5222 Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out

In short

• ONS unit group 5222, in minor group 522 (Metal machining, fitting and instrument making trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £38,400 (£19.69 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out mark out metal for machining and fit, assemble and repair machine and press tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other tools.

Typical entry routes

There are no formal academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Engineering apprenticeships, BTEC and City and Guilds qualifications are available together with on-the-job training. NVQs/ SVQs at level 2 and 3 are available.

Tasks

• examines drawings and specifications to determine appropriate method and sequence of operations
• marks out reference points using measuring instruments and tools such as punches, rules and squares
• operates hand and machine tools to shape workpieces to specifications and checks accuracy of machining
• assembles prepared parts, checks their alignment with micrometers, optical projectors and other measuring equipment and adjusts as necessary
• repairs damaged or worn tools

Related job titles

• Die maker
• Engineer-toolmaker
• Jig maker
• Marker-out (engineering)
• Tool engineer
• Tool fitter
• Tool maker

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5222 Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Tool fitters
• Tool makers
• Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£38,400 (£19.69 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5222 Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5222

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Tool fitters
• Tool makers
• Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 522

• 5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
• 5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters and technicians
• 5224 Precision instrument makers and repairers
• 5225 Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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