Skip to content
SOC 8232 Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives

Marine and waterways transport operatives Salary

Median salary £39,405 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £39,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For marine and waterways transport operatives, £39,358 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +1.0% versus the national average.

About this role

Marine and waterways transport operatives 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 8232
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

£39,405

Mean Salary

£42,040

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: --P25: --Median: £39kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£39,405

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Nominal growth: +2.4%Real growth: -25.8%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£39,405

Full-time Only

£39,358

Full-time premium: +£-47

Marine and waterways transport operatives salary: common questions

How much do marine and waterways transport operatives earn in the UK?
Marine and waterways transport operatives earn a median of £39,358 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).
Is £39,358 a good salary in the UK?
For marine and waterways transport operatives, £39,358 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +1.0% versus the national average.
Have marine and waterways transport operatives salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2015, median marine and waterways transport operatives pay has risen from £38,878 to £39,358 — +1.0% in cash terms, or -27% 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).