SOC 2020 code 5221 · Skilled trades occupations

Metal machining setters and setter-operators

Whether this occupation can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa, its going rate, the job titles filed under the code, and the licensed sponsors advertising these jobs.

Skilled Worker rules for SOC 5221

Existing workers only

Since 22 July 2025, Metal machining setters and setter-operators (SOC 5221) can only be sponsored for people who were granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules in place before that date and have held it continuously since.

Going rate: £34,600
New entrant rate: £33,400
Major group: 5

Annual salaries for a 37.5-hour week, from Appendix Skilled Occupations (updated 3 Aug 2026).

The going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations is £34,600 a year for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to people who can still be sponsored in this occupation.

Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.

Job titles under SOC 5221

The ONS coding index files 261 job titles under this code; the first 200 alphabetically are below. A note in brackets is the setting the title applies to: the same title can sit under another code elsewhere. The code on a certificate of sponsorship follows the job’s duties, so check them with CASCOT or the employer.

Auto setter (metal trades)

Auto-setter (metal trades)

Automatic machine setter

Automatic setter (metal trades)

Bobbin turner (metal)

Borer (metal trades)

Boring machinist (metal)

Brake press setter-operator

Capstan lathe setter

Capstan lathe setter-operator

Capstan lathe turner

Capstan setter-operator

Case maker (watch, clock mfr)

Casement driller (metal)

Centre lathe setter-operator

Circle driller (textile machinery mfr)

Cnc machine operator

Cnc machine setter operator

Cnc machine setter-operator

Coiling machine setter

Computer numerically control engineer

Concave miller (needles)

Cutter grinder (metal trades)

Cutter-grinder (metal trades)

Cylinder grinder (metal trades)

Die-sinking machine setter-operator

Disc grinder (metal trades)

Drill setter-operator

Driller (coal mine: workshops)

Driller (metal trades)

Facer (metal trades)

Ferrule maker (boiler ferrules)

Grinder (metal trades)

Grinder-setter (metal trades)

Grinding machinist (metal trades)

Hand turner (metal trades)

Heading machine setter (bolts, rivets)

Lathe machinist (metal trades)

Lathe operator (coal mine)

Lathe setter and turner

Lathe setter-operator

Lathe turner (metal trades)

Lathe turner engineer

Machine driller (metal trades)

Machine grinder (metal trades)

Machine programmer (metal trades)

Machine setter (man-made fibre mfr)

Machine setter (metal trades)

Machine setter-operator (metal trades)

Machine tool setter-operator

Miller (metal trades)

Milling machinist (metal trades)

Mould turner (glass mfr)

Nc machine setter-operator

Numerical control programmer

Optical profile grinder

Planer (metal trades)

Press brake operator

Press setter (metal trades)

Press setter-operator (metal trades)

Press tool setter-operator

Robot operator (engineering)

Roll setter (steelworks)

Roll turning lathe setter-operator

Roller turner (metal)

Roller turner (textile machinery mfr)

Setter (metal trades)

Sponsors advertising metal machining setters and setter-operators jobs

Since October 2025 we read 5 adverts that we placed in this code from the job title, 4 of them still open, from 1 employer on the register of licensed sponsors. The median advertised salary was £39,000 (5 adverts with a salary), and 4 were at or above the £34,600 going rate.

Open adverts checked against the employer, occupation and salary rules for a new visa:

Not for a new visa: 4

Employers with the most adverts

C&M LTD1

Where the jobs were, by city

Latest open adverts

CNC Turner Programmer
SourceCo · UK · £55,000 a year · Not for a new visa
CNC Setter/Operator (Citizen Sliding/Fixed head machinery)
C&M LTD · CM94NX · £39,000 to £48,750 a year (from an hourly rate) · Not for a new visa
Press Setters
TSP · Shrewsbury, Shropshire · £33,280 a year · Not for a new visa
CNC Turner
HR GO Recruitment · Basildon, Essex · £39,075 a year · Not for a new visa

From Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Temporary Shortage List (GOV.UK), the ONS SOC 2020 coding index, and job adverts we read and match to the Home Office register. We place an advert in a code from its title, so some adverts may be in the wrong code. Whether a person can be sponsored also depends on their own circumstances. This page is information, not immigration advice. Profile built 7 Oct 2026.

Questions about SOC 5221

Can metal machining setters and setter-operators be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa?

What is the going rate for SOC 5221?

The going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations is £34,600 a year for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to people who can still be sponsored in this occupation.

Which job titles come under SOC code 5221?

The ONS coding index files 261 job titles under 5221, including air driller, auto setter, auto-setter, automatic machine setter, automatic setter, axle box driller, axle bush finisher, axle bush turner. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.

Which licensed sponsors advertise metal machining setters and setter-operators jobs?

Since October 2025 we read 5 adverts that we placed in SOC 5221, from 1 employers on the register. The most came from C&M LTD (1).

What do employers advertise for metal machining setters and setter-operators jobs?

The median advertised salary was £39,000 across 5 adverts that gave one. 4 of them were at or above the £34,600 going rate.