Food, drink and tobacco process operatives Salary Guide UK — 2025
Complete breakdown based on ONS ASHE official data
The median food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in the UK is £27,267 per year, based on the 2025 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) published by the Office for National Statistics. The mean salary is £27,613, reflecting the influence of higher earners on the average. The median hourly rate is £13.69.
Salaries vary significantly by region, from £25,873 in Yorkshire and The Humber to £28,052 in West Midlands. However, these differences narrow when adjusted for regional cost of living.
UK Median
£27,267
Annual
UK Mean
£27,613
Annual
Hourly Rate
£13.69
Median
UK Jobs
147
Regional Salary Breakdown
The "Adjusted" column shows purchasing power after accounting for regional cost of living (UK average = 100).
| Region | Median | Mean | CoL Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Midlands | £28,052 | £28,333 | £30,658 |
| East | £27,917 | £27,422 | £28,692 |
| Scotland | £27,681 | £28,985 | £29,990 |
| North East | £27,669 | £30,603 | £30,709 |
| East Midlands | £27,521 | £27,557 | £29,979 |
| London | £27,451 | £27,071 | £23,583 |
| South West | £26,734 | £27,395 | £27,819 |
| Wales | £26,598 | £28,800 | £29,553 |
| South East | £26,527 | £25,528 | £25,704 |
| North West | £25,920 | £25,569 | £28,421 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £25,873 | £27,664 | £28,589 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in the UK?
The median food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in the UK is £27,267 per year (ONS ASHE 2025). The mean salary is £27,613, which is higher due to top earners.
Which region pays food, drink and tobacco process operatives the most?
West Midlands pays the highest food, drink and tobacco process operatives salaries with a median of £28,052.
How does food, drink and tobacco process operatives pay vary by region?
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives salaries range from £25,873 in Yorkshire and The Humber to £28,052 in West Midlands.
Are food, drink and tobacco process operatives salaries rising?
Year-on-year comparison data is not yet available.
What is the typical hourly rate for food, drink and tobacco process operatives?
The median hourly rate for food, drink and tobacco process operatives in the UK is £13.69 (ONS ASHE 2025).
About this data
All salary figures in this guide are from the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025. Cost-of-living adjustments use ONS Regional Price Parities. Read our methodology. View data sources.