Low wages in engineering & manufacturing could stunt UK economic growth
Published: 04 February, 2025
The engineering and manufacturing sector has fallen short of average salary increases this year, although some roles – such as engineering and technical directors and quality inspectors – have seen modest increases (11% and 8.6% respectively).
Despite these areas of growth, research conducted by recruitment company, Reed, has revealed that on the whole, the sector is lagging behind, with average advertised salary growth just 3.3%, compared to the average national salary increase of 6%. According to the Engineering Council, 18% of the UK’s working population is involved in the sector; working out at around six million people in the UK.
However, the salaries in engineering and manufacturing are still substantially more than the national average, with engineering and manufacturing roles paying an average of £50,800, compared to the UK-wide equivalent of £38,900. Despite this, nearly a quarter (22%) of the industry’s workers are still unhappy with their salaries, according to Reed’s survey. And 60% of those who are unhappy with their salary say it’s because they don’t feel that it’s risen in line with cost of living.
As part of Reed’s annual salary guides, it analysed more than 21 million job adverts and asked 5,000 UK workers a range of questions on their salary and benefits – both current and expected.
Kimberly Hunsdon, Engineering and Manufacturing Recruitment Expert at Reed, said: “The UK has been trailing behind in recent years when it comes to our engineering and manufacturing offering. A poor reputation in the hiring process can deter potential talent in a closely-knit sector like manufacturing, where word of mouth and professional networks are influential. We’re actively trying to attract workers into the sector, but with salaries lagging behind the UK average, there’s a very real threat that we’ll fall even further behind. Even with some salaries increasing, largely, they still fall short of inflation and the increasing cost of living.
“With more than two thirds (68%) of engineering and manufacturing professionals open to new job opportunities, the sector needs to look at how best to incentivise and reward its workers. Our survey showed that alongside salary increases, staff would feel more valued if employers offered additional benefits (26%), more recognition for their achievements (28%) and more flexible working hours (23%).”
You can download the Reed Engineering and Manufacturing 2025 Salary Guide here: https://www.reed.com/tools/engineering-and-manufacturing-salary-guide-2025
https://www.linkedin.com/company/reed/
A Burton based engineering design and project management company has had its commitment to the low carbon sector recognised with a prestigious award.
