Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations Pay Data UK — 2024
Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations roles in the UK earn a median of £32,935 per year, equivalent to £16.25 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 3.5% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £27,769 to £49,190 per year.
Median Annual Pay
£32,935
as of 2024
Median Hourly Pay
£16.25
per hour
Year-on-Year Change
+3.5%
vs 2023
Annual Pay Range
£31,997
–
£37,952
25th – 75th percentile
How Pay Varies Across the UK
Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations roles.
The dashed line marks the national median.
Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?
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About Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations
Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations mark off, drill, shape, position, rivet and seal metal plates and girders to form structures and frameworks operate power hammers and presses to shape heated metal to requirements and to make and repair a variety of metal articles and make moulds and cores for casting metal and pour or inject molten metal into dies.
Typical Tasks and Duties
examines drawings and specifications to determine operational requirements
marks out metal plate with guidelines and reference points and cuts metal plate using hand or machine tools
uses machine tools to bend, curve, punch, drill and straighten metal plate as required
uses hydraulic jacks to position and align metal platework or frame for welding and bolting and rivets together metal plate and girders
creates mould units out of sand, loam or plaster by hand or machine and fits cores into mould to form hollow parts in casting
seals seams with caulking compound, smooths welds, fixes metal doors, metal collars, portholes, tank and hatch covers and performs other metal plate finishing tasks using a variety of hand and power tools
heats metal for forging and positions heated metal on anvil or other work surface
operates press or hammer and repositions workpiece between strokes
uses forging tools to shape and cut metal and bends or shapes metal by hand forging methods using hammers, punches, drifts and other hand tools
tempers and hardens forged pieces, as required, by quenching in oil or water
fits and secures horses shoes
scoops molten metal from furnace into die or die casting machine
Entry Routes and Qualifications
Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is usually via apprenticeship including practical experience and technical training. NVQs at levels 2 and 3 are available.