Laboratory technicians vs Plant and Machine Operatives Salary (2025)

How do Laboratory technicians and Plant and Machine Operatives salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Plant and Machine Operatives earns £6,695 more per year (25% higher)

Laboratory technicians

£27,248
per year
vs

Plant and Machine Operatives

£33,943
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricLaboratory techniciansPlant and Machine OperativesDifference
Median Annual£27,248£33,943-£6,695
Mean Annual£29,696£36,343-£6,647
Monthly£2,271£2,829-£558
Weekly£524£653-£129
Hourly£13.10£16.32-£3.22

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileLaboratory techniciansPlant and Machine Operatives
10th (Entry)£16,771£24,081
25th£24,452£27,885
50th (Median)£27,248£33,943
75th£33,672£40,998
90th (Senior)£0£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Laboratory technicians or a Plant and Machine Operatives?
A Plant and Machine Operatives earns more. The median salary for a Laboratory technicians is £27,248, whilst a Plant and Machine Operatives earns £33,943 — a difference of £6,695 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Laboratory technicians and a Plant and Machine Operatives?
The difference is £6,695 per year. Plant and Machine Operatives is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Laboratory technicians or a Plant and Machine Operatives?
From a salary perspective, Plant and Machine Operatives offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

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