What engineering sector/industry has the highest salary? In the UK, the engineering sector is huge, with work being complete in most major industries. These range from manufacturing, designing planes and electrical equipment. Universities offer a wide range of different engineering degrees allowing students to specialise in areas of interest. Here I will cover the top 5 paying engineering sectors.
The average salary for an engineer in the UK is approximately £40,000 per annum. Over the past few years (before COVID-19) the engineering industry has grown by 1.5-2% a year, showing positive signs
The Engineer salary review 2019 showed the average salary of all engineers was £51,253 which is an increase from 2018’s results, £47,896. This survey consisted of 1568 engineers, spread across 11 sectors. However, 85.4 per cent described themselves as senior engineers or above and the average age being 47.6. These figures give a good indication of a salary you can expect as you develop in your career.
So what is the highest paying engineering jobs?
Which engineering has the highest salary?
1. Energy/Renewable/Nuclear Industry £54,000
The Energy/Renewable/Nuclear Industry currently sits at the top of the list for the most lucrative industry in engineering, with an average salary close to £54,000. The typical engineering degree looked for in this sector Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering.
2. Oil & Gas Industry – £52,500
In a close second is the Oil & Gas industry. The average salary for this industry is approximately £52,500. Typical degrees looked for in this sector are Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
3. Chemical Industry – £51,000
Very similar to the Oil & Gas industry is the chemical industry, which has an average salary of £51,000. As the name suggests the predominate engineering degree required for this role is Chemical Engineering, however most engineering disciplines can find a position within the industry. Petroleum engineers are one of the highest paying engineering jobs.
4. Foods/Consumer goods – £48,000
The food/consumer goods industry is huge in the UK, making it the largest manufacturing sector in the UK! Finding jobs in this sector shouldn’t be too hard to come by if this is the sector you wish to work in. Helping this the sector is spread out geographically meaning no matter where you live you should find a job near your area. This sector will accept a wide range of engineering degrees.
5. Aerospace – £47,500
The aerospace is highly popular with engineers due to the wide range of problems solved and fascinating projects. An average salary of approximately £47,500 ranks the sector well among other industries. The sector is one of the highest-ranking sectors for happiness in for a current job, which shows people enjoy working in aerospace.
Influential Factors
The salary you will earn will not only depend on what sector you work in but also your experience and geographical location. If you are joining at a junior/graduate position, then expect to earn approximately £28,000. On the other hand, as you gain experience, your salary will also increase, especially if you begin to take on more responsibility and management roles.
The location of your workplace will also contribute to your salary. For those working in and around the London area, they can expect to earn more than those in other geographical areas. With that being said, the difference in salary is cancelled out when taking into consideration living costs.
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