Mechanical engineers
£49,014
Average salary
42 hours
Average weekly hours
2.31%
Unemployment rate
Definition: Mechanical engineers
*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 2122
Mechanical engineers undertake research, design and development, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, vehicle and ships’ structures, building services and other mechanical items.
Common tasks include:
- undertakes research and advises on energy use, materials handling, thermodynamic processes, fluid mechanics, vehicles and environmental controls
- determines materials, equipment, piping, capacities, layout of plant or system and specification for manufacture
- designs and develops mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles and other machinery
- ensures that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards
- organises and establishes control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems
Qualifications
Mechanical engineers usually possess an accredited university degree. After qualifying, periods of appropriate training and experience are required before membership of a chartered engineering institution is attainable. Incorporated engineers possess an accredited university degree, BTEC/SQA award or an apprenticeship leading to an NVQ/SVQ at Level 4, followed by periods of training and relevant experience.
*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.
Employment status: Mechanical engineers
Regional employment: Mechanical engineers
Future employment: Mechanical engineers
Top 12 industries: Mechanical engineers
Alternative & related job titles: Mechanical engineers
Automotive engineer (professional) Design engineer (mechanical) Marine engineer (professional) Mechanical engineer (professional)
Equality focus: Mechanical engineers
Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.
Breakdown by gender
£51,100
Female average annual salary
£49,014
Male average annual salary
43
Female average weekly hours
42
Male average weekly hours
Average pay per hour: Mechanical engineers
Workforce gender: Mechanical engineers
Breakdown by region
£55,271
South East (England) - highest annual average salary
£45,364
East Midlands (England) - lowest annual average salary
47
Northern Ireland - Highest average weekly hours
39
North East (England) - Lowest average weekly hours
Average pay per week (£): Mechanical engineers
Average weekly hours by UK region/nation: Mechanical engineers
Breakdown by age
20 years
Lowest annual salary (£21,379)
years
Highest annual salary (£0) at this age