Geotechnical Engineer
Investigate ground conditions and design foundations, slopes and retaining structures.
This UK geotechnical engineer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £36,000
- Mid-career salary
- £42,000 - £58,000
- Senior salary
- £65,000 - £95,000
- Work environment
- Mixed site / office / field work
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 years (BSc/MSc)
- Degree required
- Usually required
- Category
- Green Energy and Sustainability
What a Geotechnical Engineer does
Investigate ground conditions and design foundations, slopes and retaining structures.
- Ground Investigation - Manage SI campaigns and AGS data.
- Foundation Design - Design pile, raft and shallow foundations.
- Slope Stability - Stability assessment for highways and rail.
- Contaminated Land - Combined geotechnical / contaminated land role.
How to become a Geotechnical Engineer
- Look up Geotechnical Engineer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Geotechnical Engineer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Soil mechanics
- Site investigation
- CAD
- Reporting
- Driving licence