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LIVE · ONS ASHE 2025 SYNCED
00:00:00 UTC
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC TRADES N.E.C.▲ 65% /10yrBUSINESS, RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS N.E.C.▲ 60% /10yrFINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS▲ 55% /10yrASSEMBLERS (VEHICLES AND METAL GOODS)▼ 1% /10yrHIGHER EDUCATION TEACHING PROFESSIONALS▲ 5% /10yrSOFTWARE ENGINEER£55,000▲ 38% /5yrCYBER SECURITY ANALYST£62,000▲ 35% /5yr
SOC 8119Process, plant and machine operatives

Process operatives n.e.c. Salary

QUOTE · PROCESS OPERATIVES N.E.C.UK · 2025
£30,843
▼ 21% vs UK median (£39,039)
2015–2025 median▲ 15%

Median salary £30,843 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £31,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For process operatives n.e.c., £31,717 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -19% versus the national average.

WINDOW: PROFILE

About this role

Process operatives not elsewhere classified work in manufacturing and processing environments not covered by specific codes, operating machinery to produce a range of products from paper to building materials to consumer goods.

Key responsibilities

  • Operating production machinery and equipment
  • Monitoring output quality and production processes
  • Following standard operating procedures
  • Maintaining equipment and reporting faults
  • Recording production data

Qualifications and entry routes

No formal qualifications typically required. On-the-job training provided. NVQ in Manufacturing Operations. Fork-lift truck certification may be needed.

Career outlook

Automation is changing manufacturing operations. Operatives who can work with computerised systems and manage exception processes are increasingly valued.

Key skills

Machine operationQuality awarenessSafety complianceReliabilityTeamwork

Common industries

  • General manufacturing
  • Building products
  • Consumer goods
  • Paper and packaging
  • Assembly operations

Data coverage

SOC code8119
Data sourceONS ASHE
Years available2015–2025
Estimated jobs14,000
WINDOW: DATA
Mean Salary
£32,313
Top 10% Earn
N/A
Jobs (000s)
14k
Data Years
11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: --P25: £26kMedian: £31kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£25,764

0-2 years

Mid Level

£25,764

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Nominal growth: +15.2%Real growth: -16.5%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 20.9%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees
£30,843
Full-time Only
£31,717

Full-time premium: +£874

WINDOW: FAQ

Process operatives n.e.c. salary: common questions

How much do process operatives n.e.c. earn in the UK?
Process operatives n.e.c. earn a median of £31,717 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).
Is £31,717 a good salary in the UK?
For process operatives n.e.c., £31,717 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -19% versus the national average.
What is the starting salary for process operatives n.e.c.?
Entry-level process operatives n.e.c. typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £25,764, though this varies by employer and region.
Have process operatives n.e.c. salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2015, median process operatives n.e.c. pay has risen from £26,389 to £31,717 — +20% in cash terms, or -13% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.
Is there a gender pay gap for process operatives n.e.c.?
Male process operatives n.e.c. earn a median £31,880 and female process operatives n.e.c. £25,224 — a gap of +21% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).

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