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SOC 8160 Process, plant and machine operatives

Production, factory and assembly supervisors Salary

Median salary £35,092 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

About this role

Production, factory and assembly supervisors operate machinery, equipment or production lines in manufacturing, processing or industrial environments. They monitor processes, maintain quality standards, follow safety procedures and ensure production targets are met efficiently.

Key responsibilities

  • Setting up and operating machinery or production equipment
  • Monitoring production processes and output quality
  • Performing routine maintenance and reporting faults
  • Following health and safety procedures and wearing PPE
  • Meeting production targets and recording output data

Qualifications and entry routes

Formal qualifications are not always required, though NVQ Level 2 in relevant operations is common. Many roles provide comprehensive on-the-job training. Fork-lift truck (FLT) certification or specific machine certifications may be needed.

Career outlook

Automation is changing the nature of these roles, with increasing demand for operatives who can work with computerised and robotic systems.

Key skills

Machine operation Quality awareness Attention to detail Physical stamina Safety consciousness

Common industries

  • Manufacturing
  • Food processing
  • Automotive
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Packaging

Data coverage

SOC code 8160
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2021–2025
Estimated jobs 24,000

Median Salary

£35,092

Mean Salary

£38,619

Jobs (000s)

24k

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £29,178Median: £35,092P75: £45,764
P10: £25kP25: £29kMedian: £35kP75: £46kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£24,609

0-2 years

Mid Level

£29,178

3-7 years

Senior

£45,764

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +86% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Nominal growth: +34.2%Real growth: +8.9%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 18.3%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£35,092

Full-time Only

£36,777

Full-time premium: +£1,685