Energy engineers highest paid in the UK

The results are in for The Engineer’s 2018 Salary Survey. With data from over 2,800 engineers across 11 different sectors taken into account, the average salary for engineers in the UK is £47,896.

While the figure is a slight decrease from last year’s average of £48,197, it compares well to other professions; sitting slightly behind qualified accountants and workers in the banking sector, while averaging above those in financial services.

Energy offers highest salaries for engineers

When broken down by sector, the results show that Energy remains the most lucrative for engineers. Specifically, oil & gas topped the list of best paying sectors for engineers, with an average salary of £53,913. It’s also the sector boasting the highest paid senior engineers and managers.

Despite the slight decline in the average salary from 2017 (£54,461), the oil & gas sector is widely considered to be more stable than a year ago. Oil prices have risen and plans from energy giants, Shell and BP, to begin production in the North Sea and Shetland indicate the sector is on the up.

Outside of oil & gas, the energy, renewables and nuclear sector remains the second most lucrative sector for the third consecutive year, with salaries averaging £52,653 in the 2018 report (up from £51,953 in 2017).    

With the increasing reliance on ‘greener’ alternatives to coal, it is unsurprising that the renewables sector has remained relatively stable and continues to boast one of the highest engineering salaries.

Exciting engineering careers in energy

Although the salaries are one of the main incentives for young engineers to specialise in energy, it is also an exciting sector to be a part of, as Ben Hough, Head of Energy Recruitment at Matchtech, explains:

“In addition to the market-leading salary opportunities for engineers in the energy sector, the vast range of projects and job roles are an attractive proposition for those looking for their next career step. The construction of new nuclear power stations, like Hinkley Point C and the Horizon plant in Anglesey, are creating career-defining project opportunities in the nuclear sector, whilst there are a range of exciting positions in renewables as we move towards a more sustainable future. 

“The recent increases in the price of oil should encourage investment again. This improved stability would create a range of opportunities for engineers from various backgrounds.”

How to get into the energy sector

According to The Engineer’s salary survey, the energy, renewables and nuclear sectors are areas where most engineers are degree qualified, as Ben discusses:

“As the salary survey confirmed, one of the more common career paths for engineers into the energy sector is by obtaining a degree. Many study for a BSc in structural, mechanical or civil engineering and then look to specialise in the desired field within energy with a master’s degree or on-the-job experience.”

If you’re in the energy sector and looking for your next opportunity or looking to start your career in this exciting industry, see our latest energy jobs.

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