As the UK continues to navigate economic uncertainty and evolving technological demands, engineering roles are experiencing some of the highest salary increases across the job market. In the past 12 months, over 90% of engineering organisations have increased pay, and more than half of those have done so by at least 5%. This surge in salaries is driven by ongoing skills shortages, heightened demand for specialist roles, and rising living costs.
At Resource Provider Ltd, we reviewed the latest data from industry research and hiring trends to bring you insights into what’s driving engineering salaries up and which roles are seeing the biggest pay bumps.
Why Are Engineering Salaries Rising?
The primary driver of salary inflation in engineering is the cost-of-living crisis. According to recent surveys, 70% of employers have raised pay in response to inflation. Nearly half (43%) of engineering professionals say the rising cost of living has made them more likely to search for better-paying roles.
Another major factor is the ongoing shortage of skilled professionals. An overwhelming 97% of employers in the sector reported experiencing skills shortages in the last year. To combat this, 86% of organisations plan to recruit new staff in the coming 12 months. These shortages have increased workloads and stress among current employees, pushing employers to offer competitive salaries to retain and attract talent.
The Engineering Roles with the Highest Pay Increases
Specialist roles are seeing the most significant growth in salaries. Technical and hands-on positions in fields like electrical design, mechanical engineering, defence, and renewable energy are in high demand. The expansion of infrastructure, defence projects, and clean energy initiatives is fueling this trend.
Here are the top 10 engineering roles with the highest salary increases in 2025:
- Coded Welder – Demand for certified welders meeting industry standards has surged in construction and infrastructure.
- Bolting Technician – The growth in renewable energy has pushed up demand and pay for these specialists.
- Electrical Design Engineer – Increased infrastructure projects have led to rising salaries in this role.
- Valve Technician – Niche expertise and reliability under pressure are being rewarded with higher wages.
- EC&I Project Manager – These professionals are in demand in complex sectors like nuclear and energy.
- Maintenance Technician – Organisations are investing more in preventative maintenance talent.
- Mechanical Design Engineer – Growth in product development and manufacturing is driving pay increases.
- M&P Project Manager – Project leads in mechanical and plumbing sectors are commanding higher salaries.
- Electronics Engineer – Our growing dependence on electronics is translating to better pay in this field.
- Weapons Engineer – Defence and MOD projects continue to push demand and compensation upward.
More Than Just Salary: What Engineers Want
While salary is a top motivator, it’s not the only one. Engineering professionals are also prioritising:
- Job security
- A positive workplace culture
- Flexible working options tailored to their needs
Employers looking to attract and retain top talent should take a holistic approach to their offering. Promoting these elements during recruitment and onboarding is just as important as offering competitive pay.
The Recruitment Experience Matters
Our research shows that 52% of engineers expect to change jobs in the next year. However, a poor recruitment experience can cost employers top candidates. Nearly two-thirds of job seekers have abandoned applications due to lack of communication. Similarly, 60% left a job because the reality didn’t match what was promised during the hiring process.
Creating a transparent and engaging candidate journey is essential in today’s competitive hiring environment. Companies that deliver on their brand promises and communicate effectively stand the best chance of hiring and retaining skilled professionals.
Stay Informed and Competitive
Engineering professionals and employers alike should stay up to date on the latest salary benchmarks. For employers, understanding current salary expectations is crucial for workforce planning. For job seekers, knowing your worth helps you negotiate better and make informed career decisions.
At Resource Provider Ltd, we specialise in connecting top engineering talent with forward-thinking UK employers. If you’re looking to recruit or want to explore new career opportunities, get in touch with our team today.