Chemical and related process operatives vs Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades Salary (2025)

How do Chemical and related process operatives and Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades earns £1,519 more per year (4% higher)

Chemical and related process operatives

£34,115

per year

Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades

£35,634

per year

Detailed Comparison

Metric	Chemical and related process operatives	Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades	Difference
Median Annual	£34,115	£35,634	-£1,519
Mean Annual	£36,531	£38,191	-£1,660
Monthly	£2,843	£2,970	-£127
Weekly	£656	£685	-£29
Hourly	£16.40	£17.13	-£0.73

Salary Range Comparison

Percentile	Chemical and related process operatives	Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades
10th (Entry)	£24,979	£25,589
25th	£28,318	£29,967
50th (Median)	£34,115	£35,634
75th	£41,389	£45,245
90th (Senior)	£0	£0

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Chemical and related process operatives or a Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades?

A Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades earns more. The median salary for a Chemical and related process operatives is £34,115, whilst a Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades earns £35,634 — a difference of £1,519 per year.

What is the salary difference between a Chemical and related process operatives and a Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades?

The difference is £1,519 per year. Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades is the higher-paid role.

Should I become a Chemical and related process operatives or a Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades?

From a salary perspective, Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.