UK 2014 Salary Survey by Electronics Weekly

Electronics Weekly has published a three-part article detailing the results of what they call the "largest ever national survey of salary levels in the UK electronics industry." Represented sectors include design & development (D&D), sales & marketing (S&M), senior engineering & management, technical management, research and development (R&D), and test & measurement (T&M). With more than 1,000 respondents as a sample, it indicates that the average pay is up 2.5% over the last year. This reflects what is generally considered an improved manufacturing situation in the country. Over a third (37%) of the participants represent the D&D engineering sector, and that group (along with R&D and T&M engineers - 14% total) reported earnings at less than the industry average of £46,321 ($79,447US). As usual, sales and management is where the big bucks (pounds in this case) are. At £44,415 ($76,102), D&D averages £4k less than sales & management.

When rated by industry sector, the survey found that engineers, sales staff and managers working in the communications, components, and consumer realms are the most highly paid with an average salary level of £52,594 (£6,000/yr greater than the average). Average salaries are £42,161 per annumin for the defence and aerospace industries, and a mere £39,857 in design and manufacturing services. Working for a large company (>500 employees) typically means in excess of £5k higher pay when performing the same duties as a worker in a smaller company. Age, and with it experience, is a big determiner of compensation level as well.

Due to my ignorance of the UK health care system, I was surprised to read this: "The most common employment benefits were healthcare plans, performance related bonuses and flexi-time. However, you are more likely to be receiving a health plan benefit if you are working in sales and marketing role, than if you are in a development engineering role." I was under the impression that everyone was compelled to participate solely in the National Healthcare Service (NHS)* and that everyone was taxed accordingly - aka 'single-payer.' I would be interested to hear from any of you blokes (or blokesses) about how that works.

If you work in a region South East of England, which includes the Home Counties with Hampshire, Wiltshire, Gloucester and Oxfordshire, your average salary level should be more than 8% above the national average. The highest average salary of £50,228 is in the South East. The report did not specify specifically what the average engineering salary is in Peterhead, on the northeast coast.

The magazine write-up does not tell what the calculated margin of error is based on sample size, but the full report might. The full report can be obtained from the good folks at Electronics Weekly by going to their request page and sending them your email. It is free for the asking, but you do need to agree to get communications from European Recruitment and other third parties of their choosing. 

* Try finding the phrase "National Healthcare Service" on the NHS website; I could not find it anywhere.

Here is a list of current engineering jobs listed on RF Cafe.

Posted July 3, 2014