Mechanical engineers vs Process, plant and machine operatives Salary (2025)

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

Mechanical engineers earns £16,828 more per year (51% higher)

Mechanical engineers

£49,999
per year
vs

Detailed Comparison

MetricMechanical engineersProcess, plant and machine operativesDifference
Median Annual£49,999£33,171+£16,828
Mean Annual£53,850£34,903+£18,947
Monthly£4,167£2,764+£1,403
Weekly£962£638+£324
Hourly£24.04£15.95+£8.09

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileMechanical engineersProcess, plant and machine operatives
10th (Entry)£31,219£17,094
25th£40,001£26,372
50th (Median)£49,999£33,171
75th£62,548£42,276
90th (Senior)£0£52,540
Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Mechanical engineers or a Process, plant and machine operatives?
A Mechanical engineers earns more. The median salary for a Mechanical engineers is £49,999, whilst a Process, plant and machine operatives earns £33,171 — a difference of £16,828 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Mechanical engineers and a Process, plant and machine operatives?
The difference is £16,828 per year. Mechanical engineers is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Mechanical engineers or a Process, plant and machine operatives?
From a salary perspective, Mechanical engineers offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

More Comparisons