Originally Posted by
Dan Dare
Part of the problem in the UK is in the language. In Europe a qualified Engineer often has a title prefix similar (in status) to a doctor, whereas most Brits see the holder of a spanner as an engineer and thus expect to treat and pay engineers accordingly.
Forgive the cut'n'paste, but Google tells that:
Engineers design, build, and maintain systems and structures, while mechanics repair and maintain machines and vehicles.
Design and creation
- Engineers: Design, analyse, and build systems and structures, such as vehicles, machines, and processes. They also oversee construction projects and run quality control tests.
- Mechanics: Repair, maintain, and troubleshoot machines and vehicles. They also perform routine maintenance and assemble mechanical components.
Work environment
- Engineers: Work in offices, laboratories, industrial plants, construction sites, and oil and gas exploration and production sites.
- Mechanics: Work in cramped spaces, such as inside vehicles, and are often exposed to contaminants like antifreeze and degreasers. They almost always wear protective gear.
Education
- Engineers: Usually have a university degree with a strong understanding of math, physics, and design.
Specialties
- Mechanics: May specialize in a particular type of machine, such as cars, tractors, or heavy machinery.
In the civil world, licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, are treated with respect, and receive remuneration commensurate with the level of their certification privileges.
Starting pay for B1/B2 engineers, with a couple of type ratings with Jet2 is north of 100k. Wages do vary, with the U.K. median being around 60k.
The engineer title used by licensed aircraft engineers, is specific to them, due to the level of their certification privileges, and must meet the recognised ICAO standard.