The demand for skilled CNC machinist roles in the UK continues to grow as manufacturing companies invest in advanced technology and automated production systems.
By 2025, the UK is projected to have one of the largest machining workforces in Europe, driven by rapid growth in aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering sectors.
For skilled international workers seeking stable employment with attractive pay packages, visa sponsorship options, and even housing assistance, the UK offers exceptional opportunities.
Across regions such as the Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West, employers are actively looking for qualified CNC machinists to operate complex machinery and ensure high-quality manufacturing output.
Reports indicate that the CNC machining industry in the UK is worth over £9 billion annually, creating thousands of jobs each year for both local and foreign professionals.
The growing talent gap, combined with the UK government’s push for skilled immigration, has opened doors for immigrants looking to secure long-term employment with competitive salaries.
The introduction of the Skilled Worker Visa after Brexit simplified the process for hiring international talent. CNC machinists with formal training, relevant experience, and the ability to handle both CNC programming and operations now have a clear route to legally work and live in the UK.
Employers are even offering relocation packages that include housing assistance worth between £500 and £1,200 per month, depending on the region, to help workers settle quickly.
In addition to attractive base salaries, employees can expect overtime pay, pension contributions, paid holidays, and in some cases, performance bonuses.
On average, CNC machinists in the UK work 37 to 40 hours per week, with opportunities for additional shifts that significantly boost annual income. With the right skillset, it is possible to earn well above the £35,000 per year mark within just a few years.
This article provides a detailed guide on everything you need to know about securing high-paying CNC machinist roles in the UK for 2025, from the skills required to visa options, salary expectations, and companies hiring international talent.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
The UK manufacturing sector values both technical knowledge and hands-on experience when hiring CNC machinists.
While some entry-level roles exist for trainees, employers typically prefer candidates with at least one to two years of machining experience or formal qualifications in mechanical engineering, manufacturing technology, or CNC operations.
Technical Skills
One of the key requirements for CNC machinist jobs in the UK is the ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints accurately. Machinists must understand G-code programming, operate lathes, milling machines, and grinders, and ensure components meet strict dimensional tolerances.
Many companies also require knowledge of CAD/CAM software such as Fusion 360 or SolidWorks to streamline the design-to-production process.
Educational Background
A formal qualification, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or an NVQ in CNC Machining, increases employability. Apprenticeship programs, often lasting two to four years, are another pathway for those lacking direct work experience.
International workers with equivalent certifications from their home countries can apply, provided documents are translated and recognized by UK authorities.
Soft Skills
Besides technical ability, employers look for candidates with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to work under minimal supervision.
Communication skills are equally important because machinists often collaborate with engineers, production managers, and quality inspectors to meet manufacturing deadlines.
Work Experience
Although entry-level roles pay around £23,000 to £26,000 annually, experience quickly boosts earnings. A machinist with three to five years of hands-on expertise can command salaries between £28,000 and £32,000 per year, especially if they can program CNC machines independently rather than just operate them.
For international applicants, prior experience in automotive, aerospace, or precision tool manufacturing is highly desirable since these industries dominate the UK machining sector.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
While CNC machinist salaries in the UK vary based on experience and specialization, location plays a critical role in determining income levels. Certain regions have significantly higher pay rates due to the concentration of aerospace manufacturers, automotive plants, and advanced engineering companies.
Midlands
The Midlands region, including Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton, offers some of the highest salaries for CNC machinists. Aerospace giants like Rolls-Royce and Airbus have major facilities here, driving average salaries up to £34,000 to £38,000 annually for skilled operators and programmers.
North West England
Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston boast a strong aerospace and defense sector presence. Employers here offer not only attractive salaries but also relocation packages worth £2,000 to £3,500 for skilled migrants willing to settle in the region. Salaries typically range between £32,000 and £36,000 per year for experienced machinists.
Yorkshire and the Humber
Sheffield and Leeds have a long history of precision engineering and toolmaking. CNC machinists working here can expect to earn between £30,000 and £34,000 annually, with overtime rates pushing earnings even higher.
Scotland
In areas like Aberdeen and Glasgow, CNC machinists benefit from high wages due to the oil and gas sector’s demand for precision engineering. Skilled operators earn £35,000 to £40,000 per year, often including additional offshore allowances for specialized roles.
The overall national average for CNC machinists in the UK sits around £31,500 per year, but with strategic relocation to high-demand regions, international workers can significantly increase their earnings potential.
Salary Expectations for Skilled CNC Machinists in the UK
The salary structure for CNC machinists in the UK depends on multiple factors such as skill level, specialization, and shift patterns. Entry-level positions typically start between £11.50 and £13.50 per hour, which translates to £23,000 to £26,500 annually for full-time roles.
Mid-Level Earnings
With three to five years of experience and the ability to program CNC machinery, salaries rise to £14 to £16.50 per hour, or roughly £28,000 to £32,500 per year. Employers often add performance bonuses worth £1,000 to £2,500 annually for meeting production targets.
Senior-Level and Specialized Roles
Highly skilled CNC machinists with expertise in 5-axis machining or those specializing in aerospace and defense components can command £18 to £20 per hour, totaling £36,000 to £41,000 per year.
Some contract positions pay even higher hourly rates, especially for urgent projects requiring weekend or night shifts.
Overtime and Additional Benefits
Many companies pay 1.5x the normal hourly rate for overtime work and 2x for holiday shifts, allowing workers to add £4,000 to £6,000 per year in extra income. Housing assistance, pension schemes, and healthcare packages further enhance overall compensation.
When combined, these figures make CNC machining one of the most financially rewarding technical trades for skilled immigrants moving to the UK in 2025.
