If you are interested in an engineering career, one factor that you’ll be keen to know more about is the salary expectations for engineers, both at the start of your career and also as you progress up the ladder.
Engineering roles cover a very wide variety of jobs across a range of industries, with employees often being able to join the industry with minimal qualifications and undertake relevant on the job training to achieve career progression. As such, salary expectations for those prepared to undertake the relevant qualifications and experience can be significant over time.
Engineering salary expectations.
The typical starting salary for an engineer coming straight into the industry as a trainee will likely to be in the region of £17,000 to £19,000, dependent on location and level of qualifications. As more experience is gained, salaries will rise to £20,000 - £26,000, with senior engineers earning in excess of £33,000 - £35,000. Higher salaries are available for those in senior management positions.
For those entering the industry higher up the scale, such as having undertaken a relevant degree or coming with some transferable experience from other industries, starting salaries may be a little higher and/or progression to the next step a little faster. For example, the average starting salary for engineering and technology graduates is over £25,000.
Engineering trainees should expect to work a standard 9-5 day, but overtime may be required when projects require it. Engineers are likely to spend a fair amount of time on construction sites, working in all weathers across the year.
Best locations to increase your engineering salary.
Engineers tend to be in demand across the country, as their skills are widely used in a number of industries. Employers in London will generally offer higher salaries, and roles are more likely to be found in larger cities.
Ways to boost your engineering technician salary.
As an engineering technician, you are likely to be in demand across a range of projects. There are ways to maximise your chances of getting a raise and a promotion within engineering
Gain more qualifications.
Having begun as a trainee, the most obvious way to boost your career is to study for relevant engineering qualifications and become a qualified technician. Over time, engineers can choose to specialise in a specific area and take more relevant courses for that specialism – something which is likely to increase earning capacity.
Qualifications such as an NVQ in Engineering Technical Support, for example, can be done in your spare time and would boost your roster of qualifications as well as demonstrate commitment to your chosen career. You could also look into becoming a member with the Engineering Council and attaining Engineering Technician (EngTech) standing.
Undertake more stretching projects.
Asking for more responsible and challenging projects is another way to prove to your employer that you have the skills necessary to justify a pay rise or promotion. Approach your bosses ideally after the conclusion of a successful project, and explain that you feel ready to take on a more complex project.
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