

See Reasons robotic engineers are one of the top paying engineering jobs in UK. Close-up of an industrial robotic arm spraying material in a manufacturing setting, demonstrating automated systems designed by robotics engineers.
Close-up view of an industrial robotic arm in operation

Robotics engineering ranks among the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. Robotics engineers create automated systems that handle tasks too dangerous or complex for humans. You will design and maintain automated systems in industries of all types, from manufacturing to medicine. Work environments vary between offices, laboratories, and manufacturing plants, which provides room for state-of-the-art solutions.

Robotics Engineering Salary Breakdown

The field’s growing importance is reflected in its financial rewards. Entry-level positions start at £27,500, while experienced professionals can earn up to £54,000 annually. Your location significantly affects earning potential. Cities like London, Bristol, and Bedford offer some of the highest salaries.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Robotics Engineer's Skills ranked based on their occurrence in the highest paying engineering job posts; Robotic Engineering Skills Mentions Robotics 82 ROS (Robot Operating System) 67 Python 60 C++ 51 Automation 46 Hardware 43 Sensors 32 Simulation 29 Electrical Engineering 25 Artificial Intelligence 23
The Skills Required of Robotic Engineers in 2025

Success in this field requires a strong mix of technical expertise and practical skills:

  • Engineering science and technology degrees
  • Computer operating systems proficiency
  • Advanced mathematical capabilities
  • Design and problem-solving skills
  • Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships
  • Industry certifications
  • Continuous technical training

Aerospace Engineering

 Overview of aerospace engineering careers in the UK, emphasizing high salaries for designing, testing, and maintaining aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites.
Spacecraft control panel with a lunar view

Advanced projects in aerospace engineering make it one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. Aerospace engineers design, test, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites.

Aerospace Engineering Salary Breakdown

Aerospace Engineering Salary by Seniority level, as one of the best paying engineering jobs in 2025

level_name Aerospace	Average of annual_salary_usd
Entry-Level	 £42,267.91 
Mid-Level	 £61,656.34 
Lead	 £63,500.00 
Senior	 £72,940.33
Aerospace Engineering Salary by Seniority Level

Entry-level positions in aerospace engineering start at £27,000. Your salary can reach £60,000 as you gain experience and expertise. Senior positions and chartered status can help you earn more than £80,000 annually.

Required Skills and Qualifications

The Tools used by Aerospace engineers ranked based on occurrence in job posts Aerospace Engineer Tools Required Frequency Percent CAD (Computer-Aided Design) 110 51.64% SolidWorks 41 19.25% ANSYS 18 8.45% MATLAB 14 6.57% CATIA 13 6.10% Python 12 5.63% Simulink 5 2.35%
The Skills Required of Aerospace Engineers in 2025

A degree in aerospace engineering or related fields like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics sets the foundation. Other related skills include:

  • Strong mathematical and analytical abilities
  • Deep understanding of engineering principles
  • Advanced CAD software proficiency
The Educational requirements of Aerospace Engineers ranked based on occurrence in job posts Aerospace Engineer Educational Requirements Frequency Percent Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering 131 66.16% Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering 52 26.26% Master's in Mechanical Engineering 8 4.04% Master's in Aerospace Engineering 5 2.53% Doctorate 2 1.01%
The education needed for a job in Aerospace Engineering in 2025

Chartered status with the Engineering Council can boost your career prospects. Many employers offer flexible working options that help you balance work and personal life.

Biomedical Engineering

Overview of biomedical engineering in the UK, detailing high salaries and the design of medical equipment such as artificial limbs and cochlear implants.
A biomedical engineer using a drilling machine to process a prosthetic

Biomedical engineering combines engineering precision with medical breakthroughs and ranks among the UK’s highest-paid engineering jobs. Biomedical engineers design and develop crucial medical equipment, from artificial limbs to cochlear implants. You’ll work in hospitals, research institutions, and manufacturing companies. The role involves cooperation with medical professionals and patients to create economical healthcare solutions.

