15/10/2026
Hiring Maintenance Technicians in North-East manufacturing remains challenging, and competitive salary data is essential.
MTrec’s Technical Team recruits Maintenance Technicians and Engineers into permanent roles every month across the region’s manufacturing sectors.
Headline: Average starting salaries are up 6.4% since 2024-25.
1. The 2026-27 average is around £42,500, up from £39,900 in 2024-25.
2. Salaries range from £30,000 to £50,000, including shift allowance.
3. The median salary is around £41,000.
4. Growth is slowing—from 4.8% in 2025-26 to 1.5% so far in 2026-27—but remains positive.
What we’re seeing
1. Demand and competition for strong technicians continue to rise.
2. Engineer-level and shift roles command the highest salaries, particularly continental shifts.
3. Fuel, vehicle and wider living costs are affecting candidates’ travel decisions and salary expectations.
4. Slow, rigid recruitment processes are losing the best talent.
Our recommendations
1. Pay at accepted market rates. £40,000-£45,000 is competitive for most maintenance roles; up to £50,000 for two- or three-shift roles; and £50,000+ for continental shifts.
2. Move quickly: screen CVs within 24 hours and interview within 48-72 hours, subject to availability.
3. Use a flexible, one-stage process with HR and the Engineering or Maintenance Manager present. Strong candidates rarely stay available long.
4. Be flexible on the person specification. Employers securing the best candidates are prepared to compromise on some skills or background.
Want to see how your pay compares?
We can benchmark your roles and explain what is working for other North-East manufacturers.
Message me, call 0191 242 5600 or email [email protected].
