Robots and Robotics Jobs in 2025: Career Outlook + FAQ

The United Kingdom has seen jobs in robotics increase in recent years. According to Statista, the UK’s industrial robotics market will likely reach £2.98 billion by 2029 [1]. This growth suggests a promising outlook if you’re interested in a career in the field. Discover more about robotics and robotics jobs and how to begin your professional journey in this fast-growing industry.

What is robotics? 

A branch of engineering and computer science, robotics focuses on creating machines that can perform tasks historically performed only by humans. Examples of these tasks include product assembly, data entry, and goods packaging. 

Humanity has been dreaming up human-like machines for centuries. Around 350 BCE, Greek mathematician Archytas of Tarentum designed and built a mechanical bird capable of flapping its wings and flying hundreds of metres in the air. In about 1495, the consummate Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci designed and created a mechanical knight after reasoning that he could apply the principles of human motion to a machine. 

5 robotics jobs to consider

If you want to work in robotics, you have many options ranging from robotics engineering to working with relevant artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The fast-growing robotics field encompasses a wide range of different positions. Consider five exciting jobs in robotics right now.

1. Robotics engineer

Median annual salary: £38,784 [2]

Requirements: Degree in AI; robotics; mechatronics; computer science; or mechanical, electrical, or robotics engineering 

Robotics engineers design, build, maintain, and repair robots along with the applications that run them. Combining mechanical and electrical engineering elements with computer science, you would focus on all aspects of creating robots, from conducting research to building robots and monitoring their performance in the real world.

2. Robot technician

Median annual salary: £29,356 [3]

Requirements: Can get training through T level programmes like:

• Engineering and manufacturing design and development

• Engineering and manufacturing maintenance, installation, and repair

• Engineering and manufacturing processing and control

Robot technicians install, maintain, and repair robots and other automated systems for businesses. In their daily work, robotics technicians may set up a robot to work in a factory, troubleshoot system errors, complete technical documentation, and even propose ideas for improving robots.

3. Software engineer

Median annual salary: £49,199 [4]

Requirements: Degree in computer science, electronics, information systems, computer software, or a similar area of study 

Software engineers design, build, and troubleshoot the software on which robots operate. Using their knowledge of mathematics and programming languages like Python, software development teams create applications that allow robots to perform tasks in the real world, whether they’re welding exhaust pipes or simply scanning barcodes.

4. Robotics operator

Median annual salary: £25,135 [5]

Requirements: Level 3 qualification in engineering or information technology (IT), level 3 specialist award in robotic operations 

Robotics operators are responsible for operating robots in the real world, particularly in industrial settings where you can use robots to aid in manufacturing. In your daily work, you might do everything from setting up equipment to actually operating robots and programming them to perform specified tasks.

5. AI Engineer

Median annual salary: £53,046 [6]

Requirements: You typically need a master’s degree in a subject related to this field, but you can begin with an undergraduate degree in computer science, statistics, electrical engineering, or mathematics. You can then pursue a master’s degree that relates to machine learning. Finally, you may need experience before being hired.

AI engineers specialise in creating programs that use AI and machine learning techniques to help improve robotics autonomy. In other words, the programs you'll develop as an AI engineer will contain algorithms that make them more intelligent with each use. 

Build skills for robotics and robotics jobs on Coursera

Discovering more about robotics jobs, what you'll earn, and what requirements you'll need can help you decide if you want a career in this exciting field. 

To understand more about robotics before making a career decision, consider taking a beginner-friendly online course like How to Get Into Robotics from the University of Leeds on Coursera. This course offers an introduction to robotics, explains the skills you'll need for success in the field, and gives more in-depth information on the various jobs you can pursue. 

Frequently asked questions