Average Rail transport operatives Salary in Manchester
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Manchester compares
The median pay for rail transport operativess in the North West stood at £53,103 in 2025, placing them 6.7% below the UK-wide figure of £56,925. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average, so a salary of £53,103 has an effective purchasing power closer to £58,227. Compared to the Manchester average across all roles (£36,554), rail transport operativess take home 45.3% more.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North West index: 91.2, UK=100), a salary of £53,103 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £58,227 — 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.
Rail transport operatives salary across UK regions
Rail transport 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.
Rail transport 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 rail transport operatives salary in Manchester?
The median rail transport operatives salary in the North West (which includes Manchester) is £53,103 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does rail transport operatives pay in Manchester compare to the UK average?
Rail transport operatives in the North West earn 6.7% below the national median of £56,925. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is rail transport operatives a well-paid job in Manchester compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Manchester is £36,554. Rail transport operatives in the North West earn £53,103, which is 45.3% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for rail transport operativess cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Manchester. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.