Plastics process operatives Pay Data UK — 2025

Plastics process operatives roles in the UK earn a median of £32,053 per year, equivalent to £15.10 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 22.8% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £22,951 to £49,370 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Plastics process operatives roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Plastics process operatives

Plastics process operatives attend and operate moulding, extruding, thermoforming, calendering, covering, cutting and other process equipment to make and repair plastic products.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• prepares machine for operation by affixing any necessary attachments
• weighs and mixes ingredients, loads machine with plastic to be worked or regulates flow from feed conveyor or hopper
• monitors controls regulating temperature, pressure, etc. and operates moulding, extruding, calendering, thermoforming and covering machines
• inspects plastic products for defects, takes measurements and repairs plastic belting and sheathing
• trims, cuts and performs other finishing operations on plastic using hand and machine tools
• makes artificial eyes and contact lens discs, and makes and repairs spectacle frames and plastic parts of artificial limbs and other orthopaedic appliances

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job, supplemented by specialised courses. NVQs/SVQs in Performing Manufacturing Operations at levels 1 and 2 and apprenticeships are available.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.