New research from Rencol Components has identified the British counties offering the highest average manufacturing salaries, highlighting where skilled workers may want to consider when planning their next career move.

The findings come as Britain’s manufacturing sector continues to face pressure from labour shortages. Research from Barclays shows that a lack of skilled workers is contributing to rising costs across the industry. Yet while many workers have moved away from manufacturing in recent years, those who remain have seen strong pay growth compared with other sectors.

Rencol Components analysed new county-level Indeed salary data to identify where manufacturing workers are earning the highest average salaries. The results suggest that some of Britain’s best-paid locations are not necessarily those people might expect.

Cumbria tops the table with an average manufacturing salary of £68,108, followed by Somerset at £58,729. Aberdeenshire ranks third at £53,931, while the Isle of Wight and North Yorkshire complete the top five, with average salaries of £52,748 and £50,914 respectively.

For context, the Office for National Statistics reported that median gross annual earnings for full-time employees across the UK were £39,039 in April 2025. This places the highest-ranking counties well ahead of the national full-time earnings benchmark.

The data also highlights a clear “northern belt” of higher average manufacturing salaries. Cumbria, North Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire all perform strongly, with 62 salaries reported across the three counties. Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester also recorded manufacturing salaries above the national average, suggesting the wider region could offer strong opportunities for workers looking to build a long-term career in the sector.

One of the most striking patterns in the research is the apparent wage premium linked to counties with strong ties to Britain’s energy and nuclear economy. Cumbria and Somerset rank first and second in the table, which may reflect the influence of nationally significant nuclear activity in both locations.

In Cumbria, the long-standing presence of Sellafield has helped shape a labour market built around specialist, highly skilled and better-paid roles. Its wider economic impact also extends well beyond its immediate workforce. Somerset’s strong position may also reflect the pull of Hinkley Point C, a major infrastructure project that has brought investment, jobs and training opportunities into the county.

A similar trend appears in the north east of Scotland, where Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen continue to benefit from their historic links to oil and gas, while also positioning themselves around renewables and the energy transition.

Taken together, the findings suggest that specialist energy economies can outperform larger metropolitan areas on manufacturing pay. Where major projects, technical expertise and specialist engineering skills are concentrated, local salaries can rise well above expectations outside Britain’s largest cities.

Rencol Components says the research also underlines the importance of looking beyond job title and salary alone when planning a manufacturing career move. The strongest opportunities are often found with employers investing in automation, training, health and safety, and long-term skills development.

Workers looking to progress in manufacturing may benefit from building skills in areas with growing demand, including automation, robotics, lean manufacturing and quality control. Training, technical certifications, internal promotion pathways and experience across different parts of the production process can also help increase versatility and long-term earning potential.

A spokesperson for Rencol Components said:

“Manufacturing remains one of Britain’s most important industries, but the sector is under real pressure from labour shortages and rising costs. This research shows that skilled manufacturing workers are still highly valued, particularly in areas with strong links to specialist engineering, energy and major infrastructure.

“The findings also challenge the assumption that the highest-paid opportunities are always found in Britain’s biggest cities. Counties such as Cumbria, Somerset, Aberdeenshire and North Yorkshire are offering strong average salaries, making them important areas to watch for workers considering their next career move.

“For employers, the data reinforces the importance of investing in skills, training and long-term career development. Skilled people are central to productivity, innovation and growth, and the businesses that support their workforce will be better placed to meet the demands of the future.”

As a supplier of standard parts for engineers and manufacturers, Rencol Components says the research reflects the importance of skilled workers across the sector. The company highlights that continued investment in skills will be essential to support productivity, innovation and long-term industry growth.