Best Engineering Jobs in the United Kingdom for 2023

The United Kingdom, known colloquially as the UK, Great Britain, or simply Britain, is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. It shares land borders with Ireland to the north and France to the west, while the North Sea lies east of England. The Channel Tunnel connects the country to France, and air travel between the UK and continental Europe is made easier with this in place. The United Kingdom is one of the largest economies in the world, but it’s not just the economy that makes Britain so important; it’s also the vast and varied engineering jobs available in the country. 

In recent years, there’s been something of an engineering boom in the United Kingdom, with record numbers of people pursuing STEM-related courses and professions. In the United Kingdom, engineering jobs are some of the most well-paying and in-demand positions available, which makes them highly competitive. In fact, demand for these workers has increased so much that The Guardian predicted it would be one of the fastest-growing fields over the next decade. Jobs in engineering are now some of the most sought-after positions, but only certain ones come with great salaries and job security that will last you throughout your working life. This article lists the best engineering jobs in the UK so you can find one that suits your personality, skill set, and income requirements best.

While there are many job opportunities available in multiple industries and disciplines, some are better than others at providing a secure future for employees as well as career advancement opportunities. The following are the top five engineering jobs in the UK in 2023 based on demand and expected growth rates. To become an engineer in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to earn at least an undergraduate degree in engineering, which can take 4 years or more of full-time study to complete, depending on your program and institution. After earning your degree, you can pursue one of several options available to become licensed as an engineer, or you can go on to earn your Master’s or Ph.D. in Engineering and become qualified as a research engineer with the goal of creating new technologies and inventions that can make life better for humans around the world.

The job market for engineers in the United Kingdom is looking good for the next few years. The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics show that engineering occupations are set to grow by 7.8% between 2019 and 2024. This is above the average growth rate for all occupations, which is 5.5%. So if you're thinking of becoming an engineer, or are already one, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you. The best engineering jobs will depend on your qualifications and experience. 

Best Engineering Jobs in the UK

A look at the best Engineering Jobs in the United Kingdom-based on salary, growth rate, and other factors that are important to you as an employee.

Oil and Gas Engineering

As an oil and gas engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and managing projects related to the exploration, production, and transportation of oil and gas. The job prospects for oil and gas engineers are good, as the demand for these professionals is expected to grow in the coming years. Salary prospects are also good, with oil and gas engineers earning an average salary of £60,000 per year. As well as excellent prospects, this career path offers great potential for travel: oil and gas engineers might need to travel abroad to meet project deadlines or attend conferences. While work may require long hours on occasion, this job provides a stimulating environment where you'll be able to make a significant contribution through innovative engineering solutions.

Electrical Engineering

In the United Kingdom, electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and supervising the manufacture of electrical equipment. They work in a variety of industries, including power generation, transmission, and distribution; building services engineering; manufacturing; and transportation. 

The job prospects for electrical engineers are good, with an expected growth of 4% from 2019 to 2029. The median salary for an electrical engineer in the United Kingdom is £51,530 per year. An electrical engineer usually earns around £41,170 per year. Prospects vary by location and level of experience. 

Energy/ Renewables Engineering

Renewable engineers work with sustainable energy sources, such as solar, water, wind, and geothermal. They design, develop and oversee the construction of systems and projects related to these sources. Renewable engineering is a growing field with good job prospects. In the United Kingdom, the average salary for a renewables engineer is £50,000 per year. There are currently 12,980 renewable engineers working in the country. The number of renewables engineering jobs is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3%.

Chemical Engineering

A chemical engineer is responsible for developing and managing processes that turn raw materials into useful products. The work can be divided into three main categories: production, research and development, and technical sales. In the UK, chemical engineering is a popular choice for many students looking to enter the engineering field. The job prospects are good, with an expected 9% growth in employment opportunities between 2016 and 2026. The average salary for a chemical engineer in the UK is £45,000 per year. To break into this profession, it helps to have a degree in Chemical Engineering from either a British university or another country. As of now, there are no compulsory examinations or tests you need to take before becoming employed as a chemical engineer.

Mechanical Engineering

In the United Kingdom, mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, and other mechanical devices. They work in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy. Job prospects for mechanical engineers are good. The median salary for a mechanical engineer is £50,000 per year. Some industries offer higher salaries than others. For example, an aerospace mechanical engineer might earn around £70,000 per year.

Pharma/ Medical Engineering

Pharma/medical engineers work in the development and manufacture of drugs and medical devices. They may also be involved in clinical trials and research. The job prospects for pharma/medical engineers are good, with a projected growth of 7% from 2019 to 2029. The median salary for this occupation is $88,550 per year. To become a pharma/medical engineer, you will need at least an undergraduate degree in engineering or life sciences.

Automotive Engineering

Automotive engineers design, develop and manufacture vehicles and their components. They work on all aspects of a vehicle, from the engine and transmission to the suspension and brakes. In the UK, automotive engineering is a very popular career choice, with good prospects and salaries. The average salary for an automotive engineer in the UK is £40,000 per year. A degree in automotive engineering or a related subject is required for this role. To start out as an entry-level junior designer or drafter, you need a 3-year technical qualification or degree plus two years of experience in designing engines and car bodywork, etc. Higher levels of seniority require at least a Master’s degree.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and dams. The job prospects for civil engineers are good, with expected job growth of 11% from the date to 2029. The median salary for civil engineers is $87,060 per year. Entry-level civil engineers earn a median annual wage of $54,560 while experienced professionals can make up to $121,770 annually. Salary varies depending on factors like geographic location, industry sector, education level, and years of experience. For example, in Canada where civil engineering is a growing industry due to increasing population levels and migration patterns, and demand for new infrastructures due to climate change will see an increase in jobs in years to come.

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and oversee the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on all aspects of these machines, from their propulsion systems to their control surfaces. The job prospects for aerospace engineers are good, as the demand for new and innovative aircraft designs is always high. The salary for an aerospace engineer is also very competitive, with the average engineer in the UK earning around £50,000 per year. You will need a degree in aeronautical engineering or mechanical engineering to start working as an aerospace engineer. It’s worth noting that while there are many job opportunities available, they can be quite tough to get into due to the high level of competition.

Academia

The job prospects for academic engineers are good. The starting salary for an academic engineer is £30,000. The average salary for an academic engineer is £40,000. The job description for an academic engineer includes teaching and research. Academic engineers typically work in universities and colleges. They teach courses on engineering principles, provide lectures to students, and conduct research on new ideas that may be applicable to engineering. For example, an academic engineer may study how well materials withstand extreme temperatures or investigate ways to reduce the cost of natural gas extraction.

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Final Thoughts

If you want to work as an engineer in the United Kingdom, there are many great options available to you. The engineering field is growing rapidly, and there are plenty of opportunities to find a job that suits your skills and interests. No matter what your specialty is, you can find a job that challenges you and allows you to grow professionally. With a little research, you can find the perfect engineering job in the United Kingdom for you. Whether you’re looking for a company to call home or are open to working remotely, there are lots of places hiring qualified engineers who know how to get things done. From entry-level positions up to high-level management roles, this list includes some of the best engineering jobs in the UK for 2023.