Introduction
This Salary Guide for the UK Engineering, Manufacturing, and Industrial sectors reflects a year of significant growth and change. With rapid technological progress, greater focus on sustainability and strong demand for skills professionals have all played a key roles in shaping these industries. The year ahead promises further evolution, with a continued emphasis on automation, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy solutions.
As companies navigate these changes, recruitment remains critical, with a focus on attracting talent equipped with essential technical skills, digital proficiency, and adaptability. Our guide aims to provide both employers and candidates with valuable insights to support recruitment, retention, and career development in this dynamic field.
Thank you for choosing us as your trusted recruitment partner.
Paul Kynaston
Managing Director, Engineering & Manufacturing and Industrial

Your guide to salaries and trendsÂ
This guide is designed to offer valuable insights into the current landscape of Engineering & Manufacturing and Industrial roles across the UK. Whether you’re an employer seeking to benchmark salaries, a candidate exploring career options, or simply interested in the latest industry trends, this guide has been crafted to keep you informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
In our guide, you’ll find:
- Key insights from our sentiment survey: Explore current trends, job satisfaction levels, and motivators for Engineering & Manufacturing and Industrial professionals, gathered from our latest sentiment survey of candidates and clients.
- Salary tables by region: Discover salary insights across the UK for a range of Engineering & Manufacturing and Industrial roles, allowing you to see how compensation varies and helping you make informed decisions wherever you’re based.
Key trends across all industriesÂ
- Rewarding careers: Professionals across sectors are increasingly recognised for the essential roles they play in their organisations. Our survey found that 25% of respondents are satisfied with their current salary, with many seeing room for growth in compensation and career development. For those aiming to progress, now is an ideal time to explore options in your field.
- High mobility: The job market remains dynamic, with 52% of respondents planning to change roles in the next year. This high mobility reflects a competitive landscape, presenting strong opportunities for those looking to advance their careers or explore new roles.
- Salary growth: Salary expectations remain a key driver when professionals consider new opportunities, with 39% of respondents aiming for an 11-20% pay increase and 35% expecting a 5-10% rise when changing roles. This underscores the importance of competitive compensation packages in attracting and retaining top talent.
- Work-life balance matters: work-life balance is a top priority across all sectors, with 34% of respondents identifying it as their main motivator when seeking a new role. Companies offering flexibility and support around work-life balance are well-positioned to appeal to today’s professionals.
Download industry salaries
Key Insights for Engineering & Manufacturing and Industrial
-
1 in 3
professionals feel neutral about their current salary
-
2 in 5
expect a salary increase of 5-10% when moving roles
-
3 in 5
rate their work-life balance as "Average" or better
-
2 in 5
consider salary and benefits their main motivator in a job search
-
1 in 5
view job security as critical when evaluating new opportunities

Skills in demand
In Engineering & Manufacturing and Industrial roles, top skills include technical proficiency, adaptability to new technologies, and strong project management skills.
Professionals who bring technical knowledge along with an aptitude for innovation and efficiency are highly valued in these industries.
55%
of manufacturers are investing in automation, influencing workforce skill requirements
65%
of companies have launched upskilling programs to adapt to technological advancements
40%
of employers are implementing diversity and inclusion policies to broaden talent pools

Looking ahead
Engineering & Manufacturing and Industrial roles are evolving with advancements in automation, sustainable practices, and digital transformation.
This creates new career paths and increased demand for skills that align with the latest industry trends. Search is dedicated to helping candidates find roles that not only match their current expertise but also offer growth in line with the sector’s future needs.

Explore all industry salaries for 2025
