SOC 8139 Process, plant and machine operatives

Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. Salary

Median salary £29,142 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £29,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For plant and machine operatives n.e.c., £29,259 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

Plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified operate specialist plant and equipment in construction, manufacturing and other industrial settings. They drive mobile plant, operate cranes and manage specialist machinery.

Key responsibilities

Operating specialist plant, cranes or machinery
Conducting daily checks and maintenance
Following operating procedures and safety protocols
Communicating with banksmen and supervisors
Maintaining operation logs and records

Qualifications and entry routes

CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or NPORS certification for construction plant. Manufacturer-specific training for specialist equipment. CSCS card for site access.

Career outlook

CPCS-certified plant operators are in consistent demand across construction. Crane operators and specialist plant operators command premium rates.

Key skills

Plant operation Spatial awareness Safety consciousness Communication Mechanical sympathy

Common industries

Construction
Demolition
Crane hire
Manufacturing
Waste management

Data coverage

SOC code 8139

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 12,000

Median Salary

£29,142

Mean Salary

£31,145

Jobs (000s)

12k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £25,724Median: £29,142

P10: --P25: £26kMedian: £29kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£25,724

0-2 years

Mid Level

£25,724

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +33.5%Real growth: -3.3%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£29,142

Full-time Only

£29,259

Full-time premium: +£117

Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. salary: common questions

How much do plant and machine operatives n.e.c. earn in the UK?

Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. earn a median of £29,259 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £29,259 a good salary in the UK?

For plant and machine operatives n.e.c., £29,259 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 plant and machine operatives n.e.c.?

Entry-level plant and machine operatives n.e.c. typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £25,724, though this varies by employer and region.

Have plant and machine operatives n.e.c. salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median plant and machine operatives n.e.c. pay has risen from £22,952 to £29,259 — +27% in cash terms, or -8.0% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

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