Factory work has long been a reliable source of employment for immigrants looking to start a new life in developed countries. In 2025, countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK) continue to offer opportunities in the manufacturing sector, providing stable income and career growth. However, salaries and job conditions vary significantly based on location, industry demand, immigration policies, and cost of living.
For immigrants, understanding salary expectations is crucial for making informed decisions about where to settle. Canada is known for its welcoming immigration policies and steady demand for factory workers. Australia offers higher wages but comes with higher living costs. Meanwhile, the UK has tightened its immigration rules, making it more challenging for low-skilled workers to obtain jobs.
Factory Worker Salary Expectations For Immigrants In Canada, Australia, UK
This article provides a detailed comparison of factory worker salaries in these three countries in 2025. We will explore average wages, regional differences, immigration requirements, and factors affecting earnings, helping prospective immigrants choose the best destination for their career and financial stability.
Overview of the Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK) economies. It provides millions of jobs and contributes significantly to the national GDP. For immigrants, factory work remains an accessible and stable career option, as it typically requires minimal qualifications and experience.
However, each country has unique characteristics in its manufacturing sector, influenced by economic policies, labor demand, and technological advancements. Below is an overview of the manufacturing industry in Canada, Australia, and the UK in 2025.
Average Salary for Factory Workers in Australia
The manufacturing industry in Australia is a crucial part of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. It includes sectors such as food processing, metal fabrication, machinery production, textile manufacturing, and automotive assembly.
For immigrants looking to work in Australian factories, understanding salary expectations, job demand, and regional differences is essential. Australia is known for higher wages compared to Canada and the UK, but it also has a higher cost of living.
Factory worker salaries in Australia vary based on location, industry, experience, and job type. In 2025, the estimated salaries are:
| State/City | Hourly Wage (AUD) | Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle) | $24 – $32 | $50,000 – $66,000 |
| Victoria (Melbourne, Geelong) | $23 – $31 | $48,000 – $64,000 |
| Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast) | $22 – $30 | $46,000 – $62,000 |
| Western Australia (Perth, Fremantle) | $25 – $33 | $52,000 – $68,000 |
| South Australia (Adelaide) | $21 – $29 | $44,000 – $60,000 |
| Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston) | $20 – $27 | $42,000 – $56,000 |
| Northern Territory (Darwin) | $23 – $30 | $47,000 – $62,000 |
Factors Affecting Salaries
Several factors influence how much a factory worker earns in Canada:
A. Province & Cost of Living
- Wages are highest in Ontario and Alberta, where demand for factory workers is high.
- Salaries in smaller provinces (e.g., Manitoba, Nova Scotia) are lower, but so is the cost of living.
B. Industry Type
- Automobile & heavy machinery manufacturing pays more than food processing and textile production.
- Highly skilled positions, such as machine operators and welders, earn higher wages.
C. Experience & Skill Level
- Entry-level workers earn between $14 – $18 per hour.
- Experienced workers (5+ years) can earn $22 – $30 per hour.
- Supervisors and specialized technicians can earn $35+ per hour.
D. Shift Work & Overtime
- Night shifts and weekend shifts pay higher hourly wages (usually +10-20%).
- Overtime pay is 1.5 times the normal rate, increasing earnings.
Factory Worker Salaries in the United Kingdom (2025)
Overview of the Manufacturing Industry in the UK
The manufacturing sector is a vital part of the UK economy, employing millions of workers across industries such as automotive, food production, pharmaceuticals, metal fabrication, and textile manufacturing. Although the UK has seen a decline in some traditional manufacturing jobs, there is still strong demand for factory workers, especially in industries like food processing, warehouse operations, and advanced manufacturing.
For immigrants planning to work in UK factories in 2025, it is essential to understand salary expectations, job availability, visa options, and cost of living. The UK generally offers lower wages than Australia but higher wages than some European countries.
1. Average Salary for Factory Workers in the UK (2025)
Salaries for factory workers in the UK depend on location, industry, experience level, and job type. The following table shows estimated salaries in different regions in 2025:
| Region/City | Hourly Wage (£) | Annual Salary (£) |
|---|---|---|
| London & Southeast (London, Brighton, Reading) | £12 – £16 | £24,000 – £33,000 |
| Midlands (Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry) | £11 – £15 | £22,500 – £31,000 |
| Northwest England (Manchester, Liverpool, Preston) | £10 – £14 | £21,000 – £29,000 |
| Northeast England (Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough) | £10 – £13 | £20,000 – £27,000 |
| Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen) | £11 – £15 | £22,500 – £31,000 |
| Wales (Cardiff, Swansea, Newport) | £10 – £14 | £21,000 – £29,000 |
| Northern Ireland (Belfast, Derry, Lisburn) | £10 – £13 | £20,000 – £27,000 |
Minimum Wage vs. Factory Worker Salaries
The UK has a national minimum wage that affects factory worker salaries:
- Minimum wage (2025): £11.44 per hour (for workers aged 23+).
- Many factory jobs offer above minimum wage, especially for skilled positions.
Factors Affecting Factory Worker Salaries in the UK
Factory worker salaries in the UK vary due to several factors, including location, industry type, experience, shift work, and visa status. Below are the key factors that influence how much a factory worker can earn in 2025.
1. Location & Cost of Living
The city or region where a factory worker is employed has a major impact on wages.
- London & Southeast England:
- Higher wages (£12 – £16 per hour).
- Higher cost of living (rent, transportation, and food expenses are expensive).
- Midlands & Northern England (Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle):
- Moderate wages (£10 – £15 per hour).
- More affordable housing compared to London.
- Scotland, Wales, & Northern Ireland:
- Lower wages (£10 – £14 per hour).
