MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

How much does a mechanical engineer earn?

Mechanical engineering is a highly skilled and in-demand profession, and salaries reflect this. In the UK, graduate mechanical engineers typically start on £28,000-£32,000 per year, depending on the employer, location, and sector. With experience, this can rise quickly, with mid-career engineers earning £40,000-£55,000, and senior or chartered engineers earning £60,000+, especially in high-tech, energy, or aerospace industries. Graduates from Hull have gone on to work with leading UK and international companies, giving them strong starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.

Why are salaries so varied?

Mechanical engineering is a broad field, and earnings depend on:

Sector - aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing tend to pay more than local government or education roles.
Level of experience and chartered status - becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) significantly increases earning potential.
Employer size and type - large multinational companies often offer higher starting salaries and structured career progression compared with smaller firms.

Graduate salaries in Hull

According to Discover Uni, Hull’s MEng Mechanical Engineering graduates earn an average of around £30,000 at 15 months after graduation, with a typical range of £28,000-£35,000. By three years after graduating, the average rises to approximately £32,500, and five years out, Hull graduates typically earn about £36,000, with some reaching £42,500.¹

Other benefits of a mechanical engineering career

Beyond salary, mechanical engineering offers:

Opportunities to work on innovative projects, from renewable energy to advanced manufacturing
International career prospects in engineering, design, and project management
Professional development through memberships in bodies like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
The chance to become a Chartered Engineer, unlocking higher earning potential and leadership roles

Nikolaos Aronis MEng Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hull

Explore our Mechanical Engineering degree

Ready to design, build and innovate - and understand how engineering drives the world forward? At Hull, our Mechanical Engineering degree blends solid scientific foundations with hands-on experience from day one. You’ll explore materials, mechanics, energy systems and advanced manufacturing, while developing real-world skills through workshops, industry projects and cutting-edge labs. Study in a place that champions creativity, problem-solving and almost a century of engineering excellence.

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Discover Uni. Correct as of November 2025.