The average advertised pay for a Machine Operator, based on live UK vacancies — with how it compares to similar roles and how many jobs are available right now.
By Louisa Lowe, Editor — Careers & Workplace · Updated 5 October 2026The average advertised salary for a Machine Operator in the UK is £28,000 a year, based on 88 live vacancies carrying salary information this month. That is about £2,330 a month or £14.36 an hour before tax, on a 37.5-hour week. 74% of current adverts are permanent, and 91% are posted through recruitment agencies.
Machine Operator adverts mention AI or automation 0% of the time — among the most AI-proof roles we track.
Median advertised salary for Machine Operator beside other job titles in manufacturing, from the lowest paid to the highest.
| Role | Median pay | Live jobs | Permanent | AI mentions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Safety Manager | £60,000 | — | 78% | 1% |
| Production Manager | £53,000 | 162 | 94% | 0% |
| Compliance Engineer | £50,000 | — | 74% | 3% |
| Production Supervisor | £35,000 | 86 | 80% | 0% |
| Production Planner | £35,000 | 45 | 86% | 1% |
| Quality Controller | £30,000 | 17 | 76% | 1% |
| Machine Operator | £28,000 | 243 | 74% | 0% |
| Assembly Operative | £25,000 | 169 | 54% | 1% |
1st Choice Staff Recruitment
Machine Operator. Location: Bedford. Contract: Permanent – Immediate start. Salary: £26,951 per annum + £3,288.96 Shift...
SAFRAN UK
Safran Helicopter Engines UK is seeking a skilled and motivated Machine Operator to join our New Production team. The successful...
Moulton Bulb Co. Ltd · Direct
Ensure machines run efficiently and orders are produced on time to the correct customer specifications. Comply with and follow...
Elevation Recruitment Group
Machine Operator – Rotherham. £28,000 + Overtime | 3-Shift Rotation | Permanent Opportunity. Elevation Recruitment Group are...
Multitask Recruitment Solutions
Multitask Recruitment Solutions are currently recruiting for a Trainee Machine Operator to join a busy manufacturing environment,...
Kingston Barnes Ltd
Machine Operator in Bridgwater. Are you a production technician/machine operator looking for a new opportunity? Are you a team...
Red Rock Consultants Ltd
Machine Operator – Market Drayton. Location: Market Drayton. Rate: £17.50 per hour. Start Date: Monday 19th October. Initial...
E3 Recruitment
Machine operator required to join a market leading, global manufacturer based in the Bradford area, on a permanent basis. Working...
PE Global International
PE Global is currently recruiting for a Machine Operator for a leading multi-national Technology client based in Aycliffe. This...
Hales Group
Machine Operative. Near Bury St Edmunds. Monday to Friday. 1500-2300. £15.50 per hour. We're currently recruiting for a Machine...
Browse 243 live Machine Operator jobs →