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Chartered Engineer Salary

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  • 16-01-2013 10:52pm
    #1
    A fella called fish
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 188 ✭✭


    I know times are tough etc etc... However, I'm a Chartered Structural Engineer (with Engineers Ireland and the IStructE) and have been working as a Structural Engineer for the past 8 years.

    I now earn €5k more than I did in my first year as a graduate Engineer 8 years ago...which personally I find extremely dissappointing.

    How do the rest of you experienced Engineers find the salaries these days? I never expected to get rich from Engineering and I love the job itself, but it seems like a dead end job these days in Ireland.

    Seriously considering emigration or a complete change of career at the moment.

    Incidentally, when are the results of the Engineers Ireland salary survey due to be published?


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    #2
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,204 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    Is that €5k as a result of any pay reductions?

    Have you been with the same company since you graduated?


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    #3
    A fella called fish
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 188 ✭✭A fella called fish


    Hi,

    Yes, my salary increased by €20k after 4-5 years and then plummeted back down by 15k as a result of pay cuts.

    I have been with the same company since I graduated.

    While I'm glad to have a job that I actually like, I also need to get on with my life, which is difficult in a job which appears to have little prospects these days.


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    #4
    sprinkles
    Registered Users Posts: 4,510 ✭✭✭sprinkles


    Did you get any pay increases over the years?

    I started on 26k, 3 years ago I left for Vancouver after over 5 years working in Ireland and was on 55k afair. I was chartered at the time and had taken a pay cut so I would have been closer to 60k.

    Now, with over 8 years experience I am on 90k CAD which works out at 68k euro. I'd advise you to emmigrate. Far better pay abroad.


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    #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 16,720 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I lost my job in July (Civil Engineer). Managed to get a contract job in manufacturing as a Project Engineer a month and a half later. Salaries are a lot better, partially because of the field and partially because of being a contractor.

    But beforehand I was at the same salary give or take for nearly 5 years, really because of the sector. So it depends what you want to do.


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    #6
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,204 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    As a contractor you will always get paid more. The cost to the employer is almost the same (probably cheaper).

    Staying with the same company can reduce your earning potential


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    #7
    con1982
    Registered Users Posts: 515 ✭✭✭con1982


    A fella called fish wrote: »
    I know times are tough etc etc... However, I'm a Chartered Structural Engineer (with Engineers Ireland and the IStructE) and have been working as a Structural Engineer for the past 8 years.

    I now earn €5k more than I did in my first year as a graduate Engineer 8 years ago...which personally I find extremely dissappointing.

    How do the rest of you experienced Engineers find the salaries these days? I never expected to get rich from Engineering and I love the job itself, but it seems like a dead end job these days in Ireland.

    Seriously considering emigration or a complete change of career at the moment.

    Incidentally, when are the results of the Engineers Ireland salary survey due to be published?

    I'm in a similar position. Earning less now than 6 years ago.

    Seems to me there are three options.
    (1) Move to Canada or Australia
    (2) Wait it out. I've noticed things picking up in the last 6/12 months. I reckon in next 18/24 months salaries will be reasonable again. More building control and changes to HSA rules(PSCS requirements) will make it a more restrictive profession to work in.
    (3) Switch profession. Evening classes are a lot of work and can be expensive. There is no gaurantee of a job either.

    I'm on option 2 at the moment, and flirting with option 3

    Godtabh - Did you do any training to switch over to project engineer in manufacturing? I've a few Mech Eng friends who do validation in the pharma industry.


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    #8
    A fella called fish
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 188 ✭✭A fella called fish


    con1982 wrote: »

    I'm in a similar position. Earning less now than 6 years ago.

    Seems to me there are three options.
    (1) Move to Canada or Australia
    (2) Wait it out. I've noticed things picking up in the last 6/12 months. I reckon in next 18/24 months salaries will be reasonable again. More building control and changes to HSA rules(PSCS requirements) will make it a more restrictive profession to work in.
    (3) Switch profession. Evening classes are a lot of work and can be expensive. There is no gaurantee of a job either.

    I'm on option 2 at the moment, and flirting with option 3

    Godtabh - Did you do any training to switch over to project engineer in manufacturing? I've a few Mech Eng friends who do validation in the pharma industry.


    Sorry that you're in the same boat..but at least I now know I'm not alone!

    I've noticed the past 6-9 months getting progressively better from that perspective, however I'm not holding my breath with regard to salaries being reasonable within the next year or so.

