SOC 2020 · 5221
Metal machining setters and setter-operators
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The general threshold, £41,700, is the higher of the two.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | £25,677 |
| 25th | £30,059 |
| 50th | £35,718 |
| 75th | £42,873 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | £25,677 | £30,059 | £35,718 | £42,873 | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £36,257 | — | — |
| East Midlands 2025 | — | — | £34,808 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £33,123 | — | — |
| North East 2025 | — | — | £33,847 |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Metal machining setters and setter-operators operate machines to drill, bore, grind, cut, mill or otherwise shape metal workpieces.
Typical tasks
examines drawings and specifications to determine appropriate method, sequence of operations and machine setting
selects and fixes work-holding devices and appropriate cutting, shaping, grinding and/or forming tools
sets machine controls for rotation speeds, depth of cut and stroke, and adjusts machine table, stops and guides
operates automatic or manual controls to feed tool to workpiece or vice versa and checks accuracy of machining
repositions workpiece, changes tools and resets machine as necessary during production run
instructs operators on the safe and correct method of operation of the machine
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Engineering apprenticeships, BTEC and City and Guilds qualifications are available together with on-the-job training. NVQs/ SVQs at level 2 and 3 are available.