Plastics process operatives Salary
Median salary £29,644 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £30,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For plastics process operatives, £32,644 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -16% versus the national average.
About this role
Chemical and related process operatives operate and monitor equipment in chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing and water treatment facilities. They control chemical processes, manage safety systems and ensure compliance with strict operational procedures.
Key responsibilities
- Operating and monitoring chemical processing equipment
- Controlling process variables (temperature, pressure, flow)
- Following strict safety and environmental procedures
- Sampling and testing products against specifications
- Maintaining logs and recording process data
Qualifications and entry routes
COGENT (now part of Science Industry Partnership) qualifications in process operations. NVQ Level 2/3 in Process Technology. COMAH site work requires specific safety training. Many employers prefer science A-levels or equivalent.
Career outlook
Steady demand in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Process safety expertise is highly valued. Automation is creating more monitoring and control-oriented roles.
Key skills
Common industries
- Chemical manufacturing
- Oil refining
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Water treatment
- Petrochemicals
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£23,591
0-2 years
Mid Level
£23,591
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 30.7%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£3,000
Plastics process operatives salary: common questions
How much do plastics process operatives earn in the UK?
Is £32,644 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for plastics process operatives?
Have plastics process operatives salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for plastics process operatives?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).