Career outlook for mechanical engineer
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£44,720
Currently employed in Scotland
7,200
Average UK salary
£44,720
Currently employed in Scotland
7,200
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would design and test components and machines like wind turbines, pumps for clean water and medical prosthetics to help people who have mobility difficulties.
You’d oversee the set-up of the machines and check that they work properly.
You could work on different projects in many industries including:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Water
- Power
- Health
- Transport
For example, you could work in renewable energy to install off-shore wind turbines. You could design the pumps and valves that deliver clean water to homes and businesses. Or you could design and test improvements to prosthetic implants to help people with limited mobility.
Depending on the job you would:
- Turn research ideas into technical plans, using computer aided design/modelling (CAD/CAM) programs
- Survey mechanical systems and equipment to check they're working properly
- Research and assess new products and innovations
- Present design plans and data to managers and clients
- Produce technical documents for projects
- Oversee maintenance programmes and quality control
You’d support the contract team in your company when they bid for new projects.
You would manage and lead a project team of technicians, designers and craftspeople who carry out installation and maintenance work.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
88%
Part-time
5%
Self employed
7%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Cooperating
- Working with technology
- Problem solving
- Observation
- Researching
- Attention to detail
- Developing a plan
- Managing resources
- Coaching
- Delegating
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Qualifications
You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or Applied Physics.
You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and Highers at BBBB with Advanced Higher preferred, or a relevant HNC/HND.
Useful subjects
- Maths (required by many courses and employers)
- Science subjects, in particular physics (required by many courses and employers)
- English
- Technologies subjects such as engineering science
Helpful to have
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4).
Employers value work experience so finding courses with work placements or an internship, or working for a year in industry can be especially useful.
Once in a job it could benefit your career if you worked towards incorporated or chartered status with a relevant industry body and apply to the Engineering Council. You can also improve your career prospects by completing the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) continuing professional development (CPD) courses that allow you to develop specific skills and knowledge required by the automotive industry.
Related industries
