Food, drink and tobacco process operatives Salary in United Kingdom
Updated May 2026
Official salary data
Based on approximately 142,000 employees
10th percentile
£16,013
25th percentile
£21,620
Median
£25,994
Mean
£26,508
75th percentile
£31,689
90th percentile
£37,970
| Statistic | Annual pay (gross) |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | £16,013 |
| 25th percentile | £21,620 |
| Median | £25,994 |
| Mean | £26,508 |
| 75th percentile | £31,689 |
| 90th percentile | £37,970 |
Pay by period
Weekly
£520
Mean £526
Hourly
£12.88
Mean £13.92
| Pay period | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | £520 | £526 |
| Hourly | £12.88 | £13.92 |
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) · 2024 revised
Sector pay context
Average weekly earnings in the Manufacturing sector are £814/week. Earnings grew +3.5% over the past 12 months vs +3.7% nationally.
Source: ONS Average Weekly Earnings (EARN01), seasonally adjusted · February 2026
Employment patterns
- 81% of Food, drink work full-time
- 6% are self-employed
- 91% of employees have permanent contracts
Source: ONS Annual Population Survey (APS218), 2025
Take-home pay estimate
Estimate only · 2026/27 HMRC rates · Standard allowances · Not financial or tax advice
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