Average Food, drink and tobacco process operatives Salary in Southampton UA
ONS ASHE 2025 · South East region · Updated October 2025
How Southampton UA compares
In practical terms, a food, drink and tobacco process operatives in the South East earned a median of £26,527 during 2025, which works out to 2.7% below the UK-wide median of £27,267. In practical terms, living costs in the South East run 3.2% above average. That means £26,527 stretches to roughly £25,704 in real spending power. Compared to the Southampton UA average across all roles (£33,878), food, drink and tobacco process operativess take home 21.7% less.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (South East index: 103.2, UK=100), a salary of £26,527 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £25,704 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the South East is 3.2% above the UK average.
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary across UK regions
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in areas near Southampton UA
Salary data is by ONS region. Southampton UA is in the South East 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 Southampton UA?
The median food, drink and tobacco process operatives salary in the South East (which includes Southampton UA) is £26,527 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 Southampton UA compare to the UK average?
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives in the South East earn 2.7% 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 Southampton UA compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Southampton UA is £33,878. Food, drink and tobacco process operatives in the South East earn £26,527, which is 21.7% below the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for food, drink and tobacco process operativess cover the South East region. The all-jobs average is specific to Southampton UA. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.