Average Food, drink and tobacco process operatives Salary in Cardiff / Caerdydd
ONS ASHE 2025 · Wales region · Updated October 2025
How Cardiff / Caerdydd compares
The going rate for food, drink and tobacco process operativess in the Wales? £26,598 at the median in 2025. That compares to £27,267 nationally — a gap of 2.5% below. Factor in the Wales's cost of living (10.0% below the UK norm) and a £26,598 salary has the purchasing power of approximately £29,553. Compared to the Cardiff / Caerdydd average across all roles (£33,599), food, drink and tobacco process operativess take home 20.8% less.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (Wales index: 90, UK=100), a salary of £26,598 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £29,553 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the Wales is 10.0% below the UK average.
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary across UK regions
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in areas near Cardiff / Caerdydd
Salary data is by ONS region. Cardiff / Caerdydd is in the Wales region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives Salary Guide
The full salary guide includes regional breakdowns, cost-of-living adjustments, year-on-year trends, and in-depth FAQs.
Read the full Food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary guide →Find Food, drink and jobs in Cardiff / Caerdydd
Explore roles paying around £26,598/year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in Cardiff / Caerdydd?
The median food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in the Wales (which includes Cardiff / Caerdydd) is £26,598 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does food, drink and tobacco process operatives pay in Cardiff / Caerdydd compare to the UK average?
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives in the Wales earn 2.5% below the national median of £27,267. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is food, drink and tobacco process operatives a well-paid job in Cardiff / Caerdydd compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Cardiff / Caerdydd is £33,599. Food, drink and tobacco process operatives in the Wales earn £26,598, which is 20.8% below the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for food, drink and tobacco process operativess cover the Wales region. The all-jobs average is specific to Cardiff / Caerdydd. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.