Visa Types and Options for Skilled CNC Machinists in the UK
For skilled CNC machinists planning to work in the UK in 2025, understanding visa requirements is essential. The UK government’s immigration policy has evolved significantly in recent years, making it easier for employers to hire skilled foreign workers under programs designed to fill critical labor shortages in manufacturing and engineering.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is the most common route for CNC machinists moving to the UK. To qualify, candidates must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based employer licensed to sponsor international workers.
The minimum salary threshold is usually set at £26,200 per year or £10.10 per hour, but this can be reduced to £23,040 per year if the role is listed on the Shortage Occupation List, which often includes CNC machinists due to high demand.
This visa allows workers to stay in the UK for up to 5 years and brings eligibility for settlement after this period, provided all conditions are met.
Many employers assist in the visa application process and even cover part or all of the £625 to £1,423 visa application fee, depending on company policy.
Health and Care Worker Visa for Manufacturing Support Roles
Some CNC machinists employed in industries supporting medical equipment production may qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa if their roles directly contribute to healthcare supply chains. This pathway offers reduced visa fees and exemption from the immigration health surcharge.
Graduate Visa for International Students
International students graduating from UK universities with engineering or manufacturing degrees can apply for the Graduate Visa, allowing them to remain in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD holders) to work in roles such as CNC machining without immediate employer sponsorship.
Temporary Worker Visas
The Seasonal Worker Visa and other temporary work permits can be used in limited circumstances for short-term CNC machining contracts, especially in regions experiencing acute labor shortages. However, these visas typically do not lead to permanent residency.
Employers hiring foreign CNC machinists often include visa sponsorship in job packages, and some even offer free relocation assistance, housing subsidies worth £600 to £1,000 per month, and family visa support for eligible dependents.
How to Secure Skilled CNC Machinist Roles in the UK
Landing a well-paying CNC machinist role in the UK as an international worker requires a strategic approach involving skill development, job search preparation, and compliance with visa requirements.
Obtain Necessary Qualifications
Employers prioritize candidates holding recognized certifications such as City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in CNC Machining or international equivalents.
Workers with 5-axis machining expertise or CAD/CAM programming skills often receive higher salaries, sometimes £4,000 to £6,000 annually above standard machinist pay rates.
Prepare a UK-Style CV
A strong CV tailored to UK hiring standards can make a huge difference. It should highlight technical expertise, years of experience, certifications, and measurable achievements such as production efficiency improvements or error reduction percentages in previous roles.
Use Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Engineering Roles
Agencies like Omega Resource Group, Hays Engineering, and Mane Contract Services connect skilled machinists with employers offering visa sponsorship. Many of these agencies have relationships with aerospace and automotive manufacturers constantly seeking talent.
Apply Directly to Employers Offering Sponsorship
Companies such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Jaguar Land Rover frequently hire CNC machinists with relocation packages, salaries above £35,000 per year, and family visa support.
Prepare for Technical Assessments
Some employers require candidates to complete machining tests or demonstrate programming knowledge on CNC software platforms like Fanuc or Siemens Sinumerik. Candidates performing well on these assessments often receive higher pay offers, sometimes exceeding £20 per hour.
By combining technical qualifications, strong job applications, and a focus on sponsorship-ready employers, international candidates can secure lucrative CNC machinist roles in the UK with relative ease.
Companies Hiring Skilled CNC Machinists in the UK
Many UK employers in aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering industries regularly hire skilled CNC machinists, offering competitive salaries, visa sponsorship, and relocation assistance.
Rolls-Royce
With manufacturing plants in Derby and Bristol, Rolls-Royce offers CNC machinists salaries averaging £36,000 to £40,000 annually, along with pension plans, paid holidays, and training opportunities for career progression.
BAE Systems
As one of the UK’s largest defense manufacturers, BAE Systems hires CNC machinists for shipbuilding, aerospace, and weapon systems production. Salaries often exceed £38,000 per year, with relocation allowances for international workers.
Jaguar Land Rover
Automotive manufacturing plants in the Midlands employ hundreds of CNC machinists, with salaries between £32,000 and £36,500 annually, plus overtime incentives worth £3,000 to £4,500 per year.
Siemens UK
Siemens operates in advanced engineering sectors, offering salaries around £33,000 per year for CNC machinists specializing in automation and precision tool manufacturing.
SME Precision Engineering Firms
Smaller companies across Yorkshire and the North West also hire international CNC machinists, often providing visa sponsorship and £1,500 to £2,500 relocation bonuses to attract skilled workers to less populated regions.
Employment Websites to Find Skilled CNC Machinist Roles in the UK
Job search platforms dedicated to engineering and manufacturing careers make it easier for CNC machinists to find high-paying roles with visa sponsorship in the UK.
Indeed UK
One of the largest job portals, Indeed UK lists thousands of CNC machinist positions with salary filters, visa sponsorship tags, and region-specific opportunities. Salaries here often range from £26,000 for entry-level roles to £40,000+ for experienced machinists.
TotalJobs
This site specializes in UK-based roles, including manufacturing and engineering jobs offering work visas. Candidates can upload CVs for direct contact from employers seeking talent.
Reed Engineering
Reed’s engineering division frequently posts CNC machinist positions with relocation and housing benefits worth £500 to £1,200 per month for international workers.
CV-Library
With over 200,000 engineering job listings annually, CV-Library remains a top choice for candidates seeking aerospace and automotive CNC machining opportunities.
LinkedIn Jobs
Professional networking through LinkedIn allows candidates to connect directly with recruiters from companies like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, making it easier to find sponsored roles.
By consistently checking these platforms and applying to companies offering visa sponsorship, candidates can secure rewarding CNC machinist careers in the UK with salaries exceeding £35,000 annually and long-term settlement opportunities.