Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. vs Welding trades Salary

How do Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. and Welding trades salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown using the latest ONS data.

Welding trades earns £2,912 more per year (9% higher)

Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.

£32,670
per year (gross)
Take-home: £27,042
vs

Welding trades

£35,582
per year (gross)
Take-home: £29,139

Detailed Comparison

MetricPlant and machine operatives n.e.c.Welding tradesDifference
Median Annual£32,670£35,582-£2,912
Mean Annual£33,093£37,877-£4,784
Take-Home (Net)£27,042£29,139-£2,097
Monthly (Gross)£2,723£2,965-£242
Weekly (Gross)£628£684-£56
Hourly£15.71£17.11-£1.40

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. or a Welding trades?
A Welding trades earns more. The median salary for a Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. is £32,670, whilst a Welding trades earns £35,582 — a difference of £2,912 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. and a Welding trades?
The difference is £2,912 per year. Welding trades is the higher-paid role.
What is the take-home pay difference?
After tax and National Insurance, a Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. takes home approximately £27,042 per year, whilst a Welding trades takes home £29,139. The net difference is £2,097.
Should I become a Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. 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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