Biomedical Engineering Salary Breakdown

Biomedical Engineering Salary by Years of Experience, as one of the highest paid engineering jobs

experience_years_min Biomedical	Average of annual_salary_usd
1	 £43,406 
2	 £46,079 
3	 £52,418 
5	 £91,163 
10	 £97,500
Biomedical Engineering Salary by Years of Experience
Biomedical Engineering Salary by Seniority level, as one of the high paying engineering jobs in 2025

level_name Biomedical	Average of annual_salary_usd
Internship	 £17,160 
Entry-Level	 £50,822 
Mid-Level	 £57,644 
Lead	 £63,050 
Senior	 £67,060 
Manager	 £72,479
Biomedical Engineering Salary by Seniority Level

Your salary can increase with specialisation in niche areas or by becoming a chartered engineer.

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • A degree in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering
  • Most employers require at least a 2:1 classification
  • NHS roles need registration with the Health & Care Professions Council

Career growth opportunities exist in the NHS, the private sector, and research institutions. You can advance into specialized areas like biomechanics, biomaterials, or rehabilitation engineering.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering as one of the Engineering jobs with high salary in the UK. Explore all the reasons why this is so
Chemical Engineers working in the laboratory

Chemical engineering stands among the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. This field transforms raw materials into everyday essentials and provides exceptional career prospects. You can create everything from medicines to green materials with your expertise.

Chemical Engineering Salary Breakdown

Chemical Engineering Salary by Years of Experience, as one of the top paying engineering jobs in 2025

experience_years_min Chemical	Average of annual_salary_usd
0	62251.11
2	66932
3	75108
4	125000
Chemical Engineering Salary by Years of Experience

Chemical engineers see clear salary progression throughout their careers. New graduates start with a median salary of £28,600. Young professionals earn approximately £30,000. Your median salary can grow to £54,000 with experience.

Chartered status can significantly increase your earnings. To name just one example, chartered engineers with undergraduate degrees earn a median salary of £78,500. The finance and insurance sector rewards professionals with the highest median salary at £90,000 per year.

Chemical Engineering Salary by Seniority level, as one of the high paying engineering jobs in 2025

level_name chemical 	Average of annual_salary_usd	Average of hourly_salary_usd
Internship	 £26,391 	12.69
Entry-Level	 £56,603 	27.21
Mid-Level	 £76,590 	36.82
Senior	 £86,513 	41.59
Chemical Engineering Salary by Seniority Level

Your location influences earning potential. Salaries range from £41,300 in the South West to £70,100 in London. The field offers opportunities in pharmaceuticals, energy, food and drink industries.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Chemical Engineering Technical Skills ranked based on their occurrence in highest paid engineering job posts Chemical Engineering Technical Skills Mentions Chemical processes 129 Materials science 96 Manufacturing 74 Energy 71 Simulation 43 Modeling 23
Chemical Engineering Technical Skills

Success in this field requires an accredited degree in chemical, process, or biochemical engineering. The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) provides the path to chartered status.

Electrical Engineering

Overview of electrical engineering careers in the UK, highlighting high salaries and diverse roles in designing and maintaining electrical systems across various industries, with salary ranges from £27,000 for new graduates to over £60,000 for chartered engineers.
An organized electrical terminal block with neatly arranged wires

Electrical engineering ranks among the highest-paid engineering jobs in UK. Electrical engineers design, build, and maintain electrical systems in a variety of industries. The work extends through many sectors, from building services to manufacturing and construction. Projects range from developing sophisticated control systems to implementing renewable energy solutions.

Electrical Engineering Salary Breakdown

UK Electrical Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
UK Electrical Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
  • New graduates start at £27,000 per year
  • Mid-career professionals can earn up to £42,164
  • Experienced engineers reach £58,000 or more

Engineers with chartered status can earn beyond £60,000 annually.

Uk Electrical Engineer Salary by Seniority Level
Uk Electrical Engineer Salary by Seniority Level

Required Skills and Qualifications

The skills required from Electrical Power Systems Engineers, ranked based on their occurrence in job posts. Electrical Power Systems Engineer Skills Frequency Percentage Electrical engineering expertise 236 26.94% Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge 205 23.40% Power systems understanding 80 9.13% Automation skills 69 7.88% Control systems proficiency 49 5.59% Programming abilities 42 4.79% Grid technologies 42 4.79% Safety awareness 88 10.05% Compliance knowledge 65 7.42%
The skills required of Electrical Engineers
  • A degree in electrical engineering or a related field
  • Professional registration with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
  • Continuous professional development

Civil Engineering

civil engineering in the UK, highlighting high salaries for developing infrastructure, with earnings ranging from £22,500 for graduates to over £110,000 for top-level positions, along with required skills and qualifications
Construction site with reinforced steel bars and formwork in place

