Laboratory technicians vs Process, plant and machine operatives Salary (2025)

How do Laboratory technicians and Process, plant and machine operatives salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Process, plant and machine operatives earns £5,923 more per year (22% higher)

Laboratory technicians

£27,248
per year
vs

Detailed Comparison

MetricLaboratory techniciansProcess, plant and machine operativesDifference
Median Annual£27,248£33,171-£5,923
Mean Annual£29,696£34,903-£5,207
Monthly£2,271£2,764-£493
Weekly£524£638-£114
Hourly£13.10£15.95-£2.85

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileLaboratory techniciansProcess, plant and machine operatives
10th (Entry)£16,771£17,094
25th£24,452£26,372
50th (Median)£27,248£33,171
75th£33,672£42,276
90th (Senior)£0£52,540
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Laboratory technicians or a Process, plant and machine operatives?
A Process, plant and machine operatives earns more. The median salary for a Laboratory technicians is £27,248, whilst a Process, plant and machine operatives earns £33,171 — a difference of £5,923 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Laboratory technicians and a Process, plant and machine operatives?
The difference is £5,923 per year. Process, plant and machine operatives is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Laboratory technicians or a Process, plant and machine operatives?
From a salary perspective, Process, 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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