Metal machining setters and setter-operators Salary Guide UK — 2025
Complete breakdown based on ONS ASHE official data
The median metal machining setters and setter-operators salary in the UK is £35,394 per year, based on the 2025 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) published by the Office for National Statistics. The mean salary is £36,478, reflecting the influence of higher earners on the average. The median hourly rate is £17.63.
Salaries vary significantly by region, from £28,496 in Wales to £36,938 in South West. However, these differences narrow when adjusted for regional cost of living.
UK Median
£35,394
Annual
UK Mean
£36,478
Annual
Hourly Rate
£17.63
Median
UK Jobs
48
Regional Salary Breakdown
The "Adjusted" column shows purchasing power after accounting for regional cost of living (UK average = 100).
| Region | Median | Mean | CoL Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| South West | £36,938 | £36,456 | £38,437 |
| South East | £36,504 | £39,346 | £35,372 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £36,476 | £37,453 | £40,305 |
| Scotland | £36,394 | £40,156 | £39,430 |
| East | £35,836 | £36,228 | £36,830 |
| East Midlands | £35,387 | £37,028 | £38,548 |
| North East | £33,847 | £37,158 | £37,566 |
| London | £33,123 | £37,028 | £28,456 |
| West Midlands | £33,025 | £33,158 | £36,093 |
| North West | £32,985 | £36,212 | £36,168 |
| Wales | £28,496 | £30,724 | £31,662 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average metal machining setters and setter-operators salary in the UK?
The median metal machining setters and setter-operators salary in the UK is £35,394 per year (ONS ASHE 2025). The mean salary is £36,478, which is higher due to top earners.
Which region pays metal machining setters and setter-operators the most?
South West pays the highest metal machining setters and setter-operators salaries with a median of £36,938.
How does metal machining setters and setter-operators pay vary by region?
Metal machining setters and setter-operators salaries range from £28,496 in Wales to £36,938 in South West.
Are metal machining setters and setter-operators salaries rising?
Year-on-year comparison data is not yet available.
What is the typical hourly rate for metal machining setters and setter-operators?
The median hourly rate for metal machining setters and setter-operators in the UK is £17.63 (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.