What is the average CNC Machinist salary in the UK?
The CNC market’s been a busy one this year. So, if you’re a machinist wondering where you stand salary-wise or a manufacturer trying to figure out how your pay stacks up against the market, this report’s for you.
This salary snapshot is based on a review of over 700 full-time, permanent CNC job adverts posted between (April 2024 and April 2025), particularly in aerospace, automotive, defence, and nuclear sectors. We focused purely on manufacturing roles (no temp or maintenance jobs) – to give the clearest picture possible.
Skip through to sections of the report:
Let’s get into it.
CNC Machinists average salary
Salary is the number 1 most important factor for talent considering a new CNC role. After that is benefits, location, and finally shift allowance.
| CNC Role | UK Average Salary |
| CNC Turner – Setter | £31,750 |
| CNC Miller – Setter | £32,000 |
| CNC Grinder – Setter | £31,000 |
| CNC Turner – Operator | £27,500 |
| CNC Miller – Operator | £27,000 |
| CNC Grinder – Operator | £29,000 |
| CNC Turner – Programmer | £33,000 |
| CNC Miller – Programmer | £33,000 |
| CNC Grinder – Programmer | £33,000 |
Please bear in mind that these are base salaries before shift allowance (which *spoiler alert* can increase earnings by 15-40%)
This lines up with what I hear day-to-day. Operator > Setter > Programmer – in terms of pay progression.
Operators tend to land around the £27k mark, while programmers and setters (especially those who can do both) creep into the low £30ks.
What’s not in the averages is what I see in smaller precision firms or high-end aerospace. Programmers there can hit £40-45k easily.
Where are the CNC Machinist jobs – and what do they pay?
| Region | Avg. Salary | % of Vacancies |
| North East | £34,000 | 0.6% |
| North West | £37,700 | 11.5% |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £34,600 | 18.3% |
| East Midlands | £36,300 | 7.7% |
| West Midlands | £35,900 | 13.5% |
| East of England | £35,300 | 9.0% |
| London | £40,800 | 0.7% |
| South East | £35,750 | 14.1% |
| South West | £36,400 | 11.2% |
Yorkshire and the Midlands are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to CNC vacancies. This is because some of the big motorsport teams are based in the Midlands.
That said, it’s the North West leading on pay because of the aerospace firms up there.
London’s high, but the volume’s tiny. Most engineers I speak to aren’t moving to London to cut metal.
How shifts affect CNC Machinist salaries
| Shift Pattern | Average Salary | % of Vacancies |
| Standard Days | £32k – £33k | 50% |
| Double Days (2-shift) | ~£35k | 20-25% |
| Permanent Nights | £38k – £40k | 10-15% |
| 3-Shift Rotation | £37k – £38k | 15% |
It’s no surprise that shift patterns pay more. Nights and 3-shifts bring in the most, and rightly so, it’s tough work.
Double-days still carry a decent bump over days.
If you’re a CNC Programmer happy to do shifts, you’re likely clearing £40k+ with OT. And for businesses paying £40k+ for shifts, that’s worth shouting about in job adverts to attract talent.
Shift allowances play a key role in overall take-home pay for CNC Machinists. Those working unsociable hours can expect a notable increase.
| Shift Type | Typical Allowance |
| Double Days | 17%–18% |
| Permanent Nights | 25%–33% |
| 3-Shift Rotation | 20%–40% |
These premiums can significantly boost annual earnings, especially in roles where overtime is also available.
CNC Machinist salaries by industry
| Industry | Avg. Salary | % of Vacancies |
| Aerospace | £33.7k | 35-40% |
| Automotive/MSport | £32.5k | 25-30% |
| MOD/Defence | £34.5k | 15-20% |
| Nuclear | £35k | 5-10% |
Aerospace remains the biggest driver of demand. That’s reflected in the salaries. Defence roles often match or beat them slightly – especially when security clearance is needed. Nuclear’s niche but pays well. If you’re a machinist in automotive, especially in tier-1, your base might be lower, but the OT often balances it out.
What Benefits Are Actually Being Offered?
| Benefit | % of Ads Mentioning |
| Overtime Pay | 83% |
| Bonus Scheme | 21% |
| Holidays (25+ days + BH) | 59% |
| Enhanced Pension (≥5% employer) | 32% |
| Life Insurance | 24% |
| Healthcare (PMI / Cash Plan) | 11% |
| EAP / Mental Health Support | 9% |
| Training & Development | 19% |
| Flexi / Condensed Working Week | 13% |
| Cycle to Work, Parking, etc. | 17% |
Overtime dominates, especially in adverts for day shifts where companies want to sweeten the deal. A few employers go above and beyond, offering 5-7% pension contributions, private medical, or bonus schemes. It’s these firms that often attract and keep the best talent. But not everyone’s shouting about these perks – if you’re offering them, say it.
Training also came up a lot more this year. More firms are willing to fund external CNC programming courses or offer paths into senior roles – and that’s exactly the kind of thing that’ll help you keep your team together.
Summary
The CNC market’s competitive. Good machinists know their worth, and this data backs it up. Most can earn £30-35k on days, or up to £40k+ with shifts and the right skillset. Employers that pay fairly, offer proper benefits, and invest in their people will always stand out.
My advice for jobseekers:
If you’ve built up your setting or programming skills, or are open to working nights or shifts, you’ve got strong earning potential. Make sure you know your worth – and be willing to ask for it. But it’s not all about the pay – keep an eye out for long-term benefits too: pensions, training, healthcare, career development. These add real value over time.
My advice for businesses:
The market has matured. Machinists expect more than just “overtime available”. Be transparent with salaries, highlight real benefits, and if you’re offering training or career progression – say it. You don’t need to be the highest payer to attract top talent, but you do need to be competitive and clear about your offer. Get that right, and you’ll fill your shop floor faster.
At Stirling Warrington, we specialise in recruiting CNC professionals. Whether you’re looking to hire or looking for your next role, I’m here to help you navigate what’s out there. If you want to talk salaries, team structures, or just benchmark where you’re at, drop me a message.
Ewan Smyth
07415 009 869 | ewan@stirlingwarrington.co.uk
