Mechanical Engineering Salary in Wales
Wales offers salaries typically 10-20% below the UK median, but with significantly lower living costs, particularly for housing. Cardiff has the strongest salary market in Wales, with a growing financial services and professional sector, while the wider economy relies on public sector, manufacturing and tourism.
Among the most affordable UK regions for housing. Welsh Government policies on public sector pay and economic development may differ from England.
Salary Trajectory
| Stage | Years Exp | P25 | Median | P75 | P90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Mechanical Engineer | 0+ | £24,700 | £28,500 | £32,300 | £35,150 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 3+ | £32,300 | £38,000 | £43,700 | £49,400 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer (Chartered) | 6+ | £39,900 | £48,070 | £57,000 | £64,600 |
| Principal Engineer | 10+ | £52,250 | £61,750 | £72,200 | £80,750 |
| Engineering Manager / Director | 16+ | £66,500 | £80,750 | £95,000 | £114,000 |
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How Wales Compares
Mid-career Mechanical Engineering median salary by region
Compare with Other Careers in Wales
Architecture
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Accounting & Audit
Mechanical Engineering in Other Regions
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Based on ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) via NOMIS. Regional salary adjustments derived from ONS regional pay differentials. Career progression timelines based on industry research. All figures are gross annual pay estimates for full-time workers.