With demand for skilled engineers surging and businesses under pressure to retain talent, salaries across the UK engineering sector are rising at an unprecedented pace. According to our latest findings, over 90% of engineering firms have increased pay in the past year and more than half have implemented rises of 5% or more.
At Resource Provider Ltd, we analysed comprehensive survey data from nearly 15,000 UK employers and professionals, including over 1,000 working in engineering. The results reveal what’s driving salary inflation, which roles are seeing the largest pay bumps, and how both employers and jobseekers can navigate this fast-changing market.
What’s Fueling Salary Growth in Engineering?
Two key forces are accelerating salary growth across the industry:
- The rising cost of living: Nearly 70% of employers said they’ve increased salaries to help staff cope with living expenses. In turn, 43% of engineering professionals admit they’re actively seeking better-paid roles due to financial pressures.
- Persistent skills shortages: Almost every engineering employer (97%) reported talent gaps in the last 12 months. These shortages are contributing to increased workloads, higher stress levels, and in some cases, lower employee morale. To counter these challenges, 86% of organisations plan to hire in the next year and are willing to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain talent.
Engineering Specialisms in High Demand
Technical and specialist roles have seen some of the sharpest salary increases, particularly in:
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) trades
- Design and project engineering
- Renewable energy
- Defence and infrastructure
Sectors like construction, energy and electronics are expanding rapidly, creating urgent demand for specific skills. As a result, employers are offering higher-than-average salaries in an effort to secure the right people.
Top 10 Engineering Roles with the Highest Pay Rises
Based on salary trends, these are the engineering positions that have experienced the most significant pay growth over the past year:
- Coded Welder – In high demand due to strict industry standards and infrastructure projects
- Bolting Technician – A key role in renewable energy installations and maintenance
- Electrical Design Engineer – Driven by growth in construction and smart technology
- Valve Technician – Crucial in energy and manufacturing sectors
- EC&I Project Manager – Expertise in electrical, control and instrumentation systems is vital
- Maintenance Technician – Increasingly valued for keeping operations running smoothly
- Mechanical Design Engineer – High demand across aerospace, automotive and defence
- M&P Project Manager – Managing material and process performance in technical projects
- Electronics Engineer – Rising salaries reflect tech dependence in everyday life
- Weapons Engineer – Especially prominent in the defence sector, with an average 6.2% rise
What Matters Most to Engineering Professionals?
While salary is a top priority especially amid inflation it’s not the only factor influencing job changes. Other key considerations include:
- Job security
- A positive and inclusive company culture
- Flexible and tailored working arrangements
If you’re recruiting, it’s vital to communicate these benefits clearly throughout the hiring and onboarding process. Many professionals are drawn to roles offering long-term stability and a supportive work environment particularly those who’ve experienced burnout or instability in the past.
The Hiring Experience Matters More Than Ever
Our research shows that over half of engineering professionals (52%) are planning to change jobs in the next 12 months. However, two-thirds say they’ve abandoned job applications due to poor communication during the hiring process. Even more worryingly, six in ten employees have left jobs after discovering that the company culture didn’t align with what was promised during interviews.
In today’s competitive talent market, employers must deliver a transparent, respectful and efficient recruitment experience to attract top engineering talent. First impressions count and they start well before the first day on the job.
Final Thoughts
The UK engineering sector is facing a pivotal year. As skills shortages continue and demand for specialist roles grows, salary increases are set to remain a key strategy for talent attraction and retention.
If you’re an engineering professional, now is the time to review your market value and explore your career options. For employers, staying informed about salary trends and delivering a strong employee experience are essential to securing the talent you need.