Process, plant and machine operatives vs Skilled trades occupations Salary (2025)

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

Skilled trades occupations earns £1,748 more per year (5% higher)
vs

Skilled trades occupations

£34,919
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricProcess, plant and machine operativesSkilled trades occupationsDifference
Median Annual£33,171£34,919-£1,748
Mean Annual£34,903£36,896-£1,993
Monthly£2,764£2,910-£146
Weekly£638£672-£34
Hourly£15.95£16.79-£0.84

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileProcess, plant and machine operativesSkilled trades occupations
10th (Entry)£17,094£19,202
25th£26,372£27,269
50th (Median)£33,171£34,919
75th£42,276£44,593
90th (Senior)£52,540£56,036
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Process, plant and machine operatives or a Skilled trades occupations?
A Skilled trades occupations earns more. The median salary for a Process, plant and machine operatives is £33,171, whilst a Skilled trades occupations earns £34,919 — a difference of £1,748 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Process, plant and machine operatives and a Skilled trades occupations?
The difference is £1,748 per year. Skilled trades occupations is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Process, plant and machine operatives or a Skilled trades occupations?
From a salary perspective, Skilled trades occupations 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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