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Mechanical Engineer

As a Mechanical Engineer, you play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and optimizing mechanical systems that power industries and enhance everyday life. This dynamic profession is essential in driving innovation and sustainability across the UK and globally, ensuring that technology evolves to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Mechanical Engineer

28

Engineering and Technology

AI IMPACT
AI USED FOR28%moving to73%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.

THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years

AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Mechanical EngineerIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior engineers in design and testing tasks, gaining hands-on experience and developing your technical skills.£28,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Mechanical EngineerAt this stage, you will take on more complex projects, lead design initiatives, and mentor junior engineers, while continuing to enhance your expertise.£45,000 - £60,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Mechanical Engineer / Head of EngineeringIn a senior role, you will oversee engineering projects, manage teams, and drive innovation within the organisation, playing a key role in strategic decision-making.£70,000+

7 live apprenticeship vacancies

The degree route

Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£45,000 median
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median

All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →

There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.