    It frustrates me that I've worked hard in College, do my best in the office, worked hard to obtain my Chartership with both Professional Bodies, and there's no financial acknowledgement/appreciation for it!

    It really is getting harder and harder to get out of the bed in the mornings.


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    #9
    annfield1978
    Registered Users Posts: 564 ✭✭✭annfield1978


    Your issue is that you have stayed with the one company, during the boom you may not have maximised your earnings ( moving companies would have bumped up salaries by 10k say) and now companies are able to dictate pay levels

    Problem is that there is nothing to move on to , so option is to retrain or emigrate unfortunately


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    #10
    Pope John 11
    Registered Users Posts: 161 ✭✭Pope John 11


    con1982 wrote: »
    I've a few Mech Eng friends who do validation in the pharma industry.

    Having spent 11 years working as a structural engineer, I have since completed my Project Management course in TCD. I had planned to do the charatership with IEI but have left it for now.

    I am currently working as a Validation Engineer for the past year, having working for free for 6 months with the same company. I have a mortgage here which can tie you up a bit too.

    I am just wondering with your Mech friends, are the salaries any way reasonable as I am currently on 20k less than I was a Structural Engineer. I can understand that training etc. is required.

    As for me I am still thinking and contemplating going abroad and that salaries may be better in the likes of Canada/Australia as an Engineer.


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    #11
    con1982
    Registered Users Posts: 515 ✭✭✭con1982


    My Mech Eng friends are on 60plus. Mostly contract workers.


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    #12
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,204 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    I'm working in Civil engineering. Donal is the process engineer.


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    #13
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 16,720 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    con1982 wrote: »
    Godtabh - Did you do any training to switch over to project engineer in manufacturing? I've a few Mech Eng friends who do validation in the pharma industry.

    Basically I got in as a joint Project Engineer / Planner role as I had experience with project management and maintenance planning from a previous job (I emphasized my all round engineering experience (multi-disciplined I think I mentioned several times) in my CV/interview).

    If you're looking at courses there are a good few courses Engineers Ireland run which are meant to give a grounding in Pharma/Mech for Civil Engineers, I've been meaning to look at them to give myself a better chance at the next job. Or alternatively there are post grad diplomas in the likes of IT Tallaght.


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    #14
    Pope John 11
    Registered Users Posts: 161 ✭✭Pope John 11


    Ok,

    I have just completed one year with a pharma company. 6 months training and 6 months pay. They have seen alot of what I could bring to their company including pricing and tendering projects, contract documentation, tender reports, programme schedules, keeping Minutes of Meeting and AutoCAD dwgs.

    I now have a reasonable knowledge of validation having completed IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, Change Controls, Risk Assessments, Validation Master Plans, User Requirement Specs.

    I have just been informed today that there is a role there for me but the specification for the role needs to be defined. Because the Plant is looking to build next door and put in new production lines and Clean in Place systems they are looking for a Project Engineer/Validation Engineer type role.

    They have requested me to draw up a job specification and it will be discussed with Senior Mgt. I have over 10 years civil/Structrual engineering experience, 5 as a senior project engineer. What salary level should I expect to take in and how would you go about defining your role, without overly defining it.

    I am concerned about laying all the cards on the table and not getting a justified salary for the role.


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    #15
    Rabidlamb
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,202 ✭✭✭Rabidlamb


    con1982 wrote: »
    My Mech Eng friends are on 60plus. Mostly contract workers.

    I'm a Mech & used earn more than that but not anymore.
    Lost 25% about 4 years ago & pay freeze since.

    I get the impression things are starting to turn though.
    I got my first work placement in 1997 at £12k a year.
    Celtic Tiger years saw huge inflation due to competition, I found you only realise your maximum pay once you hand in your notice.
    I benefited from a bidding war on 2 separate occasions as I tried to change employer.
    All the while headhunting companies trying to chase you down with hello money & huge guaranteed bonuses.

    I'm not saying these were healthy days for the industry, keeping a job during the recession may be the most valuable reward I've ever received.


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    #16
    A fella called fish
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 188 ✭✭A fella called fish


    I'll be honest, and tell you I currently earn €33k per year as a senior Chartered Structural Engineer. MIStructE and MIEI.

    So what now..do we just keep plodding along waiting on salaries to improve? How long will that take?! Do we give it another 10 years?? Another 15?! The way things are going I feel that, although I love the work itself, I've wasted my time in college - should have picked something else, as if this keeps going I will retire broke and disappointed.