- Cheaper cost of living (lower rent and daily expenses).
💡 Tip: While salaries are higher in London, factory workers might save more money in Manchester, Glasgow, or Cardiff, where housing costs are significantly lower.
2. Industry Type
Different industries in the UK offer different pay scales based on demand, skill requirements, and working conditions.
- Food Processing & Packaging:
- Typically lower wages (£10 – £13 per hour).
- Includes meatpacking, dairy processing, and bakery production.
- Automobile & Aerospace Manufacturing:
- Higher wages (£14 – £18 per hour).
- Companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce offer good salaries.
- Metal Fabrication & Welding:
- Moderate-to-high wages (£13 – £17 per hour).
- Skilled workers in machining, sheet metal work, and fabrication earn more.
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Manufacturing:
- Higher wages (£14 – £20 per hour).
- Factories producing medicines and medical equipment pay well due to strict regulations and precision work.
💡 Tip: Jobs in pharmaceutical, aerospace, and automobile manufacturing tend to pay more than food processing and textile factories.
3. Experience & Skill Level
- Entry-level workers (0-2 years experience):
- Earn £10 – £12 per hour.
- Usually work in roles such as general assembly, packaging, and material handling.
- Mid-level workers (2-5 years experience):
- Earn £12 – £15 per hour.
- More specialized roles such as machine operation, welding, or quality control.
- Experienced workers (5+ years experience):
- Earn £15 – £18 per hour.
- Often promoted to supervisory or technical roles with additional benefits.
💡 Tip: Taking technical courses (e.g., welding, CNC machining, or forklift operation) can help factory workers earn higher wages.
4. Type of Employment (Full-Time vs. Temporary Jobs)
- Full-time workers usually receive:
✔ Higher salaries.
✔ Paid holidays & sick leave.
✔ Pension contributions & job security. - Temporary/Agency workers:
❌ Often earn lower wages.
❌ No guaranteed hours or long-term benefits.
💡 Tip: Permanent contracts offer better job stability, while temporary factory jobs might pay lower wages but provide flexibility.
5. Shift Work & Overtime Pay
- Day shift (Standard hours: 8 AM – 5 PM):
- Base pay (£10 – £14 per hour).
- Night shifts (10 PM – 6 AM):
- Higher pay (+10-20% per hour).
- Some factories pay £14 – £18 per hour for night work.
- Weekend shifts:
- Can pay up to 1.5 times the normal wage.
- Some factories pay £18 – £22 per hour for Saturday/Sunday shifts.
- Overtime pay:
- Factories pay 1.5x the normal rate for overtime.
- Some workers earn £20+ per hour for overtime shifts.
💡 Tip: Workers who choose night shifts or weekend work can significantly increase their earnings.
6. Union Membership & Worker Rights
Many factory workers in the UK join labor unions to secure better wages and working conditions.
- Union members usually earn higher wages compared to non-unionized workers.
- Unions help negotiate better overtime pay, safer working environments, and additional benefits.
- Some of the largest UK trade unions for factory workers include:
- Unite the Union (Manufacturing & automotive sector).
- GMB Union (General workers, including food processing).
- Usdaw (Warehouse & retail factory workers).
💡 Tip: Joining a union can help workers get better pay, job security, and legal protection.
7. Immigration & Work Visa Status
For immigrant factory workers, salary expectations also depend on visa type and work permit restrictions.
- Skilled Worker Visa Holders (sponsored by an employer):
✔ Earn wages similar to UK-born workers.
✔ Can apply for permanent residency after 5 years. - Seasonal & Temporary Work Visa Holders:
❌ May earn lower wages than permanent workers.
❌ Usually limited to 6-month contracts with no long-term job security. - Illegal or Undocumented Workers:
❌ Face exploitation with wages below minimum wage.
❌ Have no legal protections and may be deported.
💡 Tip: Immigrants should apply for Skilled Worker Visas rather than temporary contracts to secure better wages and long-term stability.
Immigration & Work Permits for Factory Workers
A. Work Visas for Factory Workers
To work as a factory worker in Australia, immigrants must have a valid work visa. The most common options include:
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
- Requires an employer sponsorship and a job offer.
- Best for skilled factory roles (e.g., machine operators, metal fabricators).
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- A points-based visa for permanent residency.
- Requires skills in a high-demand factory job.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Requires a state nomination (e.g., Victoria, Western Australia).
- Suitable for factory supervisors and industrial technicians.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)
- Allows young workers (18-35 years) to work in factories and warehouses.
- Limited to 6 months per employer.
Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
- Factory workers willing to work in regional areas may qualify for permanent residency.
Conclusion
For immigrants seeking factory jobs in the UK, the country offers steady employment opportunities, fair wages, and legal worker protections. However, salaries vary depending on location, industry, experience, and shift schedules.
While London and Southeast England offer higher wages, the cost of living is expensive. On the other hand, cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow provide affordable living costs with decent salaries. Skilled workers in automotive, pharmaceutical, and aerospace manufacturing earn the highest wages, while food processing and textile factory jobs typically offer lower pay.
To maximize earnings and career opportunities, factory workers should:
✔ Gain specialized skills in machine operation, welding, or quality control.
✔ Work night or weekend shifts for higher hourly wages.
✔ Secure full-time contracts for better salaries and job stability.
✔ Join labor unions to negotiate better working conditions.
✔ Apply for the right work visa to access long-term job opportunities.
Overall, the UK remains a strong option for factory workers, but immigrants should carefully consider job type, location, and visa status before making the move. With the right approach, factory workers can achieve financial stability and long-term career growth in the UK.