Civil engineering stands as one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. The job focuses on developing infrastructure. Your main duties will cover:

  • Designing and managing construction projects
  • Conducting technical feasibility studies
  • Supervising construction activities
  • Ensuring project compliance with regulations
  • Managing budgets and resources

Civil Engineering Salary Breakdown

US Civil Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
Civil Engineer Salary by Years of Experience

Your earnings as a civil engineer change based on your experience and location:

US Civil Engineering Salaries by Seniority Level
US Civil Engineering Salaries by Seniority Level

Location plays a big role in your salary from day one. London-based positions offer up to £42,000 for mid-level roles.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Success in this field requires a civil engineering degree accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). You’ll need both technical and people skills to excel:

Technical Competencies:

  • Advanced mathematical and scientific knowledge
  • Proficiency in CAD software
  • Understanding of construction principles
  • Project management expertise
US Civil Engineer Salary by Education
US Civil Engineer Salary by Education

Professional Development: Getting Chartered Engineer (CEng) status can boost your career prospects. The typical work week runs 40-42 hours, with extra time needed during project deadlines.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering as on of the highest paid engineering jobs in UK
Mechanical Engineers working on computer-aided design CAD software

Mechanical engineering stands out as one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK, with opportunities ranging from manufacturing plants to renewable energy facilities. Mechanical engineers design and build systems that power modern industry operations. The role covers a variety of sectors, from road and rail transport to telecommunications and manufacturing.

Mechanical Engineering Salary Breakdown

Average Mechanical Engineers Salary by years of experience
Mechanical Engineers Salary by Years of Experience

A mechanical engineer’s earning potential shows promising growth. Entry-level positions start at £26,000 yearly. You can earn up to £52,000 with experience. Salaries can reach £59,908 in London and the South East, and some positions offer higher compensation.

Average Mechanical Engineer Salary by Seniority Level UK
Average Mechanical Engineer Salary by Seniority Level

Required Skills and Qualifications

Mechanical Engineers Required Education
Mechanical Engineers Required Education

You need a strong educational foundation through one of these paths:

  • A university degree in mechanical engineering
  • A higher national diploma
  • An apprenticeship program
  • Design expertise
  • Computer-aided design proficiency

Job Outlook for Engineers in the UK

Engineering careers through 2030 look very promising in the UK. Right now, 25% of all job postings are engineering roles. This shows strong demand in industries of all sizes.

The UK government plans to invest £4.5 billion in eight key manufacturing sectors. This creates many opportunities in automotive, clean energy, and life sciences. Starting from 2025, this five-year investment will give your career path more stability.

The job market looks strong, with 44% of employers ready to hire engineers. London and the South East still have the highest number of engineering and technology jobs.

The renewable energy sector shows great promise with these goals:

  • Quadruple the current offshore wind farm output by 2030
  • Increase solar energy capacity five-fold by 2035

This growth path and the government’s push for green practices mean your engineering skills will become more valuable. Engineering jobs will grow in all UK regions through 2030. You’ll have the freedom to choose where you want to advance your career.

Cities with the Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in UK

Want to find the best paying engineering jobs in the UK? The right location can make a big difference in your salary. The UK’s engineering hotspots each come with their own salary scales and career paths.

London stands as the country’s biggest engineering center, where engineers earn an average of £80,445. The capital’s finance and technology sectors reward your expertise with top-tier salaries.

Several other cities offer great engineering careers:

  • Cambridge: An innovation powerhouse with tech salaries averaging £41,625
  • Manchester: Engineers here earn around £38,685
  • Bristol: Expected to create 33,895 technology jobs by 2023
  • Birmingham: The city’s focus remains on infrastructure projects

Each city brings something special to the table. Cambridge blends academic excellence with cutting-edge industry projects. Manchester’s engineering sector thrives thanks to huge infrastructure investments.

Your specialty and location determine your earning power. Reading’s tech professionals earn £53,255 on average, making it the second-highest paying city. Edinburgh proves attractive with £40,107 median tech wages and excellent living standards.

Comparison Table with Location Premium

Let me show you what the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK pay. This salary breakdown will help you plan your career path better.

