Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out: average salary and pay in the UK
Full-time tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out in the UK earned a median £39,902 in the year to 5 April 2025, according to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE): £863 above the all-jobs median of £39,039.
What the figures show
That puts it 134th of 382, in the middle third of occupations.
A full-time median is published for men only; the sample of women is too small.
ASHE counts roughly 8,000 employee jobs, 88% full-time.
From £31,737 in 2021, the median is up 25.7%, close to the 25.0% for all jobs.
Pay distribution, 2025 provisional
| Gross pay | Full-time, annual | Full-time, weekly | Full-time, hourly | All, annual | All, weekly | All, hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20th percentile | – | £632.30* | £16.76 | – | £549.50* | £16.55 |
| 25th percentile | – | £654.80 | £17.41 | – | £608.60* | £17.02 |
| 30th percentile | £35,101* | £687.60 | £17.58 | £34,531* | £645.50* | £17.45 |
| 40th percentile | £37,472* | £753.90 | £18.56 | £36,713* | £706.20 | £18.23 |
| Median (50th percentile) | £39,902* | £787.90 | £18.94 | £38,584* | £768.40 | £18.91 |
| 60th percentile | £43,473* | £832.80 | £20.49 | £42,375* | £823.00 | £20.13 |
| 70th percentile | – | £882.10* | £21.76* | – | £874.00* | £21.58* |
| Mean | £43,878 | £817.10 | £20.10 | £42,304 | £769.00 | £19.94 |
Pay since 2021
| ASHE year | Full-time, annual median | Full-time, weekly median | Full-time, hourly median | All, annual median | All, weekly median | Jobs (thousands, indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 revised | £31,737 | £613.20 | £15.17 | £31,647 | £610.10 | 9* |
| 2022 revised | £34,157* | £657.90 | £16.32 | £34,079 | £654.80 | 10* |
| 2023 revised | £36,086 | £705.10 | £17.68 | £36,004 | £696.50 | 9* |
| 2024 revised | £38,429* | £750.50 | £18.51 | £37,329* | £742.70 | 7* |
| 2025 provisional | £39,902* | £787.90 | £18.94 | £38,584* | £768.40 | 8* |
What tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out do
Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out mark out metal for machining and fit, assemble and repair machine and press tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other tools. (ONS SOC 2020, 5222)
Also covers: die maker, engineer-toolmaker, jig maker, marker-out (engineering), tool engineer, tool fitter, tool maker, die corrector, die fitter, die repairer, die sinker, forme maker, gauge maker, gauge setter, mould cutter, mould maker, part marker and pattern fitter (47 titles in the ONS coding index).
- Examines drawings and specifications to determine appropriate method and sequence of operations
- Marks out reference points using measuring instruments and tools such as punches, rules and squares
- Operates hand and machine tools to shape workpieces to specifications and checks accuracy of machining
- Assembles prepared parts, checks their alignment with micrometers, optical projectors and other measuring equipment and adjusts as necessary
- Repairs damaged or worn tools
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.
Related
Metal machining, fitting and instrument making trades (median £39,947) · Metal machining setters and setter-operators · Metal working production and maintenance fitters and technicians · salary percentile · UK average weekly earnings growth · Median
ASHE Table 14: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 · coding index · notes · 15 October 2026