Plant and Machine Operatives vs Train and tram drivers Salary

How do Plant and Machine Operatives and Train and tram drivers salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown using the latest ONS data.

Train and tram drivers earns £37,523 more per year (111% higher)

Plant and Machine Operatives

£33,943
per year (gross)
Take-home: £27,959
vs

Train and tram drivers

£71,466
per year (gross)
Take-home: £52,008

Detailed Comparison

MetricPlant and Machine OperativesTrain and tram driversDifference
Median Annual£33,943£71,466-£37,523
Mean Annual£36,343£70,871-£34,528
Take-Home (Net)£27,959£52,008-£24,049
Monthly (Gross)£2,829£5,956-£3,127
Weekly (Gross)£653£1,374-£721
Hourly£16.32£34.36-£18.04

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePlant and Machine OperativesTrain and tram drivers
10th (Entry)£24,081£36,808
25th£27,885£65,178
50th (Median)£33,943£71,466
75th£40,998£80,869
90th (Senior)£0£0

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Plant and Machine Operatives or a Train and tram drivers?
A Train and tram drivers earns more. The median salary for a Plant and Machine Operatives is £33,943, whilst a Train and tram drivers earns £71,466 — a difference of £37,523 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Plant and Machine Operatives and a Train and tram drivers?
The difference is £37,523 per year. Train and tram drivers is the higher-paid role.
What is the take-home pay difference?
After tax and National Insurance, a Plant and Machine Operatives takes home approximately £27,959 per year, whilst a Train and tram drivers takes home £52,008. The net difference is £24,049.
Should I become a Plant and Machine Operatives or a Train and tram drivers?
From a salary perspective, Train and tram drivers 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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