Mechanical engineers

£47,971

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

38 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

2.93%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Mechanical engineers

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 2122

Mechanical engineers undertake research and design, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, aircraft, 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 mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles, aeroplanes 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

Engineer, heavy Officer, engineering (government) Engineer, mechanical and electrical Engineer, automobile Inspector, engineering, chief Engineer, plant Engineer, marine, chief Constructor, naval Engineer, chief, area (coal mine) Engineer, incorporated (mechanical engineering) Engineer, marine, superintendent Officer, research Architect, naval Engineer, marine, senior Inspector of fighting vehicles Inspector, engineering (Jobcentre Plus) Officer, inspection (Dept for Business Innovation and Skills) Surveyor, design (Civil Aviation Authority) Engineer, mechanical Engineer, aeronautical Engineer, locomotive Expert, salvage, marine Surveyor, aircraft Researcher Engineer, welding Engineer, mechanical, chief Engineer, mechanical, group (coal mine) Engineer, mechanical, area (coal mine) Engineer, operations (electricity supplier) Engineer, aerospace Engineer, chassis Engineer, stress, aircraft Assistant, research Engineer, diesel Engineer, mechanisation Officer, technical, principal Engineer, mechanical, unit (coal mine) Engineer, chief Engineer, motorsport Hydrodynamicist Designer, aircraft Officer, certifying (DETR) Officer, transport, mechanical, chief Engineer, stress (aircraft mfr) Engineer, hydraulic Engineer, services, building, mechanical Officer, scientific Engineer Engineer, stress, aeronautical Engineer, works Designer, naval Consultant, engineering Engineer, textile Associate, research Designer, nautical Engineer, stress Engineer, tool, machine Inspector, chief (engineering, Engineer, automotive Engineer, salvage, marine Engineer, aviation Engineer, marine Engineer, mill

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.