Metal Working Machine Operatives vs Welding trades Salary (2025)

How do Metal Working Machine Operatives and Welding trades salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Welding trades earns £3,173 more per year (10% higher)
vs

Welding trades

£35,582
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricMetal Working Machine OperativesWelding tradesDifference
Median Annual£32,409£35,582-£3,173
Mean Annual£35,404£37,877-£2,473
Monthly£2,701£2,965-£264
Weekly£623£684-£61
Hourly£15.58£17.11-£1.53

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileMetal Working Machine OperativesWelding trades
10th (Entry)£25,813£24,483
25th£27,629£29,325
50th (Median)£32,409£35,582
75th£40,466£45,339
90th (Senior)£0£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Metal Working Machine Operatives or a Welding trades?
A Welding trades earns more. The median salary for a Metal Working Machine Operatives is £32,409, whilst a Welding trades earns £35,582 — a difference of £3,173 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Metal Working Machine Operatives and a Welding trades?
The difference is £3,173 per year. Welding trades is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Metal Working Machine Operatives or a Welding trades?
From a salary perspective, Welding trades 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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