Metal working machine operatives Salary
Median salary £31,344 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 metal working machine operatives, £31,500 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -19% versus the national average. Experienced metal working machine operatives (top 25%) earn over £38,689.
About this role
Metal working machine operatives operate machinery, equipment or production lines in manufacturing, processing or industrial environments. They monitor processes, maintain quality standards, follow safety procedures and ensure production targets are met efficiently.
Key responsibilities
- Setting up and operating machinery or production equipment
- Monitoring production processes and output quality
- Performing routine maintenance and reporting faults
- Following health and safety procedures and wearing PPE
- Meeting production targets and recording output data
Qualifications and entry routes
Formal qualifications are not always required, though NVQ Level 2 in relevant operations is common. Many roles provide comprehensive on-the-job training. Fork-lift truck (FLT) certification or specific machine certifications may be needed.
Career outlook
Automation is changing the nature of these roles, with increasing demand for operatives who can work with computerised and robotic systems.
Key skills
Common industries
- Manufacturing
- Food processing
- Automotive
- Pharmaceuticals
- Packaging
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£22,610
0-2 years
Mid Level
£26,355
3-7 years
Senior
£38,689
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +71% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 23.1%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£156
Metal working machine operatives salary: common questions
How much do metal working machine operatives earn in the UK?
Is £31,500 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for metal working machine operatives?
Have metal working machine operatives salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for metal working machine operatives?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).