SOC 5221 Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades

Metal machining setters and setter-operators Salary

Median salary £35,394 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £35,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For metal machining setters and setter-operators, £35,718 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -9.0% versus the national average. Experienced metal machining setters and setter-operators (top 25%) earn over £42,591.

About this role

Metal machining setters and setter-operators join, cut, shape and fabricate metal components and structures using specialist equipment and techniques. They work from engineering drawings to produce components that meet precise specifications for strength, finish and dimensional accuracy.

Key responsibilities

Welding, cutting and fabricating metal components
Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications
Setting up and operating welding and fabrication equipment
Inspecting finished work for quality and dimensional accuracy
Following health and safety procedures for hot work and metalworking

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires an apprenticeship or NVQ Level 2/3. Coded welder certifications (BS EN ISO 9606) are essential for structural and pressure vessel work. CSCS or specialist site cards may be required.

Career outlook

Skills shortage in coded welding and specialist fabrication. Nuclear, offshore and infrastructure projects drive consistent demand.

Key skills

Welding techniques (MIG, TIG, MMA) Technical drawing interpretation Precision measurement Quality inspection Safety awareness

Common industries

Manufacturing
Construction
Oil and gas
Shipbuilding
Automotive

Data coverage

SOC code 5221

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 48,000

Median Salary

£35,394

Mean Salary

£36,478

Jobs (000s)

48k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £29,047Median: £35,394P75: £42,591

P10: £24kP25: £29kMedian: £35kP75: £43kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£24,393

0-2 years

Mid Level

£29,047

3-7 years

Senior

£42,591

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +75% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +37.0%Real growth: -0.7%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£35,394

Full-time Only

£35,718

Full-time premium: +£324

Metal machining setters and setter-operators salary: common questions

How much do metal machining setters and setter-operators earn in the UK?

Metal machining setters and setter-operators earn a median of £35,718 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £29,047 and £42,591.

Is £35,718 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for metal machining setters and setter-operators?

Entry-level metal machining setters and setter-operators typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £29,047, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £24,393.

Have metal machining setters and setter-operators salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median metal machining setters and setter-operators pay has risen from £26,214 to £35,718 — +36% in cash terms, or -1.0% after CPIH inflation. That is roughly in line with inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).