8SOC 2020 major group39 codes

Process, plant and machine operatives

39 SOC 2020 occupation codes in this major group, with their Skilled Worker eligibility and going rates.

Rules checked against GOV.UK: 6 November 2026

This major group covers occupations whose main tasks require the knowledge and experience necessary to operate and monitor industrial plant and equipment; to assemble products from component parts according to strict rules and procedures and to subject assembled parts to routine tests; and to drive and assist in the operation of various transport vehicles and other mobile machinery. Most occupations in this major group do not specify that a particular standard of education should have been achieved but will usually have a period of formal experience-related training. Some occupations require licences issued by statutory or professional bodies.

Higher Skilled0
Medium Skilled6
Medium Skilled (conditions apply)1
Ineligible32

81 Process, plant, machine and construction operatives

CodeOccupationEligibilityGoing rate
8111Food, drink and tobacco process operatives Ineligible –
8112Textile process operatives Ineligible –
8113Chemical and related process operatives Medium Skilled £33,400 (Table 1a)
8114Plastics process operatives Ineligible –
8115Metal making and treating process operatives Medium Skilled* £31,300 (Table 2a)
8119Process operatives not elsewhere classified Ineligible –
8120Metal working machine operatives Ineligible –
8131Paper and wood machine operatives Ineligible –
8132Mining and quarry workers and related operatives Ineligible –
8133Energy plant operatives · TSL Medium Skilled £41,500 (Table 1a)
8134Water and sewerage plant operatives Medium Skilled £38,000 (Table 1a)
8135Printing machine assistants Ineligible –
8139Plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified Ineligible –
8141Assemblers (electrical and electronic products) Ineligible –
8142Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods) Ineligible –
8143Routine inspectors and testers Medium Skilled £33,400 (Table 1a)
8144Weighers, graders and sorters Ineligible –
8145Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters Ineligible –
8146Sewing machinists Ineligible –
8149Assemblers and routine operatives not elsewhere classified Ineligible –
8151Scaffolders, stagers and riggers Ineligible –
8152Road construction operatives Ineligible –
8153Rail construction and maintenance operatives Ineligible –
8159Construction operatives not elsewhere classified Ineligible –
8160Production, factory and assembly supervisors Ineligible –

82 Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives

CodeOccupationEligibilityGoing rate
8211Heavy and large goods vehicle drivers Ineligible –
8212Bus and coach drivers Ineligible –
8213Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs Ineligible –
8214Delivery drivers and couriers Ineligible –
8215Driving instructors Medium Skilled £39,500 (Table 1a)
8219Road transport drivers not elsewhere classified Ineligible –
8221Crane drivers Ineligible –
8222Fork-lift truck drivers Ineligible –
8229Mobile machine drivers and operatives not elsewhere classified Ineligible –
8231Train and tram drivers Ineligible –
8232Marine and waterways transport operatives Medium Skilled £38,300 (Table 1a)
8233Air transport operatives Ineligible –
8234Rail transport operatives Ineligible –
8239Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified Ineligible –

* Medium Skilled with conditions: see the code page for the exact condition. ISL = Immigration Salary List, TSL = Temporary Shortage List.

Sources

Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice.