Average Food, drink and tobacco process operatives Salary in Manchester
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Manchester compares
Worth noting that food, drink and tobacco process operativess in the North West earned £25,920 at the median in 2025. Across the UK as a whole, the figure was £27,267 — a difference of 4.9%. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average, so a salary of £25,920 has an effective purchasing power closer to £28,421. The all-jobs average in Manchester is £36,554. By comparison, food, drink and tobacco process operativess earn 29.1% less than the typical worker locally.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North West index: 91.2, UK=100), a salary of £25,920 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £28,421 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average.
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary across UK regions
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in areas near Manchester
Salary data is by ONS region. Manchester is in the North West 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in Manchester?
The median food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in the North West (which includes Manchester) is £25,920 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 Manchester compare to the UK average?
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives in the North West earn 4.9% 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 Manchester compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Manchester is £36,554. Food, drink and tobacco process operatives in the North West earn £25,920, which is 29.1% below the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for food, drink and tobacco process operativess cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Manchester. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.