Engineering RoleEntry LevelMid-CareerSenior LevelLocation Premium*
Data Engineering£50,000£75,000£125,000+£10,000
Nuclear Engineering£45,000£55,000£76,540+£8,000
Petroleum Engineering£45,162£65,000£100,000+£12,000
Robotics Engineering£41,150£54,000£72,500+£7,500
Aerospace Engineering£37,398£45,000£65,000 [501]+£9,000
Chemical Engineering£34,931£54,000 [501]£78,500+£8,500
Electrical Engineering£37,386£42,164£58,000+£7,000
Civil Engineering£37,301£46,148£52,809+£6,500
Mechanical Engineering£36,292£45,000 [501]£59,908+£8,000
Biomedical Engineering£36,677£44,962£72,000+£7,000

*Location Premium: Additional salary for positions in London and Southeast England

Your experience level and location significantly impact your earning potential. Engineers working in London can earn up to £15,000 more than the national average. The job market looks promising as 78% of UK engineers got a pay raise in the last year. This shows strong competition among employers offering attractive compensation packages.

Comparison of Highest Paid Engineering Jobs

Engineering RoleEntry Level SalaryMid-Career SalarySenior Level SalaryRequired QualificationsKey Skills/Requirements
Nuclear Engineering£45,000£60,000+£76,540Bachelor’s/Master’s in Nuclear/Chemical EngineeringAdvanced mathematics, CAD proficiency, Nuclear physics knowledge
Data Engineering£50,000-£75,000£75,000-£100,000£90,000-£125,000Bachelor’s in Computer Science/MathematicsSQL, Python, ETL processes, Big data tools
Petroleum Engineering£25,000-£45,000£55,000£100,000Bachelor’s in Petroleum EngineeringReservoir engineering, Drilling expertise, Production engineering
Robotics Engineering£27,500£40,000£54,000Degree in AI/Robotics/MechatronicsEngineering science, Computer systems, Advanced mathematics
Aerospace Engineering£27,000£45,000£80,000Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical EngineeringCAD software, Project management, Engineering principles
Biomedical Engineering£29,970-£36,483£37,338-£44,962£46,148-£72,000Degree in Biomedical/Electrical EngineeringProblem-solving, Communication skills, Technical expertise
Chemical Engineering£28,600£54,000£78,500Accredited Chemical Engineering degreeAnalytical skills, Project management, Process optimization
Electrical Engineering£27,000£42,164£58,000Electrical Engineering degreeTechnical knowledge, Design expertise, Project management
Civil Engineering£22,500£32,000-£42,000£40,000-£110,000Civil Engineering degree (ICE accredited)CAD software, Mathematics, Construction principles
Mechanical Engineering£26,000£40,000£52,000-£59,908Mechanical Engineering degreeMathematics, Design expertise, CAD proficiency

Conclusion

The engineering sector’s skills shortage has created abundant opportunities in every specialization. The government’s £4.5 billion investment in manufacturing, combined with ambitious renewable energy goals, points to steady growth through 2030. These factors make engineering a secure career choice with promising prospects.

Your path to these best paying engineering jobs depends on your qualifications and industry knowledge. Professional certifications from prominent bodies like ICE, IET, or IChemE can substantially increase your earning potential. Your value to employers will grow even more with specialized skills in renewable energy, AI, and automation.

The job market remains robust, with 44% of employers looking for talent. Your commitment to professional development and specialized certifications will set you up for career growth and better compensation in this ever-changing field.

FAQs

Nuclear engineering currently tops the list of highest paid engineering jobs in the UK, with salaries reaching up to £76,540 for senior roles. This is followed closely by data engineering and petroleum engineering.

The average salary for engineers in the UK is expected to be well above £35,000 annually. Many specialized engineering roles command significantly higher salaries, often ranging from £50,000 to over £100,000 for experienced professionals.

Engineering salaries in London tend to be higher than in other UK cities, with a premium of up to £15,000 above the national average. Cities like Cambridge, Manchester, and Bristol also offer competitive salaries but generally don’t match London’s top paying engineering jobs.

Most high paying engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline. Many top roles also prefer or require advanced degrees, chartered status with professional bodies like ICE or IET, and specialized certifications in emerging technologies.

Sectors like renewable energy, data engineering, and robotics are projected to see significant growth in the UK. The government’s £4.5 billion investment in manufacturing and ambitious clean energy targets suggest strong future demand for engineers in these fields.

CDR Elite Writers
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