Plastics process operatives vs Welding trades Salary (2025)

How do Plastics process operatives and Welding trades salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Welding trades earns £4,811 more per year (16% higher)

Plastics process operatives

£30,771
per year
vs

Welding trades

£35,582
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricPlastics process operativesWelding tradesDifference
Median Annual£30,771£35,582-£4,811
Mean Annual£32,425£37,877-£5,452
Monthly£2,564£2,965-£401
Weekly£592£684-£92
Hourly£14.79£17.11-£2.32

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePlastics process operativesWelding trades
10th (Entry)£21,352£24,483
25th£26,419£29,325
50th (Median)£30,771£35,582
75th£38,034£45,339
90th (Senior)£0£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Plastics process operatives or a Welding trades?
A Welding trades earns more. The median salary for a Plastics process operatives is £30,771, whilst a Welding trades earns £35,582 — a difference of £4,811 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Plastics process operatives and a Welding trades?
The difference is £4,811 per year. Welding trades is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Plastics process 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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