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    #17
    con1982
    Registered Users Posts: 515 ✭✭✭con1982


    Don't get too disheartened.

    From speaking with other chartered engineers in civil/structural, the low 30s seems to be the norm. I'm including myself, the recently self-employed and others looking for work.

    I do feel there is an improvement in salaries on the way. IMO, construction hit a low point about three years ago and has been plodding along since. The changes to building control should result in better pay for qualified professionals. It makes the black market harder to operate and requires a greater degree of inspection and certification.

    The Uk is an option if you are willing. Mid to high 40s is on offer.

    A pay freeze, without adjustment for inflation, is actually a pay cut. We reached the bottom some time ago. I don't accept further pay cuts. Neither should other hard working engineers.


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    #18
    impr0v
    Registered Users Posts: 2,647 ✭✭✭impr0v


    This thread is depressing.


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    #19
    Low Energy Eng
    Registered Users Posts: 297 ✭✭Low Energy Eng


    I left Ireland for Australia 6months ago... I'm earning more than twice what I was at home, and I'm on the lower end of the pay scale here due to lack of Australian experience. Considering it's likely I'll get a pay rise after a year,maybe a Christmas bonus, better working conditions, better weather, better quality of life, the only regret iI have is not doing it sooner


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    #20
    CatFromHue
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 18,140 Mod ✭✭✭✭CatFromHue


    When you say you're earning more than twice you were at home is that in pure gross pay terms (ie 30K Euro and now $65K Aussie Dollars) or that your quality of living/money after all bills and food paid is twice what it would be in Euro terms in Ireland.

    The reason I ask is that I was working in Melbourne in October for $30 an hour which was actually kinda poor pay really. Minimum wage is about $16 I think.


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    #21
    mandrake04
    Registered Users Posts: 4,435 ✭✭✭mandrake04


    The average salary for Engineering jobs in Australia is I think $120K, depends on the discipline though but if you are qualified and a bit of experience then starting would be roughly around $90K.

    A good rule of thumb for Oz is professionals $50+ ph and skilled trade around $40, semi-skilled around $30 ph and unskilled around $25.


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    #22
    Danfogarty
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭Danfogarty


    What type of Salary would one expect on a graduate Mech engineer role with a Masters? I'm starting on 26K with a pat review in 6 months, based on that what pay increase should I be negotiating?


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    #23
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,204 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    Danfogarty wrote: »
    What type of Salary would one expect on a graduate Mech engineer role with a Masters? I'm starting on 26K with a pat review in 6 months, based on that what pay increase should I be negotiating?

    Sounds about right


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    #24
    Pembily
    Registered Users Posts: 14,404 ✭✭✭✭Pembily


    Danfogarty wrote: »
    What type of Salary would one expect on a graduate Mech engineer role with a Masters? I'm starting on 26K with a pat review in 6 months, based on that what pay increase should I be negotiating?
    26k is a lower starting salary for a Masters. They generally make an offer. 10% is considered a decent pay rise but it is all dependent on your performance.


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    #25
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,204 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    I would have thought 26k is the upper limit for graduates?


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    #26
    Pembily
    Registered Users Posts: 14,404 ✭✭✭✭Pembily


    godtabh wrote: »
    I would have thought 26k is the upper limit for graduates?
    Without a masters yes. A masters does give you added value.


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    #27
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,204 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    a graduate regardless of masters or not is of little use straight out of college unless in a specialist role. I wouldn't expect an employer to pay more than €28k for a masters and given that graduate civil roles are starting on €24/25k that to me is pushing it


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    #28
    Pembily
    Registered Users Posts: 14,404 ✭✭✭✭Pembily


    godtabh wrote: »
    a graduate regardless of masters or not is of little use straight out of college unless in a specialist role. I wouldn't expect an employer to pay more than €28k for a masters and given that graduate civil roles are starting on €24/25k that to me is pushing it
    It depends on the company. Some are paying graduate Mech engineers €30k some are paying €20k. It also depends on the person, some graduates do have experience.


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    #29
    harryr711
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 222 ✭✭harryr711


    Average starting salary for mech grads is €30k


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    #30
    Gin77
    Closed Accounts Posts: 252 ✭✭Gin77


    I'm a toolmaker studying Manufacturing technology part time in WIT. I should have a level 6 after this year. My hope if to get a level 7/8 degree.
    Given the salary figures on the thread I don't know if its worth completing the course.


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    #31
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,204 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    its a starting salary. After that who knows how much you could earn Probably not alot in the grand scheme of things but you'll do ok


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