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Engineering2025/26

Mechanical Engineer Salary in the UK

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems and devices. They work across industries from automotive to aerospace to energy.

Average Salary
£45,000
per year
Entry Level
£28,000
starting salary
Experienced
£45,000
mid-career
Senior Level
£65,000
top earners

Mechanical Engineer Take Home Pay

On the average Mechanical Engineer salary of £45,000, you would take home £35,920 per year (£2,993.30 per month) after tax and National Insurance.

Yearly
Gross: £45,000.00
£35,919.60
Income Tax:-£6,486.00
National Insurance:-£2,594.40
Monthly
Gross: £3,750.00
£2,993.30
Income Tax:-£540.50
National Insurance:-£216.20
Weekly
Gross: £865.38
£690.76
Income Tax:-£124.73
National Insurance:-£49.89

Effective tax rate: 20.2%|Marginal rate: 20%

Mechanical Engineer Salary by Location

Mechanical Engineer salaries vary significantly by region. London typically offers the highest salaries but also has a higher cost of living.

London
£52,000
+24% vs national
South East
£47,000
+12% vs national
National Average
£42,000
baseline

Mechanical Engineer Salary Growth (2020-2025)

See how Mechanical Engineer salaries have changed over the past 5 years, including inflation-adjusted real growth.

Mechanical Engineer Salary Trends (5 Years)
Historical salary data from 2020 to 2025

+19.1%

Total Growth

+£7,211

Salary Increase

+3.6%

Annual Growth Rate

-6.9%

Real Growth (Inflation Adj.)

Year-over-Year Changes

20202021
£37,789£38,356+1.5%
20212022
£38,356£39,814+3.8%
20222023
£39,814£41,605+4.5%
20232024
£41,605£43,353+4.2%
20242025
£43,353£45,000+3.8%

Key Skills Required

CAD SoftwareThermodynamicsMaterials ScienceFEAProject ManagementProblem Solving

Typical Qualifications

  • Mechanical Engineering degree
  • Chartered Engineer status (CEng)
  • Relevant industry experience

Mechanical Engineer Career Progression

Graduate Engineer
Design Engineer
Senior Engineer
Principal Engineer
Engineering Manager

What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do?

Designing mechanical components and systems
Conducting stress and thermal analysis
Overseeing prototype development
Managing projects and budgets
Ensuring safety and quality standards

Industries Hiring Mechanical Engineers

AutomotiveAerospaceEnergyManufacturingConsulting

Calculate Your Take Home Pay

Adjust the salary and see your personalised take-home pay calculation.

Your Income

Enter your salary details for 2025/26

£
£
£
0%

Salary sacrifice reduces taxable income

Take Home Pay

£35,919.60/year

79.8% of gross income

  • Gross Income£45,000.00
  • Taxable Income£32,430.00
  • Income Tax-£6,486.00
  • National Insurance-£2,594.40
  • Total Deductions-£9,080.40

20.2%

Effective Rate

20%

Marginal Rate

£45,000 Salary Insights

Compare your salary and understand your tax breakdown

£45,000 vs UK Wages

Above UK average

+29%

vs UK Median

£10,000

Above Median

Where Your £45,000 Goes

Annual breakdown of your salary

Take Home79.8%
Income Tax14.4%
National Insurance5.8%

Tax Benefits on £45,000 from Pension

See how pension contributions reduce your tax bill

Increase your pension contribution to see potential tax savings. Pension contributions reduce your taxable income.

Mechanical Engineer Salary FAQ

What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in the UK?

The average Mechanical Engineer salary in the UK is £45,000 per year. Salaries typically range from £28,000 for entry-level positions to £70,000 for senior roles.

How much does a Mechanical Engineer earn in London?

A Mechanical Engineer in London earns an average of £52,000 per year, which is 24% higher than the national average.

What is the take-home pay for a Mechanical Engineer?

On the average Mechanical Engineer salary of £45,000, you would take home approximately £35,920 per year (£2,993.30 per month) after income tax and National Insurance.