1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Vending machine operator

Vending machine operator

Alternative titles for this job include Vending machine operative, vending operator

Vending machine operators fill, maintain and collect money from machines that dispense products like drinks and snacks.

Average salary (a year)

£16,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

on call on shifts

How to become

How to become a vending machine operator

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a drinks dispense technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You do not usually need specific qualifications to start work as a vending operator, though having some GCSEs at grades 9 to 2 (A* to E) can give you an advantage, especially in English, maths or science.

Knowledge of basic mechanical and electrical engineering would also be helpful.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Automatic Vending Association, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about the vending industry from the Automatic Vending Association.

What it takes

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence
  • have a good level of fitness

What you’ll do

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • collect money that's been deposited
  • fill and refill machines with products
  • clean vending machines
  • make sure all machines are in good working order
  • fix minor faults
  • call out service engineers to carry out more complicated repairs
  • complete paperwork

Working environment

You could work in a stock room, at a client's business or visit sites.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a supervisor or area manager, or set up your own vending business.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a vending machine operator right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

GCSE

  • Provider: BEDFORDSHIRE & LUTON EDUCATION BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Bedford

GCSE mathematics

  • Provider: COTHAM SCHOOL
  • Start date: 02 September 2021
  • Location: Bristol
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

  • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
  • 10am - 5pm Saturday

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.