Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment by ensuring the stability and safety of structures through the careful analysis of soil and rock properties. Their expertise is crucial for infrastructure projects, making them indispensable in the UK's ongoing development and sustainability efforts.

Geotechnical Engineer

28

Engineering and Technology

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO28%moving to70%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £38,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Geotechnical EngineerAs a Junior Geotechnical Engineer, you will assist in site investigations, data collection, and analysis under the supervision of senior engineers.£30,000 - £38,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Geotechnical EngineerIn this role, you will lead site investigations, manage projects, and liaise with clients while developing innovative solutions to geotechnical challenges.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Geotechnical EngineerAs a Senior Geotechnical Engineer, you will oversee complex projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to strategic decision-making within the organisation.£70,000+

Real apprenticeship standards

Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.

L7Geotechnical engineer (integrated degree)30 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Careermash

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AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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