UK AI Job-Risk Index · SOC 2010 2122
Ranks #85 of 293 for AI exposure (1 = most exposed)
How exposed to AI are mechanical engineers?
74/100
AI exposure score (percentile across all 365 occupations DfE scored)
High#85
of 293 UK occupations (1 = most exposed)
£42,745
median full-time pay (ONS ASHE 2020) · 35,000 employee jobs
Mechanical engineers sits in the high exposure band: its abilities overlap with current AI applications more than about 74% of the 365 UK occupations the Department for Education scored. High exposure usually means AI can help with many of the tasks involved, such as drafting, analysis or information handling. That can change how the job is done, but it is not a forecast that the job will disappear.
Underlying scores: AIOE (all AI) 0.96, LLM exposure 0.66 (standardised; 0 is the average occupation). Skill level: Level 4. Pay and job counts are 2020 figures, so use them to compare occupations rather than as current salaries.
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Job titles in this occupation
Titles the ONS SOC 2010 coding index places in unit group 2122. If your job title is here, this page uses the right figures for you.
naval designer · works engineer · hydrodynamicist · naval architect · chassis engineer · aircraft designer · aircraft surveyor · nautical designer · naval constructor · aerospace engineer · motorsport engineer · engineering consultant · mechanisation engineer · inspector of fighting vehicles
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Lower-risk related jobs
Occupations in the same SOC 2010 sub-major group with a lower AI exposure score, highest-paid first. Pay difference is against £42,745 (ONS ASHE 2020 median, full-time). Switching usually needs retraining; this is a starting point, not advice.
| Occupation | Exposure | Median pay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical engineers | 68/100 | £52,064 | +£9,319 |
| Biological scientists and biochemists | 67/100 | £37,390 | −£5,355 |
| Natural and social science professionals n.e.c. | 70/100 | £37,215 | −£5,530 |
| Chemical scientists | 73/100 | £32,542 | −£10,203 |
| Web design and development professionals | 72/100 | £31,926 | −£10,819 |
Occupations with similar exposure
- Call and contact centre occupations (74/100)
- Research and development managers (75/100)
- Functional managers and directors n.e.c. (75/100)
- Personal assistants and other secretaries (74/100)
← #84 Research and development managers · #86 Call and contact centre occupations →
FAQ: Mechanical engineers and AI
Will AI replace mechanical engineers?
The index does not predict job losses. Mechanical engineers has an AI exposure score of 74/100 (high band), ranking #85 of 293 UK occupations, where 1 is the most exposed. High exposure means AI can help with many of the tasks involved, which usually changes how the job is done.
How does this compare with similar jobs?
Mechanical engineers is one of 20 occupations in its SOC 2010 sub-major group in the index; 13 of the others are more exposed to AI.
How much do mechanical engineers earn?
Median gross annual pay for full-time employees was £42,745 in ONS ASHE 2020 (Table 14), across about 35,000 employee jobs. These are 2020 figures, so use them to compare jobs rather than as current salaries.
Which related jobs are less exposed to AI?
In the same sub-major group, lower-exposure occupations include Electrical engineers (68/100, £52,064), Biological scientists and biochemists (67/100, £37,390), Natural and social science professionals n.e.c. (70/100, £37,215).
Where does this data come from?
AI exposure uses Department for Education (2023) AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) scores; pay and job counts come from ONS ASHE 2020. Job titles come from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index.
Source: Department for Education (2023), The impact of AI on UK jobs and training (AIOE scores); ONS ASHE 2020 Table 14; job titles from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index (v7). Exposure is not a prediction of job loss. Methodology · Embed this data
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