Paper and wood machine operatives salary in the UK (2025/26)
ONS ASHE 2025
£29,640
£29,640
Mean salary
£29,847
How pay varies by region
Scotland is the highest-paying region for paper and wood machine operatives at £32,794 — 11% above the UK median. North East is lowest at £14,771. Use the table below for the full regional breakdown.
Salary by UK region
| Region | Median | Mean | vs UK median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £32,794 | £33,966 | +11% |
| South West | £31,862 | £33,120 | +7% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £29,810 | £30,512 | +1% |
| East of England | £28,633 | £28,259 | -3% |
| Wales | £28,493 | £32,897 | -4% |
| North West | £27,762 | £30,535 | -6% |
| London | £27,546 | £29,002 | -7% |
| East Midlands | £27,498 | £31,061 | -7% |
| South East | £25,929 | £26,136 | -13% |
| West Midlands | £17,334 | £18,721 | -42% |
| North East | £14,771 | £16,701 | -50% |
Scotland
£32,794
Mean £33,966
South West
£31,862
Mean £33,120
Yorkshire and the Humber
£29,810
Mean £30,512
East of England
£28,633
Mean £28,259
Wales
£28,493
Mean £32,897
North West
£27,762
Mean £30,535
London
£27,546
Mean £29,002
East Midlands
£27,498
Mean £31,061
South East
£25,929
Mean £26,136
West Midlands
£17,334
Mean £18,721
North East
£14,771
Mean £16,701
Sorted highest median to lowest. ‘Vs UK median’ compares each region’s median to £29,640. Suppressed values mean ONS withheld this figure because the sample was too small to publish.
Related roles in Plant and Machine Operatives
Other published roles in this occupation group. View category overview →