ABSTRACT In this paper, based on the higher-order shear deformation theory, a thermo-elastic analysis for axisymmetric clamped–clamped rotating pressurised thick cylindrical shells with variable thickness made of functionally graded materials subjected to thermal loading is presented. The material properties, except the Poisson’s ratio, are assumed to vary with the power law function in the radial direction of the cylinder. The governing equations are a system of non-homogeneous ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. Based on two-dimensional steady-state heat conduction equation, temperature distribution in cylinder with variable thickness is given. Using multilayer method, these equations could be converted into systems of differential equations with constant coefficients. The effects of higher-order approximations on the radial and axial displacements, von Mises stress and shear stress have been studied. Finally, the displacements and stresses along the radius and length have been plotted, and distribution of these is compared with the solution using finite-element method.