SOC 5449 Textiles, printing and other skilled trades

Other skilled trades n.e.c. Salary

Median salary £26,800 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £27,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For other skilled trades n.e.c., £29,340 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -25% versus the national average.

About this role

Other skilled trades not elsewhere classified include diverse craft and trade roles such as musical instrument makers, taxidermists, picture framers, sign writers, locksmiths and other specialist trades requiring manual skill and technical knowledge.

Key responsibilities

Performing specialist craft or trade activities
Using specialist tools, materials and techniques
Meeting customer specifications and quality standards
Maintaining tools and equipment
Managing business operations for self-employed tradespeople

Qualifications and entry routes

Varies widely by trade. Many are learned through apprenticeship or specialist training. Trade-specific certifications may be required (e.g., MLA for locksmiths, BSGA for sign makers).

Career outlook

Niche trades maintain steady demand. Specialist skills and quality craftsmanship command premium rates in many areas.

Key skills

Specialist trade skills Manual dexterity Problem-solving Customer service Business awareness

Common industries

Specialist craft workshops
Locksmithing
Sign making
Picture framing
Musical instrument making and repair

Data coverage

SOC code 5449

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 12,000

Median Salary

£26,800

Mean Salary

£28,457

Jobs (000s)

12k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £26,800

P10: --P25: --Median: £27kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£26,800

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +25.7%Real growth: -8.9%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£26,800

Full-time Only

£29,340

Full-time premium: +£2,540

Other skilled trades n.e.c. salary: common questions

How much do other skilled trades n.e.c. earn in the UK?

Other skilled trades n.e.c. earn a median of £29,340 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £29,340 a good salary in the UK?

For other skilled trades n.e.c., £29,340 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -25% versus the national average.

What is the starting salary for other skilled trades n.e.c.?

Entry-level other skilled trades n.e.c. typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £25,739, though this varies by employer and region.

Have other skilled trades n.e.c. salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median other skilled trades n.e.c. pay has risen from £21,535 to £29,340 — +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).