Average Water and sewerage plant operatives Salary in Manchester
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Manchester compares
The numbers for 2025 show that a typical water and sewerage plant operatives in the North West earned £37,534. Compared to the UK median of £39,057, that's 3.9% below. In practical terms, living costs in the North West run 8.8% below average. That means £37,534 stretches to roughly £41,156 in real spending power. The all-jobs average in Manchester is £36,554. By comparison, water and sewerage plant operativess earn 2.7% more 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 £37,534 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £41,156 — 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.
Water and sewerage plant operatives salary across UK regions
Water and sewerage plant 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.
Water and sewerage plant operatives Salary Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average water and sewerage plant operatives salary in Manchester?
The median water and sewerage plant operatives salary in the North West (which includes Manchester) is £37,534 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does water and sewerage plant operatives pay in Manchester compare to the UK average?
Water and sewerage plant operatives in the North West earn 3.9% below the national median of £39,057. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is water and sewerage plant operatives a well-paid job in Manchester compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Manchester is £36,554. Water and sewerage plant operatives in the North West earn £37,534, which is 2.7% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for water and sewerage plant operativess cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Manchester. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.