Engineering is one of the most trusted careers in the UK. Engineers build roads, design cars, work on clean energy, and even make hospital machines better. These talented individuals are highly in demand in every niche and sector.
If you want one of the top paying jobs in the UK, engineering is a smart choice. These roles give you:
Good pay
Job security
Chances to grow
Respect in society
Many people look for better-paying careers in the UK, and engineering offers both money and stability. But to get these jobs, you need the right skills, training, and a strong CV. That’s why many people use a professional CV service to stand out.
Now, let’s explore the top 15 high-paying engineering roles in the UK.
Here are some of the reasons that show why engineering pays well in the UK. Furthermore, you can look for the best resume writing services to make your CV stand out.
Engineers solve real problems.
They build things people need.
There is high demand, but not enough talent.
Companies pay more to keep good engineers.
A survey in 2024 showed that over 60% of engineers in the UK earn above the national average salary.
Average UK Salary Vs Engineer Salary
Here is a table that shows the average yearly pay and the difference from the national average.
Role
Average Yearly Pay
Difference from National Average
National Average (all jobs)
£34,000
—
Average Engineer
£48,000
+41%
Source: UK Job Salary Reports, 2024
The Top 15 High-Paying Engineering Roles
Let’s look at the roles one by one.
Petroleum Engineer
Oil and gas are still big. Even with renewables growing, petroleum engineers make strong money.
Average Pay
£65,000 – £75,000
Why high
Work is tough, and skills are rare.
Aerospace Engineer
Design planes, satellites, and defense tools
Pay
£55k – £70k
Why
Always in demand for space and defense work
Robotics Engineer
Build robots for factories, hospitals, and homes.
Pay
£50k – £68k
Why?
Jobs grew 25% in 3 years in the UK.
Software Engineer (AI & Cloud)
Work on AI systems and cloud platforms
Pay
£50k – £65k
Why?
AI jobs pay 20% more than normal software roles.
Nuclear Engineer
Handle power plants and safety checks.
Pay
£55k – £70k
Why?
Fewer experts, so salaries stay high
Civil Engineer (Senior Roles)
Build roads, bridges, and rail networks.
Pay
£45k – £60k
Why?
UK projects keep demand strong.
Mechanical Engineer
Classic role, still very needed
Pay
£40k – £55k
Why?
Work in cars, energy, and aerospace.
Electrical Engineer
Electric grids, devices, and now EVs.
Pay
£42,000 – £58,000
Why?
EV jobs in the UK grew by 30% in 2024.
Chemical Engineer
They work in food, medicine, and energy.
Pay
£47,000 – £62,000
Why?
The Pharma sector pays the most.
Data Engineer
Not the same as a data scientist. They build systems for big data.
Pay
£50,000 – £68,000
Why?
Every company wants data skills now.
Biomedical Engineer
Mix of medicine and tech. They design health devices.
Pay
£45,000 – £60,000
Why?
NHS and private firms actively hire.
Environmental Engineer
Focus on clean energy, waste, and climate projects.
Pay
£42,000 – £55,000
Why?
More funding in green projects = more jobs.
Mining Engineer
Yes, mining still exists.
Pay
£48,000 – £65,000
Why?
Harsh work conditions = higher pay.
Project Engineer (Senior Roles)
They lead teams and projects.
Pay
£50,000 – £67,000
Why?
Good leadership skills raise salaries.
Marine Engineer
Ships, submarines, offshore rigs.
Pay
£46,000 – £62,000
Why?
Oil and defense drive demand.
Quick Snapshot: Top 5 Roles
Here is a quick table that shows the top 5 roles.
Rank
Job Title
Avg Pay (Yearly)
Demand Level
1
Petroleum Engineer
£70,000
High
2
Aerospace Engineer
£65,000
High
3
Robotics Engineer
£60,000
Very High
4
Nuclear Engineer
£60,000
Medium
5
Data Engineer
£62,000
Very High
What Do These Roles Have in Common?
All need special skills.
Most are in high demand jobs in the UK.
Companies compete for top talent.
The higher the risk or skill, the higher the pay.
How to Land These High-Paying Jobs?
Get the right degree.
Build real project experience.
Learn new tools and tech.
Network in your field.
Keep your CV strong.
Many people use a professional CV service to polish their profile. With competition so high, a good CV makes you stand out.
Why Choose Engineering in the UK?
Engineers solve real problems.
They work on energy, transport, health, and more.
These jobs give respect and good pay.
Demand is high, so chances are better.
Benefits of Engineering
Why It Matters
High Pay
You earn more than in many other jobs
Job Safety
Engineers are always needed.
Growth
Many chances to learn and move up
With the right skills and a strong CV, you can get one of the highest paying jobs in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engineering jobs pay the most in the UK?
Jobs like petroleum, chemical, and IT engineering pay the most. They need special skills, and not many people can do them, so the pay is higher.
Do I need a strong CV to get a good role?
Yes, you do. Your CV is the first thing employers check. A professional CV service can make your CV clear and strong, which helps you get noticed.
Is engineering a good choice for a career in the UK?
Yes, it is. Engineering provides steady jobs, high pay, and several chances to grow. It is one of the best paths if you want a secure and better future.
Final Thoughts
Engineering positions in the UK are in high demand and pay well. There is room for a wide range of skills, from robots and data to oil and energy. You get money, stability, and a bright future in these roles.
If you want a better career, pay attention to the growing number of jobs. Make sure your resume appropriately showcases your skills, stay current, and learn new ones. If you want a better career, pay attention to the growing number of jobs. Make sure your resume appropriately showcases your skills, stay current, and learn new ones.
A lot of people miss good chances just because their CV is weak. That’s why many use a professional CV service. A simple, well-made CV can get you noticed. And in a busy job market, that can be the step that moves you from a normal role into one of the highest-paying jobs in the UK.
